With so many trucking companies to choose from, which one should I use?
With our freight shipping industry expertise, we can help determine what freight carrier or trucking company to use for your shipment whether that be a full truckload, partial truckload, LTL or less than truckload shipping service. Without a doubt, U.S. trucking companies play a vital role in North America’s economy by transporting goods across the continent. Here we’ll discuss the various types of trucking companies, freight shipping companies, & the different trucking & trailers types that’s used to transport your freight.
North American Trucking Companies
There are thousands of trucking companies operating in North America, ranging from small, owner-operated businesses to large, multinational corporations. There are a multitude of active LTL or Less than truckload carriers across the U.S.
Compare the best rates from the nations top rated full truckload, and LTL or less than truckload Carriers!
Here are some of the most prominent LTL trucking companies in the US that Freight Rate Central has partnered with to provide the best-in-class freight shipping services for all of your Less than Truckload freight shipping needs:
1. Fedex Freight: With a network of over 370 service centers and a fleet of more than 40,000 vehicles, FedEx Freight is one of the largest LTL trucking companies in the US. They offer a variety of services, including standard LTL, expedited shipping, and temperature-controlled shipping.
2. UPS Freight: As a subsidiary of UPS, UPS Freight is one of the largest LTL carriers in the US. UPS Freight has a network of over 200 service centers and each offers a range of services, including LTL shipping, full truckload shipping, and intermodal shipping services.
3. XPO Logistics: XPO has fleet of over 8,500 tractors, 30,000 trailers, and is hands down one of the largest providers of LTL shipping services in the US. They offer a wide range of freight shipping services, including LTL, full truckload, and guaranteed delivery services.
4. Old Dominion Freight Line: ODFL has a network of over 250 freight service centers, and they are known for their highly accurate on-time delivery rates. Old Dominion offers a range of freight shipping services, including LTL, full truckload, and freight logistics services.
5. YRC Freight: YRC has a fleet of over 8,000 tractors, 30,000 trailers, and is also one of the largest LTL carriers in the industry. YRC offers a vast range of shipping services, including LTL, full and partial truckload, and trade-show shipping solutions.
The Nations Largest LTL Trucking Companies
It goes without saying, each of these LTL trucking companies have their own unique strengths and service offerings. No job is too small with their massive fleets of delivery tractor trailers. However, despite the strength of these trucking companies, competition between them still persists. This can be beneficial for the consumers as they have more choices for logistics services. Consequently, these companies are constantly pushing the market to improve and innovate.
The Freight Transportation Industry
Quick and safe deliveries are always the common goal of the biggest LTL trucking companies in the US. Their extensive networks of drivers, trailers, tractors and freight shipping terminals are each uniquely tailored to provide quality service to clients. Here are some examples of the largest LTL trucking companies in the US with their individual strengths. Industry of Freight is a vital presence in the transportation sector, contributing to the movement of goods and raw materials across the world. By land, sea, or air, freight carriers deliver products and merchandise, playing an important role in global trade. However, the industry also faces challenges such as fluctuating fuel prices, capacity constraints, and the need to keep up with changing technology and regulations. Nevertheless, it remains an essential component of the economy, facilitating commerce and providing jobs to millions of people around the world. Everyday, the freight industry in North America is expanding enormously, and it is colossal. As per the American Trucking Associations, 72.5% of all transported freight in the United States was accounted for by trucking in 2019, and the industry produced $791.7 billion in revenue. Additionally, it is a significant contributor to the economy of North America, employing more than 7.7 million individuals. Several types of freight carriers are included in the industry, such as ocean freight carriers, trucking companies, air freight carriers, and railroads.
Types of Trucking Trailers Used to Transport Freight
Trucking companies use a variety of trucking trailer types to transport different types of cargo. Here are some of the most common types of trucking trailers we at Freight Rate Central use to transport your freight:
1. Flatbed Trailers:
Flatbed trailers are open trailers that don’t have a roof or walls. When it comes to moving bulky or unconventional freight such as construction supplies, weighty equipment, and machinery, the perfect solution is a Flatbed Trucking trailer. These large trailers come in many different dimensions, spanning from 48 to 53 feet long, and the freight can be loaded from the rear, top, or from the sides. This adaptability is what makes flatbed trailers such a sought-after option for cargo that necessitates a great deal of room or swift loading and unloading.
2. Dry Van Trailers or Enclosed Trailers:
Enclosed and versatile, dry van trailers dominate the trucking industry for carrying dry goods like electronics, clothing, and food. With an assortment of lengths ranging from 28 to 53 feet, these trailers also provide cargo straps and load bars to hold transported goods securely in transit.
3. Refrigerated Trailers or Reefer Trailers:
Produce, meat, and dairy products are some of the items that often require specialized transportation. This is where reefers come into play. Unlike dry van trailers, which are typically used for carrying general cargo, reefers are designed specifically for refrigerated loads. This means they have insulation that maintains the temperature, as well as adjustable temperature controls for keeping perishables cool. Available in sizes ranging from 28 to 53 feet in length, reefers are a versatile choice for transporting temperature-sensitive items. They’re also known as refrigerated trailers or simply “reefers” for short.
4. RGN Trailers or Removable Gooseneck Trailers:
Transporting heavy and oversized cargo such as construction equipment and machinery is made simple with RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailers. These trailers possess a detachable front end which permits the cargo to be driven onto the trailer, then, the front end is reunited with the trailer to make certain that the cargo stays secure. RGN trailers are offered in diverse sizes and weight capacities to suit varying types of cargo.
5. Lowboy Trailers or Double Drop Trailers:
Transporting heavy and oversize loads can be accomplished with lowboy trailers, which operate with similarities to RGN trailers. These trailers provide ample clearance thanks to a lower deck height. Weights and sizes of lowboy trailers can vary from 35 to 65 tons, providing diverse options for transport.
Rolling tarp systems, also called Conestoga trailers, are flatbed trailers with a tarp system that can be conveniently rolled open or closed. Running down the sides are rails and attached to the top is the tarp itself. These components allow for simple cargo entry or exit by sliding the tarp along the rails. This makes Conestoga trailers ideal for transporting cargo that needs to be protected from the elements, such as lumber, steel, and machinery.
Providing numerous benefits over regular flatbed trailers, the tarping system stands out with its easy-to-use operation. The tarp system eliminates the need for drivers to climb onto the trailer to secure the cargo with tarps, which reduces the risk of injuries, accidents, and eliminates the time needed to tarp and secure the freight onto the trailer. Conestoga trailers come in various sizes, ranging from 48 to 53 feet in length
U.S. Trucking companies play a critical role in transporting goods all across North America, and they are an essential component of the freight industry. The freight industry is vast and includes many different types of LTL (Less-than-truckload), and FTL (full truckload) carriers. Our trucking companies use a variety of trailer types to transport different types of cargo such as flatbed trailers which are ideal for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo, dry van trailers for dry goods, refrigerated trailers for perishable items, RGN and lowboy trailers for heavy and oversized cargo, and conestoga trailers that are quick and efficient to load and unload yet also provide security and protection of your freight. Knowing the different types of trailers used in the trucking industry can greatly improve your freight transporting experience! If you need help determining the most efficient trucking trailer type to move your freight shipment contact us today, and will be more than happy to assist you! You can also use our free instant online Freight Quoting system anytime, or call us at 1-800-870-6294 to speak directly to a friendly, and knowledgeable Freight Rate Central agent.
