What are the Different Types of Trucking Services? (And How to Pick the Right One)

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There is one thing that no one can deny, and that is that shipping can be costly and time-consuming. In a world where time and cost determine a company’s survival and success in the marketplace, compromising on these components is a considerable risk. As a result, many companies find third-party trucking services as a reliable alternative to the company-owned fleets, to meet the ever-growing demand for transporting goods from one place to another.

Various trucking companies offer a wide array of services from different price points. However, before deciding which option to go for, you need to know what each service offers. Read on to learn more about the trucking services so that you can make the right decision for your company.

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1.

LTL or Less Than Truckload

Less Than Truckload (LTL) is the transportation of goods or items that do not require a full truckload. The items are arranged in pallets and weigh between 150 to 10,000 pounds. As a result, several different shipments from different customers are transported in a single truck, with each shipper being charged according to the space they use. The service cost can also vary according to the type of item being transported and the use of additional services.

LTL is ideal for small and medium businesses. Most of these businesses ship fewer goods as compared to a large corporation. Through LTL, these businesses can take advantage of transporting goods cost-effectively on a frequent basis. The only disadvantage of using LTL is the lack of control over the delivery routes and timings.

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2.

FTL or Full Truckload

Companies that transport goods in bulk quantity opt for Full Truck Load (FTL) transportation. The items mostly occupy the whole cargo space, or at least the bulk of it. Since the items are carried directly from the supplier to the customer, FTL streamlines the logistics of the transportation process. Additionally, the FTL transport goods faster as they do not have to deliver the items to various customers. It also decreases the chances of the items being damaged due to constant reloading.

The speed and space FTL offers to its clients make it ideal for transporting perishable goods in bulk. FTL is also an excellent option for businesses to transport heavy objects from one place to another. However, it is unsuitable for small and medium businesses as it is expensive, often making the cost outweigh the benefits.

3.

Flatbed Trucking Services

Flatbed trucks are perfect for loading and unloading items easily and quickly. This truck is ideal for delivering items that have already been packaged into shipping containers. Flatbed trucking services are commonly used by industries such as construction to transport building supplies and heavy machinery.

At Logos Logistics, we offer two flatbed trucking services: short-haul and long-haul. As the name suggests, short-haul services include transporting items within a given region. our local drivers are constantly in touch with the regional dispatch team to ensure they have the required expertise to execute your delivery. We also offer long-haul services for clients who need to transport their goods interstate.

From Texas to Canada, we have got you covered! Our fleet of experienced drivers and qualified staff will ensure your delivery is our top priority. Whether you decide to opt for short-haul or long-haul, we will make sure your customers receive their delivery on time.

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4.

Refrigerated Trucks or Reefer Trucks

Refrigerated trucking services are commonly used for transporting perishable items. When an item requires a specific temperature to preserve its present quality, it will be loaded into the truck alongside the necessary equipment to keep the temperature constant. Usually, a backup system is installed so that if one of the cooling systems fails, another will automatically kick in to keep the things from spoiling.

Fruits, vegetables, cheese, poultry, and fish are transported via refrigerated trucks. Several pharmaceutical companies also use refrigerated trucks to transport medicines and chemicals. One cannot deny the advantages of using a refrigerated trucking service, but there are some disadvantages to it. Most of the drawbacks of using a refrigerated trucking service stem from selecting the wrong trucking company. These errors can be eliminated by carefully picking the trucking company and maintaining a good relationship with them.

5.

Expedited Trucking Service

Expedited trucking services revolve around quickly transporting items from point A to point B, anywhere and anytime. When an item is heavy or fragile to be transported by air and has to be delivered quickly, this approach comes in handy. Moreover, expedited trucking services ensure that the item is delivered on schedule, reducing the common risks associated with the supply chain. However, the nature of the item and the urgency to deliver the product on time make the service expensive for many businesses.

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6.

Intermodal Freight Shipping

Intermodal freight shipping is the transportation of goods using multiple modes of transport such as rail and trucking services. Each method of transport compliments the whole by overcoming each service’s inherent limitations. It starts from a shipping container arriving at the port, and then the container is transported to a station via rail.

Finally, the container is delivered to its final destination through a truck. Intermodal freight shipping reduces the risk of damage regarding the goods being transported. Moreover, it also allows the items to be transported faster. Many trucking companies offer intermodal freight shipping, but one company stands out from the rest: Logos Logistics.

Logos Logistics has all the facilities to provide you with the best intermodal freight shipping experience. We offer yard locations near terminals such as the NS Livernois Intermodal Terminal, Canadian Pacific Intermodal Terminal, and the CSX intermodal terminal located in Detroit. Our yards are securely guarded and monitored 24/7 by on-site security provided by a trusted security company.

7.

White-Glove Services

White-glove services are used to transport items that require special care because of their value, fragility, or size. Unlike conventional transport services, white-glove services will come at a set location, pack, and install the item. The staff hired by these companies are highly trained and have the required expertise to use specialized equipment while handling such items. Like some specialized trucking services, white-glove services tend to be expensive.

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How to Choose the Best Trucking Service for Your Company

At this point in the blog, you have the necessary information to distinguish between different types of trucking services. However, when deciding what services to go for, there are various factors you should consider before making the final decision.

  • Budget
  • Shipment size
  • Safety & security
  • The nature of the cargo
  • Pickup and delivery locations
  • The time it takes for the shipment to be delivered

The factors mentioned above will help you list the features you are looking for in a trucking service, allowing you to select the ideal service to meet your company’s unique requirements. However, these factors may also vary according to the trucking company that offers these services. So, before making the final decision, make sure to contact your trucking company to get complete information.

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Are You in Search of a Logistics Provider that Caters to Your Specific Needs?

You are probably reading this blog to gain a basic understanding of what trucking services are, so in the future, you can make the correct decision on which service to choose. Regardless of what trucking service you opt for, we’ve got you covered! Here at Logos Logistics, we offer various trucking services and logistics solutions to ensure your supply chain works as efficiently as possible. Click here to speak to one of our friendly customer representatives and become a part of our ever-growing family.