Which Method of Transport is Right for My Commodities?
There are multiple types of trucks for freight. Based on the freight you have and what you need to transport it for, it will determine which method of trucking transport will be the perfect fit. Accompanying each method of transport will be trucking measurements to further influence the best hauling for your cargo. Although there are other methods of transportation, such as by ocean, air, rail, or ground, this article is only going to look at trucking transportation.
The Important of Freight Transportation
Did you know that trucks move about 72.5% of America’s freight, totaling more than 10.93 billion tons of freight in 2021? When you order a product online, our world’s freight transportation is the reason your package arrives at your front door. Not only that, but freight transportation is also essential since it increases the value of goods by moving them to different locations, driving competition and production, and extending the spatial boundaries of both commodity and spatial markets Freight trucks are economical in the sense that they offer quick, efficient deliveries for short and medium distances. So, if you’re looking for a cost-saving method of transportation, freight trucks are the way to go.
Types of Trucking Transportation
There are 11 different types of trucking transportation. Why? Because there is a plethora of products/commodities that are in need of some level of distribution. That’s why choosing the right method of trucking is important; we’ve broken it down for you.
Flatbed Trucks
- Characteristics: A leveled-off trailer that is open with no sides or top. Lower to the ground.
- Ideal Cargo: Lumber, pallet freight, steel, coils, scrap metal, bailed tires, mobile homes, construction materials, manufactured parts,
- Equipment Dimensions: 48-53ft long x 8ft, 6in wide x trailer height 60 inches, and a weight capacity of up to 48,000 pounds.
Step Deck Trucks
- Characteristics: Look very similar to flatbed trucks but have 2 distinct levels.
- Ideal cargo: Excavators, tractors, building materials, machinery, and agricultural materials.
- Equipment Dimensions: 37ft long x 8.5ft, x trailer height 10ft. and a weight capacity of 48,000 pounds.
Over the Road Transportation
- Characteristics: Flexible mode of transportation.
- Ideal cargo: Expedited or time-sensitive shipments, cargo with high monetary value, fragile cargo, and cargo that requires a temperature-controlled environment.
- Equipment Dimensions: 72ft long x 8.5ft wide x trailer height 13.5ft. and a weight capacity of 80,000 pounds.
Box Trucks
- Characteristics: Chassis cab truck that has an enclosed cargo space attached to the back.
- Ideal cargo: Appliances, furniture, oversized boxes, and other kinds of freight that need to be delivered quickly.
- Equipment Dimensions: Ranges between 10-26ft. in length and weight capacity of 26,000 pounds.
Reefer Trucks
- Characteristics: Provides temperature-controlled environments. Designed with interior vents and insulation that keeps perishables in good condition.
- Ideal cargo: Bulk liquids, flowers, hazardous materials, chewing gums, paint, and pharmaceuticals.
- Equipment Dimensions: 13.6ft in height on a 46.5in. fifth wheel and a weight capacity of 44,000 pounds.
Hot Shot Trucks
- Characteristics: Takes incomplete or less-than-truckload (LTL) loads and dedicates routes and schedules to a single customer.
- Ideal cargo: tow cars, equipment, machinery, boats, and sometimes RVs.
- Equipment Dimensions: 30-40ft long, rests between 3.4ft. and 3.6ft. off the ground, and has a weight capacity of 16,500 pounds.
Dry Vans
- Characteristics: A fully enclosed van that protects shipments from outside elements.
- Ideal cargo: Consumer packaged goods (CPG), clothing, electronics, furniture, and machinery.
- Equipment Dimensions: 12-26ft. long x 6ft. wide, and a maximum weight capacity between 42,000-45,000 pounds.
Dump Trailers
- Characteristics: Carries and transports debris and scraps.
- Ideal cargo: Trash, old supplies, and debris.
- Equipment Dimensions: 8-20ft. x 5ft.-101ft. and a weight capacity of 30,000 pounds.
Tanker Trucks
- Characteristics: Designed for single or multiple loads (based on if there are divisions in their tank), can be insulated or non-insulated, pressurized or non-pressurized.
- Ideal cargo: Fuel and liquid petroleum gas (LPG).
- Equipment Dimensions: 42.64ft. x 8.2ft., 12.14ft. in depth, and has a weight capacity of 80,000 pounds.
Gooseneck Trucks
- Characteristics: Has a long, curved neck where other trailers have a simple hitch.
- Ideal cargo: Farming equipment, industrial machinery, lumber, tiny homes, livestock, towing vehicles, and racecars.
- Equipment Dimensions: 8ft. x 26ft. and a weight capacity of 30,000 pounds.
Hoppers
- Characteristics: Can discharge its load through a bottom opening without tilting.
- Ideal cargo: Grain.
- Equipment Dimensions: 48ft. x 69ft., 40ft. in height, and a weight capacity of 2,000 pounds.
How We Work
Getting started with truck freight is as easy as turning on the engine. Serving as your transportation hub, Lone Star Logistics is a federally licensed, non-asset-based freight brokerage that prioritizes your machinery and equipment and ensures your freight’s safety, and maintains both communication and accountability for all shippers.
By serving as a vital piece to your logistics puzzle, our team serves you in the best way across hauling construction equipment, building materials, industrial machinery, aerospace components, and more, no matter the size or weight of the load.
Get a Quote Today!
As a family-owned and operated agency, we are integral to the transportation industry. No matter how many miles your journey may be, our team is here for you. We work directly with shippers and carriers to fulfill needs, providing bi-lingual communication every step of the way. Drive straight to business success.
Contact Lonestar Logistics today to obtain a free quote and learn more about the next steps.
