LFTWhen contemplating outsourcing your truckload and FTL shipments to another company, you likely harbor some inquiries. You want to make sure you know exactly what's going on with your freight, and that's understandable.

Here are some of the most common questions about truckload logistics and their answers.

What is Truckload Logistics?

Truckload logistics deal with truckload shipping. It is used for larger shipments that take up at least half of the full-capacity truck, but it can take up the whole truck too. Shippers usually use truckload logistics when they have enough truckload freight to fill the entire trailer when they want a trailer that only has their freight on it, or if their freight is particularly time-sensitive.

What truckload equipment options are available?

Truckload logistics offer many options when it comes to the type of trailer a shipper's freight will be sent on. Generally speaking, a shipper can choose between flatbed, dry van, or refrigerated trailers.

• • Flatbed: A flatbed trailer is used to fill load requirements like loading from the top or the side. This type of truck is used when the freight is particularly large or bulky.
  • Dry van: Dry vans are used when there isn't a specific temperature requirement for the freight being shipped.
  • Refrigerated: A refrigerated trailer will be used when the freight needs to be temperature-controlled. These trucks can be used for plants, food, medications, personal care products, and other types of freight that need refrigeration.

The type of truckload equipment you choose will depend on the needs of your freight.

How do I choose between TL and LTL?

Less than truckload, or LTL shipping, is for shippers who don't have enough freight for an entire trailer and whose delivery times are flexible. So that means multiple shippers' freights will be on the same truck. You can decide which freight service to choose based on your deadlines, your budget, and your requirements.

How much weight can this accommodate?

Weight restrictions for freight largely depend on the carrier. Most freight carriers are comfortable hauling between 42,000 and 44,000 pounds. Dry vans can usually carry up to 45,000 pounds. Before you decide to book a shipment, call the carrier to make sure that your shipment won't exceed the limit.

Without services like truckload logistics, the global and digital world we know today would not exist. The United States e-commerce revenue is about $423.3 billion, and it's steadily climbing. Whether it's FTL, LTL, or parcel, carriers are being forced to adjust to changes in the retail industry.