Decoding Logistics: Learning the Lingo & Choosing the Right Ride for Your Business.
Gear up for an exciting journey as we give into the wonderful world of logistics! At the heart of the logistics industry lies the art of orchestrating, executing, and overseeing the seamless movement and storage of goods and materials from point A to point B.? Whether it's soaring through the skies, sailing across the seas, or blazing down the roads, logistics brings together various modes of transportation to make it all happen!
Let's hit the road and explore the fantastic world of trucks and trailers that keep the wheels of logistics turning!?
Trucks and trailers are vehicles that are designed to carry cargo or freight on roads. They vary in size, shape, capacity, and function depending on the type of goods they transport.? This article lays out the common types of trucks and trailers used in logistics and what they carry:
Semi-Truck/Trailer
Also known as 18-wheelers and by various other names, the semi-truck is a common sight on the roads daily.? They consist of two main parts: the front tractor containing the engine and driver's cabin, and the rear trailer for cargo transport.? The complete semi-truck functions independently, while the towed semi-trailer holds cargo but lacks self-movement.??
Semi-trucks' versatility makes them well-suited for long-distance transport, with the capability to tow multiple trailers using a single truck.?
They transport various cargo types depending on trailer design, encompassing consumer goods, raw materials, construction supplies, vehicles, heavy machinery, oversized loads, and hazardous material.
Flatbed Truck/Trailer
Flatbed trailers are open platforms (without any sides or roof) that carry cargo, making them perfect for transporting large, heavy, or irregularly shaped goods.? Flatbed trucks are vehicles that pull the trailers.? They can load from the top, sides and rear.??
Thanks to their extraordinary load-bearing capacity and versatile cargo space, they are very well-suited for transporting construction materials, vehicles, hefty machinery, oversized cargo, and even houses!???
Step Deck Trailer
Step deck trailers—also known as lowboy or drop deck trailers, are open trailers with a lower, extended bed.? This trailer has a raised platform on the bottom, making the loading and unloading of cargo more practical than a flatbed trailer.? Step deck trailers are similar to flatbed trailers but are specifically designed to transport tall freight.??
They are used to transport tall cargo, like machinery and construction equipment.? A step deck trailer’s typical purpose involves moving construction supplies like wood, bricks, and concrete, as well as heavy machinery like tractors, excavators, and bulldozers.
Dry Van Truck
Dry vans are a type of semi-truck, equipped with an enclosed container that protects cargo from weather and potential theft.? They are commonly used to transport goods that do not require temperature control.? These trailers are the predominant choice in shipping.?
Resembling large empty boxes on wheels with rear doors, dry vans protect cargo from the elements but lack temperature controls, making them ideal for transporting pallets, boxes, and moderate-sized equipment.
Reefer Truck
Reefers or refrigerated trucks are trucks that have a refrigerated unit that maintains a specific temperature inside the trailer.? They do this by relying on battery- or electric-powered generators to regulate the internal temperature and humidity, rather than depending on insulated panels to uphold the temperature within the truck over extended periods of time.? The temperature of the truck is continuously monitored by the driver.??????
This type of truck or trailer is used for transporting goods that are perishable or sensitive to heat, such as food, beverages, flowers, or pharmaceuticals.? This makes reefers one of the most time-sensitive types of cargo trucks.??
Tail-Lift Truck
Tail-lift trucks are designed with a hydraulic lift mechanism located at the rear, facilitating effortless elevation or descent of cargo to ground level.? This capability is beneficial for loading and unloading bulky or sizable items, eliminating the need for a loading dock or forklift assistance. ?These trucks are equipped to transport pallets, furniture, and bulky objects such as machinery.????
Tail-lift trucks are becoming an integral part of the freight and logistics industry.? Not only are they replacing flatbed trucks in some areas, tail-lift trucks are also improving efficiency, decreasing emissions, and reducing expenses by reducing the need for additional handling equipment.
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Conestoga
A Conestoga is a type of trailer equipped with a collapsible tarping system that acts as a cover for the cargo like a curtain.? Similar to a flatbed trailer, it offers more protection from the elements and more protection for the cargo.??
Conestoga's have the capability to transport oversized loads or items that require side or top loading, including heavy machinery and construction materials, and they can hold weight up to 44,000 pounds.
Cargo Van
Cargo vans bring together a driver's seat and a storage space in a single setup, moving things like small furniture, tools for contractors, and items that need to stay fresh.? Typically seating a driver and a front passenger, you can access the storage area from the side, back, or while driving.? They've got around 100 to 500 cubic feet of room, which means they're flexible and can be made cooler or warmer if needed.? Plus, they even come with cool extras like seats that can turn around and a system to help prevent crashes.
Box Truck
Box trucks have an enclosed cargo area attached to a cab frame. They are used for transporting large deliveries, and they have a rear door that rolls up like a garage door. They can vary in size, weight and engine type depending on the class and model of the truck.? Box trucks can transport a wide range of items, contingent on the truck's size and intended use, such as furniture, refrigerated goods, packages, and construction materials.?
And there you have it!? A captivating glimpse into the dynamic world of trucks and trailers, each revealing their exceptional capacity to transport a wide array of cargo.? Each truck and trailer type presents unique advantages and challenges based on cargo and shipping requirements.
How to Choose the Right Freight Truck for All Needs
With numerous truck and trailer options available, selecting the perfect transportation truck might seem like a puzzle, especially if you're unfamiliar with the range of truck types and sizes.? Now that you know all about the different types of trucks and trailers, going forward with your knowledge about the different types of trucks and trailers, finding the right option for your cargo will be a breeze!??
The first thing to know is the difference between full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) shipments. Understanding the distinction between the two is essential for making informed decisions that align with your shipping needs and budget.??
Full Truckload (FTL)
Full truckload shipping is used when one shipper has enough goods to fill an entire truckload.? Some advantages of FTL shipping include expedited delivery schedules and the capacity to move substantial volumes of merchandise.? FTL shipments also provide heightened security, as the shipper enjoys sole access to the complete truck.? Additionally, FTL shipments can present improved cost efficiency when the shipper possesses sufficient goods to occupy the entire truck.??
Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Less than truckload shipping (LTL) is? where a quantity of freight that falls between individual parcels and full truckloads is being transported.? An LTL shipment encompasses goods, commodities, or cargo exceeding 150 lbs in weight.? Typically, these items are palletized and transported via truck, occupying only a fraction of the trailer space.
LTL shipments are often viewed as less time-sensitive compared to express freight that requires air transportation, making them a more cost-effective option.? LTL shipments possess greater flexibility during transport compared to full truckload (FTL) shipments, because they allow pickups and deliveries at various points en route.? However, it's worth noting that LTL shipments might have a longer transit time than FTL shipments due to those necessary stops along the way.
There are three key factors to consider that can help you to make the best decision for your shipment and budget:
The first factor to consider is the size and weight of your cargo.? Each truck has unique capacities and dimensions, so ensure your cargo fits within the chosen truck's limits.? For example, if you have a large or heavy shipment that requires a full truckload, you may need a semi-trailer truck.? If you have a smaller or lighter shipment that only occupies a part of a truck, you may opt for a less-than-truckload service and use a dry van truck, a cargo van, or a box truck.
The second factor to consider is any special handling requirements for your cargo.? Some goods may need temperature control, such as food or pharmaceuticals, which require a reefer truck.? Some goods may be irregular in shape or size, such as machinery or equipment, which require a flatbed truck or a step deck truck.
The third factor is the service offerings of your carrier or logistics provider.? Different carriers may have different rates, routes, transit times, and quality standards.? Take the time to compare and contrast these aspects, then select the carrier that aligns best with your expectations and requirements.
By following these steps, you can choose the right freight truck for all needs and ensure a smooth and efficient transportation process. With careful consideration of truck types and trailers, you're ready to embark on a journey of seamless transportation!
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