The trucking industry is a crucial part of the transportation and logistics industry. It provides transport for goods from producers to consumers and also for shipments between countries.
It is an essential service for most industries, from tech companies to food chains and cleaning services. Amazon, for example, has a trucking division that supports its e-commerce platform.
There are many different types of trucking services, and it is important to understand which one best suits your needs. Below are some of the most common:
White Glove Shipments
A white glove trucking service is a type of freight shipping service that provides specialized care for items that require special packaging or handling, such as furniture or fragile objects. These items typically come at a set location, are carefully packaged and then shipped to the desired destination.
Inter-carriership and Intra-carriership
A trucking company can offer drayage services, which are used to move goods between shipping hubs owned by different carriers. This service is useful when a warehouse or shipping hub is too overcrowded or unsuitable for transporting goods.
For instance, if you need to transport a large amount of lumber or a pallet full of steel, a drayage service can save you money by bringing your cargo between two locations.
LTL or Partial Truckload – A less than truckload service is the same as a standard load but it only requires that you pay for the space your goods take on the trailer. The price is generally lower than a standard load but you won’t be able to control your shipment timing or routing.
If you have several small shipments, an LTL service may be the best option for you. This is because a 53-foot trailer will carry your cargo for a much lower price than a full truckload.
Dedicated Trucking Routes
Choosing a trucking company that takes dedicated routes means you won’t have to worry about your goods getting lost or delayed in transit. This can be a huge help in saving time and money, and it also ensures that your freight is delivered safely and on time.
Expedited Shipping
When it comes to shipping, time is of the essence. This is why the best local trucking companies often offer expedited shipping. The difference between normal and expedited shipping is that with expedited services, your freight will arrive at its destination in as little as a day or two.
These companies also provide tracking, so you can keep an eye on your shipments at all times. This is especially helpful if you have a deadline to meet and need your goods in a certain condition when they reach their final destination.
It’s also a good idea to find out how long it will take for your freight to reach its destination. This can give you an idea of how much time you have to plan for your next trip, which will allow you to better prepare your products and ensure that they arrive on time.