The process of shipping merchandise and commodities by truck is called freight transportation. The term originally referred to shipping by sea, but the English language has expanded the concept to include air and land transport. Trucks are the most common means of transport for merchandise, but other modes of transport are also available. If you need to ship your cargo quickly and efficiently, truck shipping may be the best option for you.
Less than truckload shipping
Less than truckload shipping is an economical truck shipping way to ship small, heavy, and oversized packages. By sharing a truck and trailer, different shippers share the cost of transport. This practice also reduces carbon emissions. LTL services offer a variety of amenities, such as lift gates, notification options, and inside and outside delivery.
Less than truckload shipping rates depend on several factors, including the type of freight, the number of pieces, and the weight. Certain types of freight may also require special permits and therefore cost more. Fragile, hazardous, and perishable goods are also more expensive to ship. Additionally, the destination of the shipment will affect the freight rate. In addition, truck capacity is another factor that affects the cost of freight. A 16-foot truck will hold about 800 cubic feet of cargo, while a 26-footer can hold more than 1,400 cubic feet.
Truckload shipping
Truckload shipping involves the transportation of large quantities of homogeneous cargo. A trucking company contracts to transport an entire trailer-load of cargo for a single customer. This process is more expensive, but often is the best option for companies that need to ship large amounts of cargo quickly and efficiently. Unlike other types of shipping, truckload shipping requires no special handling, making it an ideal choice for those that need large-scale transportation.
One of the drawbacks of full truckload shipping is the time constraint. Most carriers allot four hours for loading and unloading, and any freight that exceeds these times will incur extra charges. Because of this, a shipper should ensure that their freight is properly packed and settled at the dock before the truck leaves. As technology continues to develop, truckload shipping is likely to continue to see major changes over the next few years.
Intermodal
Intermodal truck shipping has many advantages over traditional truck shipping. First, intermodal shipments can save shippers up to 40 percent on their shipping costs. These shipments move your freight via train instead of truck, which reduces fuel costs and handling. Additionally, intermodal shipping is safer, because the cargo is not left on the road or highway. It can be easier to track your shipment, which is important for businesses dealing with high-value shipments.
Intermodal shipping also allows you to save on labor costs and packaging. Containers are specially designed for this type of transportation, which can decrease labor costs. Another advantage of intermodal shipping is the increased speed of delivery. This shipping method was first used by British colonists in the 18th century, but it was not until the 1960s that it became a standard. Then, logistics firms and international organizations made efforts to standardize container sizes, which helped make intermodal transport more profitable. Today, intermodal shipping is a mainstay in supply chains worldwide.
Expedited freight shipping
If your shipment needs to be delivered quickly, you might want to consider expedited truck shipping. This service can get your packages to their destination in two to three days. The process involves multiple drivers driving directly to the destination. This ensures that there will be no delays. The speed of the delivery depends on the distance of the shipment, but it’s often much quicker than standard shipping.
One of the main benefits of this service is the reduced risk of damage. Because there are fewer people handling the shipment, the chances of damage or loss are reduced. Most expedited truck shipping services also include real-time tracking. This is helpful if an unexpected event, such as a natural disaster, has disrupted your business.