Trucking is just one way to transport goods. While transport by train, ship, and aircraft have advantages in some areas, long haul trucking is the preferred method of shipping goods in a number of fields. Here are a few reasons why truck shipments are a cornerstone of the economy.

Flexibility

Trains can only go where tracks lead, and not all locations have a navigable waterway between them. Airplanes are flexible, but they need airports to land, and economically viable cargo aircraft need large airports. Long haul trucking provides access to any place serviced by roadways, and extensive highway systems give it unmatched flexibility. The United States highway system is considered by some to be a wonder of the modern world, and trucks can take full advantage of this resource.

Scalability

While transporting goods by ship or rail can be economically viable, these transportation methods are generally only used for large shipments. Trucks, on the other hand, can send small amounts of items at an economically viable rate. Furthermore, trucks are cheaper to build and use than other shipment methods, so companies seeing growth can more easily scale their operations. This scalability is essential for ensuring companies can compete in a dynamic economy.

Predictability

Although most methods of shipping goods are fairly reliable, trucking provides the best predictability. Trucks run at all hours, and companies can bring on new drivers quickly if demand suddenly increases. While trucks can break down, these breakdowns are usually handled quickly and will not cause delays in future shipments. Other methods of transportation typically have more rigid schedules, and missing a deadline can be disastrous.

Door-to-Door Shipments

Long-distance transportation by waterway, rail, or air often entails making connections and unloading and reloading goods. Furthermore, once products arrive at a rail station, airport, or port, they need to be loaded onto trucks for transport to their final destinations. With long haul trucking, businesses can load only once or twice. This can save time and ensure that fragile items are protected en route.

Versatile Options

Only certain types of goods can be transported by different shipment methods. Because the trucking industry is so robust, there are vehicle types capable of transporting nearly any item. Whether a business needs refrigeration or vehicles designed for shipping livestock, trucks provide better versatility than any other mode of transportation.

Although other forms of transportation match certain needs well, none can match the flexibility and convenience of long haul trucking. Businesses of all sizes should consider the advantages trucking provides when deciding how to deliver their products. If you’re curious about how trucks can help your company thrive, contact our experts at H.O. Wolding to learn more.