There are several factors to take into consideration when choosing a trucking company. Two such considerations are capacity and weight. Here’s what to look for and why it’s important.
What kind of cargo you need shipped
To choose the best freight company for your needs, you have to first consider what it is you’re trying to have transported. Factors like size, weight, shape, and amount of cargo should all be considered when choosing a trucking company that can meet your needs. You also need to look at factors such as whether or not you need a temperature-controlled freight company. Knowing your freight’s needs ahead of time will help you make more informed decisions about choosing a company.
Trucking company capacity
A carrier’s capacity is defined by how much product a carrier can transport at one time. This involves much more than simply how large a truck is or how many trucks a freight company has. The capacity of a trucking company can be seasonally impacted, as well as what kind of freight they’re capable of shipping (again considering refrigerated shipping companies). When looking at getting freight from point A to point B, the supply chain can play a big role. Can a single truck move the freight non-stop from point A to point B? Are there areas of the country not covered by the freight company? Do they have adequate personnel to safely transport your freight to the final destination? Truckload capacity dictates what transportation options are available to domestic shippers across the country. Availability of equipment, drivers, and supply chain play substantial roles in capacity consideration. All of these factors should be considered when looking at a trucking company’s capacity.
Weight considerations
If your shipment is substantial, you also need to look at weight considerations for a freight company. There are limits as to how much a truck can carry depending on the vehicle, and shipping companies will limit loads that could exceed that weight. Current truck size and weight standards are a blend of Federal and State regulations and laws. Federal law controls maximum gross vehicle weights and axle loads on the Interstate System. Federal limits are 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, 20,000 pounds on a single axle, and 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle group. There are also Federal standards for length and width on the National Network (NN). The NN comprises the Interstate and certain roadways designated by the States. There are no Federal vehicle height limits. Trucking companies coordinating shipments know the importance of weighing freight as well as load distribution. Ignoring this can have substantial consequences, including accidents, damage to freight, damage to vehicles, downtime of the trucking fleet, and substantial fines and penalties. If your company has a substantial load to be moved, it’s important to work with a reputable trucking company that understands these factors and follows all guidelines for safety to get your cargo delivered on time and safely.
When choosing a trucking company for your freight needs, clear and accurate communication is critical to ensure the process goes smoothly. Companies with experienced drivers will know how to load and handle cargo, so it’s important to work with an established freight company for any freight that you need to be delivered.