Freight Truck: Meaning, Types, and Services

What is a freight truck? Freight trucks are motor vehicles in the logistics industry responsible for transporting a wide range of goods across various distances. They play a primary role in supply chains all over the world, ensuring that products move efficiently from manufacturers to warehouses, distribution centers, and retail locations.

Here we’ll provide the meaning of freight trucks and what they are, explore different types of freight trucks, and list the types of services freight trucking provides in logistics. Let’s get started!

Freight Truck Meaning in Logistics and Trucking

A freight truck is a heavy-duty vehicle designed to carry and transport large quantities of goods over short and long distances. Freight trucks are operated by skilled truck drivers who have the expertise and licensing required to handle different types of trucks and cargo.

In the logistics industry, “freight” refers to the cargo or goods that need transportation. Freight can range from raw materials like construction materials and hazardous materials to consumer goods and perishable items.

In trucking, “freight” refers to the entire process of moving these goods. Freight trucks are specially built to handle heavy loads, protect cargo from external conditions, and ensure goods reach their destination efficiently.

Types of Freight Trucks: Semi-Trucks, Reefers, and Box Trucks

Freight trucks come in various designs and configurations, each tailored to meet specific transportation needs. Here are three of the most common types of trucks used for freight shipments:

1. Semi-Trucks

• Description: Semi-trucks, also known as trailer trucks, tractor-trailer trucks, or container trucks, are large vehicles designed to pull trailers. The trailer portion can be switched out based on cargo requirements, making semi-trucks one of the most versatile options in logistics.
• Uses: They are often paired with dry van trailers, which are enclosed and protect goods from the elements. Semi-trucks are also compatible with flatbed trailers, which are used for transporting oversized cargo that doesn’t fit within standard enclosures.
• Benefits: Semi-trucks can haul a variety of cargo types over long distances, making them a staple in the logistics industry for both regional and cross-country shipping.

2. Refrigerated Trucks (Reefers)

• Description: Refrigerated trucks, or reefer trucks, are equipped with refrigeration units that maintain a specific temperature within the trailer. These trucks are ideal for transporting temperature-sensitive goods that require climate control.
• Uses: Reefer trucks are commonly used for perishable cargo like food products, pharmaceuticals, and other items that need to stay cool to prevent spoilage.
• Benefits: By maintaining a constant temperature, reefer trucks ensure the quality and safety of perishable items during transit, making them essential in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

3. Box Trucks (Straight Trucks)

• Description: Box trucks, or straight trucks, are smaller than semi-trucks and consist of a cab attached to an enclosed cargo box. These trucks are popular for local or regional deliveries.
• Uses: Box trucks are used to transport general freight, often in urban areas. They are commonly employed for last-mile deliveries and shorter hauls between warehouses and retail locations.
• Benefits: Box trucks offer easy maneuverability in tight city spaces and are a convenient solution for businesses that need to transport goods over shorter distances.

Freight Trucking Services: FTL, LTL, Temperature-Controlled

Freight trucking services encompass a wide range of offerings tailored to meet the diverse needs of different industries. These services can vary based on cargo type, distance, and client requirements:

1. Full Truckload (FTL) Services: Full Truckload (FTL) Services is used when there is enough freight to fill an entire trailer. It is a cost-effective and efficient option for large shipments, minimizing handling as the goods stay in the same truck until delivery.
2. Less Than Truckload (LTL) Services: Less Than Truckload (LTL) Services allow multiple customers to share a single truck, reducing shipping costs and optimizing capacity. They are cost-effective for smaller shipments that don’t require a full trailer.
3. Temperature-Controlled Transport: Using refrigerated trucks, this service is essential for temperature-sensitive products. From beverages, pharmaceuticals, to fresh produce, temperature-controlled transport ensures goods arrive in ideal conditions.
4. Flatbed Trucking Services: Flatbed trucks are essential for transporting large, bulky items such as construction materials and oversized loads. The open design allows for easy loading and unloading of materials that don’t fit within standard trailers.
5. Hazardous Materials Transport: Transporting hazardous materials requires specialized trucks and trained drivers. This service is critical for safely moving chemicals, flammable items, and other regulated cargo that require specific handling and compliance with safety standards.

Freight Transport Trucking in Metro Vancouver & Calgary: Stryder Canada

As a reputable 3PL company in the trucking industry, Stryder Canada offers freight trucking services throughout Metro Vancouver and Calgary, helping businesses meet their transportation needs efficiently. With a versatile fleet and experienced drivers, Stryder supports a wide range of types of cargo in Canada and USA, including beverages and paper products.

• Asset-Based Cargo Shipping: Stryder’s modern, company-owned fleet of 53’ food-grade trailers and over 500 units in operation enable the transportation of a wide range of goods, ensuring timely and secure deliveries.
• Cross-Border Transportation: With facilities in Richmond, BC, Calgary, AB, and Kent, WA, Stryder facilitates seamless cross-border logistics, ensuring efficient movement of goods between Canada and the USA.
• Industry-Specific Services: Stryder provides industry-specific transportation solutions, particularly excelling in the beverage and paper product sectors.

Need reliable cargo transportation services? Stryder Group specializes in freight trucking services, including FTL, LTL, and cross-border transportation from Canada to USA.

Contact us at 833-787-9337 or sales@go-stryder.com, we’d love to hear from you!