Shipping a Straight Truck

Straight Truck Shipping

Straight trucks are easily recognizable vehicles on the roads today. They are smaller than semi-ones but larger than cargo vans and have a fixed trailer attached to the back. They can carry a wide range of freight and are commonly seen on US roadways, such as U-Haul and other similar ones. Unlike large semi-trucks, straight trucks usually don't require a commercial motor vehicle license to drive.

If you have a versatile fleet and need to move one of them to another location, here is a guide.

Different Types

They are a popular choice for moving goods across the United States and abroad. While U-Haul trucks are a familiar type, there are various other types available. Typically, it has a height of no more than 10 feet and a length of less than 26 feet. They include:

• Box Trucks. They are used for furniture, food delivery, newspaper delivery, household goods, and other less-than-truckload (LDL) freight.
• Cube Trucks. They are also used for LDL freight, including furniture, household goods, and more.
• Dump Truck. They are used for hauling construction and landscape materials, including rock, gravel, dirt, sand, and more. They have a hydraulic attached bed that can be raised and lowered to dump the materials when needed at a job site.
• Sprinter Vans: Ideal for smaller deliveries and expedited delivery, sprinter vans offer quick access to urban areas and tight spaces where larger ones might struggle to navigate. They are commonly used for hauling electronics, appliances, and other high-value goods.
• Cue Trucks: These specialized ones are equipped with cue racks and storage compartments, making them perfect for hauling cues, gaming tables, and other equipment for entertainment venues.
• Refrigerated Trucks: With built-in cooling systems, they ensure the safe dispatching of temperature-sensitive goods such as perishable foods and pharmaceuticals. They come in various dimensions to accommodate different load sizes and temperature requirements.
• Liftgate Trucks: Equipped with hydraulic lift gates, these facilitate the loading and unloading of heavy items, such as machinery, pallets, and large appliances. They are essential for businesses without loading docks or for deliveries to residential areas.
• Tractor-trailers: While typically associated with longer hauls, tractor-trailers also come in configurations for regional deliveries. They offer the benefits of full truckload (FTL) while providing easier access to urban areas compared to traditional tractor-trailer combinations.

Different types offer a variety of benefits in terms of size, access, and power, catering to a wide range of industries and requirements.

Whether it's hauling furniture, electronics, or construction materials, there's a suitable one for the job, providing dispatchers with a variety of options when it comes to selecting the right one for a particular shipment. While most have a maximum capacity of 26,000 pounds, larger ones are available upon request, giving LTL carriers and their customers access to more options for moving heavier cargo. However, it is critical to contemplate that those that hold heavier one will require a driver with a CDL. Additionally, businesses can customize features such as lift gates, refrigeration units, and branded logos to meet specific needs while maintaining professionalism and visibility.

Choosing the Right Carrier

When it comes to moving goods, selecting the right company is crucial for ensuring timely delivery, efficient service, and overall customer satisfaction. Here are four essential considerations to keep in mind when choosing a carrier for your needs:

• Service Quality and Reliability: One of the primary factors to evaluate is the quality and reliability of the carrier's service. Look for companies with a proven track record of delivering loads on time and in good condition. Customer reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the level of service provided by a carrier. Additionally, inquire about the carrier's commitment to customer service and their ability to handle your needs.
• Coverage and Availability: Evaluate the carrier's coverage area and availability to ensure they can meet your requirements. Choose a carrier that offers comprehensive services across the country or within specific regions where your business operates. Whether you need services in California, Colorado, Arizona, Maine, Kentucky, Connecticut, Vermont, Minnesota, Arkansas, Tennessee, New Mexico, North Carolina, Massachusetts, or beyond, ensure the carrier has the necessary permits and expertise to handle shipments to your desired destinations.
• Volume and Capacity: Consider the volume of shipments you plan to haul and whether the carrier can accommodate your needs. A reputable company should have a fleet equipped to handle varying load sizes and types. Whether you require hauling services for small, medium, or large volumes of freight, choose a carrier with the logistical capabilities to meet your demands efficiently.
• Logistics and Routing Expertise: Assess the carrier's expertise in logistics and route optimization to ensure efficient dispatching and delivery of your shipments. Experienced carriers will have a thorough understanding of optimal routes and networks, minimizing transit times and reducing the risk of delays. Whether it needs to travel from California to New York or from Arizona to Texas, choose a carrier with the knowledge and resources to navigate the most efficient routes.

Best Practices for Optimizing Efficiency

Here are some key strategies to contemplate:

• Utilize the Right One for the Job: Choose the appropriate type, whether it's a box or a cube truck, based on the nature and volume of your loads. Matching the cargo area to the size and weight of the goods can minimize wasted space and maximize load capacity.
• Streamline Dispatch and Routing: Invest in dispatching tools and software to optimize route planning and minimize unnecessary detours. Providing drivers with detailed information and instructions can help them navigate efficiently, reducing transit times and fuel consumption.
• Focus on Driver Training and Licensing: Ensure your drivers have the necessary training and valid driver's licenses to operate safely and legally. Well-trained drivers are more likely to handle issues and challenges effectively, preventing delays and accidents.
• Monitor and Maintain Equipment: Regularly inspect and maintain the frame, tires, and mechanical components to prevent breakdowns and ensure smooth operations. Addressing maintenance issues promptly can minimize downtime and keep your supply chain running smoothly.

Why Choose A1-AT?

We understand that moving can be a complex process. That's why we offer a comprehensive solution for everything from household goods to vehicles. We use our expertise to manage it and ensure it arrives safely. Our services are available to neighborhoods across the country, and we work with movers of all sizes to meet their unique needs.

Straight Truck

Our team will load and deliver to the pickup location. We can deliver to all 50 states in the U.S. as well as to locations worldwide. It will be fully insured.

Choosing to move will help prevent excessive wear and tear on the engine and tires. Moving can also help save money on fuel costs, and other operating costs, as well as necessary stops for snacks, meals, lodging, and more.

Relevant Statistics

• Straight truck shipping accounts for approximately 25% of all freight hauled in the United States.
• The average truck can carry a payload of up to 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms).
• Over 70% of shipments are delivered within a 500-mile radius.
• These Trucks are responsible for hauling over 250 billion pounds (113 billion kilograms) of goods annually.
• The use has increased by 15% in the past five years due to the rise in e-commerce and last-mile demands.

Moving Cargo with It

If you have a significant amount of household goods, furniture, retail merchandise, or any other freight that needs to be moved, we can assist you with that. Our dispatch team can quickly find a driver to load it from our warehouse and transport it to any destination. We also offer distribution services and can help you manage your inventory. With our network of drivers, you have the option to deliver anywhere you need it to go.

Let Us Oversee the Delivery

A1-AT is a reliable company that can move your cargo to any location in the United States, quickly and efficiently. We also offer international services. To get a free quote, please fill out the quote form available on this page. You can also contact one of our agents for an all-inclusive quote and to get answers to any questions you may have about moving. Call us today at 1-888-230-6512 to schedule your moving or to transport your car, truck, equipment, or other machinery.