Shipping small, high-value loads in a 53-foot trailer often leads to inefficiencies, including wasted space and inflated costs. While these shipments don’t require the capacity of a full trailer, they still need the security and care of a dedicated vehicle. High-value cargo, such as pharmaceuticals, sensitive electronics, and robotics, requires special attention to ensure safe transit.
In the logistics world, there are three main shipping options: FTL (Full Truckload), PTL (Partial Truckload), and LTL (Less-than-Truckload). Full Truckload is often recommended, but it may not be the best option for smaller, high-value loads. Utilizing smaller vehicles can provide the same level of security without the excess costs associated with larger trucks.
Companies are increasingly looking to tailor their shipping strategies to better match the size and needs of each shipment, prioritizing both efficiency and security. According to Expedite All, America’s largest small truck network, businesses can save 20-30% by using appropriately sized vehicles for their shipments, significantly improving their bottom line.
Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Shipping Option
Size Matters
One of the key factors to consider when shipping is how much space your load actually requires. When a shipment doesn’t fill an entire 53-foot trailer, businesses are left paying for unused space. Opting for smaller vehicles such as cargo vans, box trucks, or straight trucks can help reduce these unnecessary costs while maintaining service quality. Companies that offer diverse vehicle fleets, like Expedite All, allow shippers to choose the right-sized truck for each load, improving both cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Timely Delivery
Time-sensitive deliveries pose challenges when relying on larger trucks, which can be slower and subject to delays at weigh stations or during transit. Smaller trucks, due to their speed and maneuverability, are often a better fit for urgent deliveries. Additionally, choosing Less-than-Truckload (LTL) shipping, where your cargo is combined with other shipments, can introduce delays and increase the risk of damage from handling.
Budget Efficiency
When paying for a large truck to transport a smaller load, businesses are essentially covering the cost of empty space. Using smaller vehicles can significantly reduce these expenses, as they require less fuel and lower maintenance costs. Opting for the appropriate vehicle size helps businesses avoid overpaying for unused space, ultimately making their shipping processes more cost-effective and efficient. This approach is particularly beneficial for high-value loads, where both cost savings and secure handling are critical.
Load Handling and Security
For high-value shipments, the fewer touchpoints, the better. Transferring cargo between multiple vehicles increases the risk of mishandling, especially in LTL shipping, where goods may be moved several times before reaching their final destination. Using dedicated trucks for these types of loads minimizes this risk, ensuring that the cargo is handled securely and efficiently from start to finish.
Practical and Sustainable
In addition to cost savings, smaller vehicles are more environmentally friendly, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. These trucks are also better suited for navigating tight spaces, such as business parks or congested urban areas, making loading and unloading more efficient.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Choosing the right-sized vehicle for high-value, smaller loads is not just about saving money but also about operational efficiency and ensuring the safe, timely delivery of goods. Relying on a 53-foot trailer when it’s not necessary can result in wasted resources. Smaller, dedicated vehicles provide a more sustainable and practical solution, allowing businesses to streamline their shipping processes while maintaining high standards of care for their cargo.
