At GoShip.com, we make quoting truckload freight shipments simple. With our online calculating tools, you can get a list of competitive truckload shipping rates from our reliable carriers. When you're shipping truckload, you can rely on our technology, carrier network, and tailored solutions for your business.
What is Truckload Freight?
Full truckload freight shipping means moving freight that fills an entire truck trailer, or the majority of a trailer's space. A truckload shipment is a shipment that consists of more than 6 pallets of goods. Trailer for truckload shipping can handle up to 43,000 lbs, with an average size of 48 to 53 ft in length. Truckload shipping is the most common type of over-the-road freight transportation. Carriers who move truckload use different equipment types, including dry vans, flatbeds, and refrigerated trailers.
What are the benefits of truckload freight shipping?
Reliability
Truckload shipping is the safest and most reliable shipping option. Unlike less-than-truckload (LTL), there is no freight handling during transit, which significantly reduces the chances of freight damage. Enclosed trailers also help ensure your freight is protected from the external influence of weather and other factors.
Speed
Truckload transit times are usually much faster than less-than-truckload. Carriers don't have to make loading and unloading stops while in transit. Thanks to a more consistent route, your freight can be delivered faster.
Diversity
Truckload shipping has a wide coverage of trailers and modes. This means you can ship any type of commodity through full truckload due to the variety of equipment available. Dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed trailers can move everything from household goods to industrial, oversized freight.
Cost-Efficiency
Usually, truckload is more expensive than LTL. However, it can be cheaper if you have heavy, high-volume loads. In that case, shipping will be a much more cost-effective option than booking several LTL shipments.
What are the types of truckload freight shipping?
Dry Van Shipping
Dry vans are sealed, fully enclosed trailers that are mostly used when shipping full truckload. These trailers work for shipping any goods that don't require temperature control. Dry vans are safe and protect your freight from external influences.
Dry Van Trailer Dimensions:
Length: 28, 32, 36, 40, 42, 43, 45, 48, 53 feet
Widths: 96 -- 102 inches
Height: 12.5 -- 13.5 feet
Maximum capacity: 45,000 lbs
Pallets: 26
Refrigerated Shipping
Refrigerated trailers, or reefers, are the same as vans but have a climate control option. These trailers are mostly used for moving temperature-sensitive goods like food, produce, beverages, flowers, and fine art.
Refrigerated Trailer Dimensions:
Length: 28, 32, 36, 40, 48, 51, 53 feet
Width: 96 -- 102 inches
Height: 12.5 -- 13.5 feet
Maximum capacity: 43,500 lbs
Pallets: 26
Flatbed Shipping
Flatbed trailers are open trailers with no roof. This equipment is used for moving oversized and bulky freight that doesn't fit into enclosed trailers. Pipes, rigs, heavy equipment, machinery, auto parts, and steel pieces are commonly shipped with flatbeds. Our platform has partnered with Equipment Trader and Commercial Truck Trailer to provide shipping services for heavy equipment and machinery shipping.
Flatbed Trailer Dimensions:
Length: 40, 42, 45, 48, 53 feet
Width: 102 inches
Height: 58 -- 62 inches
Maximum capacity: 48,000 lbs
What is the difference between full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping?
The main difference between FTL and LTL shipping is that truckload shipping suggests filling an entire truck trailer with your freight, while LTL means only filling a small part of the trailer's space.
LTL shipment is a shipment from 1 to 6 pallets (up to 20,000 pounds), and a full truckload can be from 6 to 26 pallets and take up to 45,000 lbs.
Additionally, there is a difference between the pricing of the two modes. LTL shipping rates include freight classification -- special codes that represent different commodity types. You can learn more about freight class and density-based pricing to figure out which option works for you. Truckload shipping doesn't involve freight classification, and freight rates mostly depend on traditional factors like weight, dimensions, address, etc. Usually, a full truckload is more expensive than LTL, but if you have large volumes of freight, FTL will be more cost-efficient.
Essentially, both FTL and LTL can be beneficial for your shipment. However, it depends on many factors like freight volume, commodity type, lane, and address destination. Truckload shipping can be a better solution for shippers who move large quantities of goods since it becomes more cost-efficient in that case. With enough freight to fill in the
How are truckload freight rates calculated?
Despite truckload freight rates depend on some unchangeable factors, they can be fluctuating. To understand the nature of truckload freight rates, let's take a look at the key factors that determine truckload freight rates:
- Origin and destination address
- Shipment weight and dimensions
- Seasonality
- Lead time and flexibility
- Urgency
- Fuel surcharge
- Commodity type
- Assecorial charges
Truckload freight rates can vary not just because of the weight, but also because of spikes in seasonal capacity demand and volatile fuel prices. It's important to know that the more time you give a shipping company or the carrier to provide a freight rate, the lower it will be.
Truckload shipping with GoShip.com
Truckload shipping is the most commonly used shipping option. Here at GoShip.com, we make it simple with our wide network of freight carriers, instant freight quotes, and 24/7 shipment tracking.
- A wide network of reliable active carrier partners
- Instant freight quotes
- Online shipment booking
- Real-time tracking and tracing 24/7 through our online portal
- Custom solutions to meet your business needs
Why Choose GoShip.com?
With GoShip.com, the process of arranging your shipments is easy and convenient. We have long-standing relationships with thousands of reliable, experienced carriers across the country. Our self-service website makes finding the carrier that's right for you as simple as possible. We offer free quote comparisons, online booking, and tracking tools, and customizable solutions to meet your exact needs.
Logistics are more vital than ever for any retailer's success. With our experience, expertise, and extensive network of carriers, we can provide the capabilities you require to keep your promises to your customers. Get a free quote today!
