Patriot Freight Group

What Does a Trucking Logistics Do?: A Definitive Guide

Roughly 720 billion dollars in freight is moved via truck throughout North America each year. Chances are if you own a business trucking logistics is part of your bottom line. Without a logistics strategy, your business is dead in the water.

Without effective strategies in the movement, warehousing, packaging, distribution, and disposal of your goods your company could lag behind. In the cut-throat world of business, falling behind is disastrous. 

Finding a simple shipping solution in the complicated world of logistics can seem like a daunting task. There are many options to choose from when picking your trucking logistics company. 

Moving freight from location to location doesn’t have to be a stressful task. With this definitive trucking logistics guide, you can make the right call for your business when it comes to your shipping needs.

What Is a Trucking Logistics Company?

A trucking logistics company is, in essence, an organization that manages all aspects of your supply chain. This includes shipping, receiving, and all points between. It also can include the packaging, disposal, and security of your goods.

A successful trucking logistics company makes your freight move smooth. The ideal trucking logistics company should be able to facilitate the reception of your goods from the producing party. Some also specialize in packaging your goods for sale.

A logistics company should be able to provide ample warehousing capabilities. After the warehousing phase, a capable trucking logistics company should be able to move your goods to market for consumption.

At the end of your product’s life, they should have a hand in the disposal process. Picking the best trucking logistic company is important in managing your business.

Choosing the Best Trucking Logistics Company

If your business is struggling to manage aspects of its supply-chain it may be time to find a reliable trucking logistics company. Choosing the right company to fit your specific needs may be tough, but it is well worth it.

There are many things to consider when picking the best trucking logistics company. Dependability, service, cost, geographic areas serviced, and reputation are all important.

You also might want to factor in the capabilities of the company in regards to managing your supply chain. 

A logistics company that specializes in moving freight for small business might not work for larger firms.  For that, you would need one well-versed in the large and complicated supply chains of a giant multinational corporation.

Choosing the best trucking company for your business is dependent on what your specific logistical needs are. This includes the volume of goods to be shipped, the geographic shipping area, and your budget.

A logistics company that works well for one organization may not suit the purposes of another business. Do your own research based on your company’s specifications to find out what logistics company works best for you.

Logistics Specifics

Maybe your company needs a specific type of good moved. Things like explosives, flammable materials, chemicals, and medical waste can complicate logistical matters.

For these items, you need a Hazmat certified trucking logistics company. Only a certified company can move hazardous materials in a safe and legal manner.

Maybe you need to move less than a truckload or have an urgent delivery. Maybe you have an overweight or oversized load that needs to be moved. Finding a logistics company that is capable of managing these specific situations is crucial. 

Looking into the specific capabilities of a logistics company is important. It helps you figure out the option that works best. By outlining your specific needs to the company, you can come up with the option that best suits your purposes.

Types of Logistics Companies

There are two forms of trucking logistics companies. They differ when it comes to supply chain management and distribution. The first is a freight broker and the second is a third-party logistics company. 

They both have their unique sets of advantages and disadvantages. Deciding which classification suits your company’s needs is an important part of your selection process.

Freight Broker

A freight broker holds no assets in the logistics process. They act as an intermediary between the business that holds the goods, and the freight company that physically moves the product to market.

Freight brokers specialize in single shipments. They also connect many smaller shipping companies to prospective clients. They are one of the predominant forms of logistics companies throughout the nation.

Third-Party Logistics Company (3PL’s)

A third-party logistics company is essentially a freight broker with skin-in-the-game so to speak. Usually, a third-party logistics company has assets and doesn’t merely act as a middle man.

This means that they possess trucks, pay drivers, and have a brick-and-mortar location. It also means that they handle all aspects of the supply chain. This is because a third-party logistics company is more focused on the big picture.

What Works Best for Your Business?

There are advantages of working with both 3PL’s and freight brokers. Every company has different logistical needs. Deciding whether your business is more focused on single shipment or access to a consistent logistical supply chain is a managerial choice.

Only you can figure out what works best for your specific situation. The versatility that having more than one logistical option affords your business is crucial. Especially in these competitive economic times.

As the needs of your business change, so must your logistical strategies. Staying flexible when it comes to logistics is critical when adapting to emerging market trends.

Pick Your Best Option Today

As your business continues to grow, make sure your supply-chain management can keep up. Incorporating a successful logistics strategy is paramount to having a thriving business.

Get a quote from a trucking logistics company today and make sure that your business stays ahead of the curve. You owe it to yourself and your employees.