Freight Truck
FreightCenter will match your load with the type of freight truck you need, including dry van, flatbed, air ride, refrigerated, step deck, RGN and more.
At FreightCenter, we specialize in connecting shippers with the ideal freight trucks and carriers to meet their transportation needs. By leveraging our extensive network, we ensure that top carriers compete for your business, which often results in significant cost savings for our customers. Our clients typically save 25%, 50%, 75%, or even more compared to booking directly with the carriers. This competitive edge is just one of the many reasons shippers trust FreightCenter for their logistics solutions.
We offer a wide variety of freight trucks to accommodate different types of cargo, ensuring that your shipment is handled with the utmost care and efficiency.
The types of freight trucks available through FreightCenter include:
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Dry Van: Ideal for general cargo that needs protection from the elements.
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Flatbed: Perfect for oversized loads and items that require easy loading and unloading.
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Air Ride: Equipped with air suspension systems to protect delicate or fragile cargo.
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Refrigerated (Reefer): Essential for transporting perishable goods that need temperature control.
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Step Deck: Suitable for taller freight that cannot be transported on a standard flatbed.
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Removable Goose Neck (RGN): Great for heavy equipment that needs to be driven onto the trailer.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
Awards and Endorsements
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Do You Need Full Truckload or Less-than Truckload Service?
FreightCenter saves customers up to 75% by having multiple carriers compete for your business.
Wide Range of Services and Freight Trucks
They offer various freight truck options like Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Full Truckload (FTL), liftgate, and white-glove delivery, suitable for any shipment size or type.
Advanced Technology
FreightCenter uses real-time tracking, automated quoting, and data analytics to optimize shipping and save costs. Their online portal simplifies logistics management.
Expert Guidance
Their National Account Managers provide personalized assistance, ensuring a smooth shipping process from booking to paperwork.
Large Network
With over 80 national and regional carriers, FreightCenter ensures you find the best carrier for local, national, or international shipping.
How to Know If You Need LTL Shipping
Shipment Size and Weight
LTL is ideal for shipments between 150 and 15,000 pounds or less than 10 pallets.
Cost Efficiency in Freight Trucks
LTL is cost-effective, paying only for the space your shipment occupies, perfect for small to medium-sized businesses.
Flexibility and Frequency
LTL allows shipping smaller quantities as needed, maintaining inventory levels and meeting customer demands efficiently.
Handling and Transit Time
LTL shipments may have more handling and longer transit times. If your shipment can handle this, LTL is suitable.
Specialized Requirements in Freight Trucks
LTL carriers offer liftgate, residential delivery, and white-glove service for shipments needing special handling.
Example Scenarios
- Small Business Shipping: Shipping a few pallets to retailers using freight trucks can save money with LTL.
- Manufacturing Parts of Freight Trucks: Sending small shipments of parts to different locations benefits from LTL’s cost savings.
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Service
For shippers with cargo that won’t fill an entire freight truck, our Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight shipping services offer a cost-effective solution. LTL shipping allows carriers to fill their trucks with smaller loads from multiple shippers. This means you only pay for the space you use, resulting in significant cost savings.
FreightCenter collaborates with over 80 national and regional LTL freight carriers, providing you with a wide range of options. You can instantly compare quotes from these LTL carriers, allowing you to choose the best fit for your shipment. Once you select a carrier, a dedicated shipping expert (National Account Manager) will help you verify your order and generate all the necessary paperwork.
Most LTL freight truck shipping is done using dry vans, which are standard enclosed freight trucks that protect your goods from weather and road debris. However, some LTL carriers also offer air ride vehicles, which are equipped with advanced suspension systems to minimize vibrations and protect sensitive cargo. This flexibility ensures that your shipment is handled with the care it deserves, regardless of its nature.
Full Truckload (FTL) Service
When your shipment is too large, too heavy, or not suitable for LTL shipping, Full Truckload (FTL) service is the way to go. With FTL service, you have exclusive use of an entire freight truck. This is essential for shipments that require more space or need to be transported without sharing space with other shippers’ loads.
FTL service is particularly important for cargo that:
- Occupies a significant amount of space or exceeds weight limits for LTL.
- Cannot be properly packaged for LTL shipping due to its size or nature.
- Requires special handling or specific types of freight trucks like flatbeds, step decks, or RGNs.
Flatbeds are commonly used for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped items, while step decks are ideal for freight truck loads. RGN freight trucks are designed for heavy equipment that needs to be driven onto the trailer. These specialized freight trucks ensure that even the most challenging shipments are transported safely and efficiently.
Partial Truckload Service
For shipments that are not quite large enough to fill an entire freight truck but are also not suited for LTL, Partial Truckload service is an excellent option. This service is part of our Truckload division and caters to loads that fall between the typical LTL and FTL sizes. Partial Truckload shipping combines the benefits of both LTL and FTL, offering cost savings and flexible solutions for mid-sized shipments.
With Partial Truckload service, your shipment shares space with only a few other loads, reducing the risk of damage and handling compared to LTL. This service is particularly useful for businesses that have consistent but varying shipping needs, ensuring that each load is transported in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.
How FreightCenter Simplifies Your Shipping Process
FreightCenter is dedicated to making the shipping process as seamless and stress-free as possible. Here’s how we simplify your logistics:
- Instant Quote Comparisons: Our platform allows you to compare quotes from multiple carriers instantly, giving you the power to choose the best rate and service for your shipment.
- Expert Guidance: Our National Account Managers are logistics experts who provide personalized assistance, from booking your shipment to generating all necessary paperwork.
- Wide Network: With access to over 80 national and regional carriers, we ensure you have a variety of options to meet your specific shipping needs.
- Advanced Tracking: Stay updated on your shipment’s progress with our advanced tracking tools, ensuring you always know where your freight truck is.
- Flexible Solutions: Whether you need LTL, FTL, or Partial Truckload services, we offer flexible shipping solutions that adapt to your business needs.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Rail shipping is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation method that utilizes trains to move goods over long distances. It's known for its efficiency in handling large volumes of cargo, making it a sustainable and economical choice for businesses seeking reliable freight transport options.
Expedited shipping is a premium service designed to meet urgent delivery needs. It prioritizes speed and quick turnaround, ensuring that packages or goods reach their destination faster than standard shipping options. Expedited shipping is the go-to choice when time-sensitive deliveries are essential, providing businesses and individuals with reliable and prompt service for critical shipments.
White glove shipping is a premium service that goes beyond standard delivery, offering meticulous handling, specialized packaging, and in-home setup or installation for valuable or delicate items, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for customers.
Less than truckload (LTL) shipping is a smart logistics solution for businesses with smaller shipments. It combines multiple smaller shipments into a single truckload, optimizing space and reducing costs. LTL shipping offers affordability and efficiency while ensuring timely delivery, making it an ideal choice for companies looking to save on transportation expenses without compromising on service quality.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
How to Optimize Your LTL Shipping Strategy
Optimizing your LTL shipping strategy can help you save money, improve efficiency, and ensure timely delivery. Here are some tips to make the most of your LTL shipments:
- Consolidate Shipments: Whenever possible, consolidate smaller shipments into a single LTL shipment. This can reduce costs and simplify the logistics process by minimizing the number of pickups and deliveries.
- Proper Packaging: Ensure your goods are properly packaged and labeled. Use strong pallets, shrink wrap, and proper cushioning to protect your items during transit. Clearly label each pallet with destination information and any special handling instructions.
- Accurate Documentation: Provide accurate and complete documentation for your shipments. This includes the Bill of Lading (BOL), packing lists, and any special instructions. Accurate documentation helps prevent delays and ensures smooth processing.
- Negotiate Rates: Work with your carrier or 3PL provider to negotiate better rates. Building a strong relationship with your logistics partner can lead to cost savings and improved service.
- Track and Monitor: Use advanced tracking tools to monitor your shipments in real-time. Staying informed about your shipment’s status allows you to address any issues promptly and keep your customers informed.
Leveraging Technology for LTL Shipping
Technology plays a crucial role in modern logistics, offering tools and solutions that enhance the efficiency and visibility of LTL shipping. FreightCenter leverages cutting-edge technology to provide superior service and streamline the shipping process. Some of the key technological advancements include:
- Real-Time Tracking: Our tracking tools offer real-time updates on your shipment’s location and status, providing peace of mind and allowing you to manage your supply chain more effectively.
- Automated Quoting: Our platform enables instant quoting from multiple carriers, allowing you to compare rates and choose the best option for your shipment.
- Data Analytics: By analyzing shipping data, we can identify trends, optimize routes, and uncover opportunities for cost savings. Data-driven insights help us improve service and reduce transit times.
- Customer Portal: Our online customer portal provides easy access to all your shipping information, including quotes, tracking updates, and documentation. This centralized hub simplifies the management of your logistics operations.
Freight Truck FAQ
Q. What is LTL shipping?
LTL stands for Less Than Truckload, which means shipping smaller loads that don’t require the use of an entire truck. Instead, multiple shipments from different shippers are combined onto one truck to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.
Q. How is LTL shipping priced?
LTL shipping rates are typically based on several factors, including the weight, dimensions, distance traveled, and any additional services required, such as liftgate or inside delivery. Carriers use a pricing structure that accounts for these factors to determine the cost of shipping.
Q. What are the benefits of LTL shipping?
LTL shipping offers several advantages, including cost savings, as you only pay for the space you use; flexibility, as you can ship smaller quantities without needing a full truck; and access to a wider network of carriers, which can lead to more competitive rates.
Q. How do I prepare my shipment for LTL shipping?
Proper packaging is essential to ensure your shipment arrives safely. Use sturdy boxes or crates, secure items on pallets, and wrap fragile items with protective materials like bubble wrap or packing peanuts. Label your shipment clearly with the destination address and any special handling instructions.
Q. What is the difference between LTL and FTL shipping?
LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipping is for smaller loads that don’t require a full truck, while FTL (Full Truckload) shipping is for larger loads that occupy the entire capacity of a truck. FTL shipments are typically faster and more direct but may be more expensive for smaller loads.
