Expedited Trucking: When Time is Critical

Every day as people drive to work, take kids to school or run errands, they share the road with some other pretty important vehicles.  Trucks of various shapes and sizes carry cargo to and from countless destinations daily.  How quickly this precious freight must arrive at its end stop determines if the shipment is considered expedited. 

Trucking = Big Business

The trucking industry is one of the largest revenue producers in our nation’s economy.  Its workers make up about 6% of the U.S. workforce.  Impressively, with 36.9 million trucks registered and used for business purposes, this industry hauls roughly 70% of all goods within the United States. 

Essential Cargo

Customers shipping any product or commodity that is considered time-sensitive, fragile or irreplaceable must choose expedited shipping.  This could include an entire truck load of parts travelling to a manufacturing facility, a half-pound bag of fertilizer headed to a testing laboratory, or even costumes on their way to a big Broadway show. 

“Rush order” goods such as these must arrive on time to prevent disastrous outcomes such a factory shut down, a sample becoming tainted or a performance being canceled.

In contrast, Over-the-Road (OTR) or long-haul trucking focuses on hauling freight long distances, where arrival time is not an essential factor.  OTR drivers are typically on the road for weeks at a time and have no stop loads along their way.   

Hauling Vehicles

Expedited trucking, also referred to as hot shot trucking, is an essential branch of freight hauling that depends primarily on these types of trucks:

Cargo van – a typical, smaller van

Sprinter van – able to hold three pallets or equivalent weight

Straight truck – for less-than-truck loads (LTLs) that are too big, too oddly shaped, or too heavy for a sprinter van; usually has a 96” sleeper unit so the driver can run straight through

Tractor-trailer – for longer pieces or expedited full truck loads (FTLs)

Both expedited and hot shot trucking haul cargo that must be delivered within a strict timeline.  Hot shot trucks tend to carry smaller loads than expedite trucks. 

Trucking Solutions

In addition to providing reliable air freight services, Grand Aire is experienced in finding customized Expedited Trucking solutions, both locally and nationally.  Our Ground Expedite Specialists are accessible 24/7/365 to assist with your trucking needs.  For more information, give us a call at 1-800-70-GRAND or email our team at logistics@grandaire.com.