The Pros And Cons Of Different Types Of Freight Transport

The Pros And Cons Of Different Types Of Freight Transport

There are a variety of freight transport options, each with their own pros and cons. This blog will cover the various types and what you should consider before choosing one.

Less than Truckload (LTL)

LTL freight transport is an option for shipping goods that are too large to fit on a parcel but not big enough to fill a full truckload. LTL carriers consolidate freight from different shippers and then transport it to its destination. LTL rates depend on a variety of factors, including density, weight, class and distance. The most important thing is to know your freight’s classification so that you can receive the lowest possible rate quote from an LTL carrier. Another factor to consider is the amount of time and money it will take to transport your goods. In general, LTL shipments tend to take longer than FTL shipments because of the frequent stops they make along their routes and the handling that is required at each stop.

Full Truckload (FTL)

FTL freight transport is one of the most common methods used for large shipments. It is ideal for businesses with enough freight to fill a 48- or 53-foot trailer up to the maximum capacity. In this method, a truck is dedicated to one shipper’s goods for the entire journey. This allows shippers to save time and money while avoiding excess stops and handling that can damage their products. It’s also a good option for importers who need to transfer delicate or valuable cargo. This method also allows for more options that can’t be available with LTL shipping.

Intermodal

There are many pros to using intermodal freight transport, including lower costs, faster service, and reduced carbon emissions. However, there are some drawbacks as well. One disadvantage of intermodal is that it requires significant outlay in infrastructure to operate. This includes heavy-duty cranes to transfer containers from rail to trucks at different ports, and investments in both road and rail access. Another disadvantage is that intermodal shipments tend to take longer than truckload shipments. This can be a problem for some companies that need timely delivery. The main advantage of intermodal is that it can move one ton for 470 miles on just a gallon of fuel, which is the most cost-effective transportation method available. In addition, it reduces greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions as the shipment travels across the country.

Air Ride

Air ride systems use compressed air to provide a smoother ride than traditional springs and shock absorbers. They can also adapt to the load and road conditions for a more comfortable ride. Fleets are increasingly favoring air ride trailer suspensions for a number of reasons. Driver satisfaction is a huge factor in this decision, as is the desire to haul lighter loads. The cost gap between air and spring ride suspensions has narrowed, but some fleets are still hesitant to replace all of their trailers with air ride. Scott Bartlein, fleet manager at Barry Trucking, says that while his company spec’s air ride suspensions on all of its new trailers, it continues to consider the merits of spring ride suspensions. He said that springs are two to four times less expensive to maintain than air ride and offer more payload flexibility.

Categorised in: Freight Shipping, Import and Export Services, Transportation Services