Freight Truck (Full Truckload)

Also known as Full Truckload (FTL), Freight Truck (Truckload) is the second major type of freight forwarding method, along with Less Than Truckload (LTL) Freight. Truckload Freight refers to transporting large volumes of cargo, enough to occupy the entire truck trailer’s cargo space.

Usually, Full Truckload shipments are transported using trailers that have the capacity to handle up to 45 pallets or roughly 20,000 kilograms of goods--although different definitions may exist, depending on the freight carrier and the region.

When using the Freight Truck or Truckload method, it is important for the shipper to understand the different types of freight carriers or transport vehicles according to size and purpose.

For Freight Truck shipments across Australia, transport vehicle types based on capacity and size include (but are not limited to) the following: A-Trailers; B-Trailers; B-Doubles; B-Triples; Flat Deck and Drop Deck Trailers; and various types of Container Transport vehicles.

Freight carrier vehicles also vary according to the type of goods being transported:

The most commonly used type is the Dry Van Trailer. It is a type of semi-trailer that is fully enclosed like a box, used for transporting non-perishable goods. It is designed to protect your products from outside elements, with doors in the back for loading and unloading. Dry vans are used to carry cargo packed on pallets, in boxes or even loose freight. However, dry vans are not temperature controlled and cannot accommodate oversized shipments.

Another major type of transport vehicle is the Drop Deck Trailer. Also called Step Deck or Lowboy, the Drop Deck Trailer is a platform semi-trailer with no sides, no roof and no doors, and is mainly used to transport industrial goods. It has two deck levels: the bottom deck and the top deck which drops down once it clears the tractor. This design allows the lower deck to accommodate taller loads without exceeding legal height limitations.

Finally, the last major vehicle transport type we will discuss is the Refrigerated Trailer. Also known colloquially as a  “Reefer” Trailer, the Fridge Trailer is designed to maintain a specific temperature throughout the duration of transport. This allows secure transportation of perishable goods such as meat, fruits, vegetables and other temperature-sensitive items, while keeping them fresh until they reach their destination. Although similar to Dry Van Trailers in many ways, Reefer Trailers are specifically designed differently in a few ways: they have improved insulation for refrigeration purposes; as a result, these cargo fittings make them heavier, which lowers overall loadable weight; and in most cases, they are newer due to the maintenance requirements of their refrigeration units.

When transporting goods via the Full Truckload method, the amount of cargo you can fit is based on how many pallets or crates they use. This, in turn, depends on the type of carrier your cargo will be transported in, and on the dimensions and weights of the pallets. As the shipper, it is important to be precise with measurements when declaring your shipments and to make sure they are packed correctly. This ensures safety and security, and helps make the pricing process easier and faster.

When it comes to pricing, Truckload Freight is not the cheapest option. But since an entire truck is dedicated to only one shipper’s cargo, the benefits are definitely worth the price once you’ve determined that your cargo qualifies for FTL shipment:

First, it allows you to select the type of carrier best suited to transport your goods. Booking an entire truck exclusively means specific transport requirements for your goods will be accommodated. Whether you’re transporting perishables that need refrigeration or oversized cargo, the Freight Truck method will let you customize your transport carrier selection according to your needs.

Second, delivery is much faster compared to LTL Freight because there are no truck transfers, and no distribution center stops required. Essentially, you have the truck driver’s full attention from the pick-up point to drop-off point. This is also particularly advantageous if you ship goods on a regular basis.

And lastly, since only your shipment is on board, there is no need for much direct handling. This significantly lowers the risk of your cargo being damaged or lost during transit.

If you need more information to find out if Full Truckload Freight is the right choice for you, or if you’re looking for expert solutions to help to narrow down your freight forwarding options, then Fast Courier is the website for you!

With Fast Courier’s quick quote tool, you’ll be sure to find the right carrier that suits your freighting needs!

Log on to fastcourier.com.au now!