Despite being an integral part of the transportation industry, many shippers don’t understand what is long-haul trucking. In domestic shipping, there are various transport methods that differ both on the truck types and distance the carrier travels. For example, the types of trucks include FTL (Full Truckload), LTL (Less-than-Truckload), flatbed, heavy haul, etc. Shippers and transporters also categorize cargo movement by delivery route. The three main types are local, regional, and long-haul trucking. Local shipments are usually done in less than a 100-mile radius, while regional shipments are between 100 and 250 miles. Shipments traveling over 250 miles are known as long-haul trucking.
What Is Long-Haul Transport and Why Is It Important?
Long haul trucking or over-the-road (OTR) is the transport of freight lengthy distances to the final destination. The mileage can range from a few hundred to thousands of miles. Starting at a radius of 250 miles, long-haul transport can mean cross-country shipping or delivery through different countries. In the U.S., approximately 3.5 million truck drivers are responsible for moving over 70% of the country’s cargo. The majority of these drivers are long-haul. Companies in the U.S. depend on this transport type for the success of their business, as well as individual shippers. While essential, there can be both benefits and drawbacks when using this transportation method.
What Are The Advantages of Long-Haul Transport?
In domestic transportation, one of the main benefits of long-haul trucking is the reach that a shipper has. Compared to local or regional transport, a long-haul truck can cover the entire U.S. As mentioned, companies with customers in different states rely on over-the-road shipping to keep the business running. Long-haul trucking is a popular choice due to its high reliability levels. There is typically less handling of shipments compared to short-haul, which may lower the risk of damage or loss. The carrier also tends to deliver the shipments on time compared to other conveyance methods, and delays are less likely to occur when shipping.
What Are Some Disadvantages?
Although there are various advantages of long-haul transport, there can also be drawbacks. Since long-haul trucking is cross-country, carriers must move across diverse terrain and weather conditions. A higher level of risk is possible compared to short-haul trucking, done in familiar cities and terrains. Long-haul trucking also can be more expensive compared to shorter transport types due to the distance the carrier travels. Fees like equipment and operation costs may be higher than short-haul, which the shipper feels. Another consideration for over-the-road drivers is that they must be familiar with interstate regulations, which can vary based on state.
Despite the drawbacks, long-haul shipping is one of the most common domestic transport types due to its value. While both long and short-haul have benefits and disadvantages, they are integral to various supply chains. Another advantage that moving cargo by truck offers, regardless of the distance, is the variety of transportation methods. This can range from heavy haul for large and heavy goods to reefers for perishable products. Contact A1 Worldwide Logistics at 786-375-9420 or info@a1wwl.com to discuss starting your transport journey with our broker. Regardless of the distance, we are with you through the entire process from start to finish.