Everything You Need to Know About Short-Haul Trucking

Written By Andrew Brooks Published on February 12, 2025 Trucking Industry

Key Takeaways:

Short-haul trucking transports goods within 250 miles, using smaller trucks and allowing drivers to return home daily.
It provides benefits like better work-life balance and lower fuel costs but comes with challenges like lower earnings and urban congestion.
Compliance with FMCSA regulations, including Hours of Service (HOS) rules and CDL requirements, is crucial for short-haul truckers.
The industry’s future is driven by technology, with electric trucks and AI-powered logistics improving efficiency and sustainability.

What is Short-Haul Trucking?

Short-haul trucking refers to freight transportation within a confined geographical region. It generally involves:

Daily or overnight trips that allow drivers to return home frequently.
Shorter driving distances, typically under 250 miles per route.
Smaller or medium-sized trucks, such as box trucks, straight trucks, or day cabs without sleeper compartments.
Quicker turnaround times due to shorter transit periods.

Short-haul trucking is common in urban logistics, local distribution centers, and regional supply chains where efficiency and speed are top priorities.

Short-Haul vs. Long-Haul Trucking

Understanding the differences between short-haul and long-haul trucking helps in determining the right career path or business model.

Factor	Short-Haul Trucking	Long-Haul Trucking
Distance	Typically under 250 miles	Over 250 miles, often crossing state lines
Time on the Road	Home daily or every other day	Away from home for days or weeks
Vehicle Type	Box trucks, straight trucks, day cabs	Sleeper cabs, semi-trucks
Pay Structure	Hourly or per trip	Per mile or per load
Work-Life Balance	Better, home more frequently	Limited home time
Fatigue & Health Risks	Lower due to shorter shifts	Higher due to extended hours on the road

Know More: Is Long-Haul Trucking Right for Me?

Benefits of Short-Haul Trucking

Short-haul trucking offers several advantages, making it a preferred choice for many drivers and businesses.

Better Work-Life Balance

Short-haul truckers typically return home daily or every other day, reducing time spent away from family. This is a significant advantage over long-haul trucking, where drivers may be on the road for weeks.

Lower Fuel and Maintenance Costs

Since short-haul routes cover fewer miles, fuel consumption and vehicle wear-and-tear are reduced. This leads to lower maintenance costs and a longer vehicle lifespan.

Less Regulatory Burden

Short-haul drivers often fall under exemptions from some Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, requiring fewer mandatory rest breaks compared to long-haul drivers.

Reduced Fatigue and Health Risks

Driving shorter distances reduces fatigue-related risks such as sleep deprivation, stress, and sedentary health issues, which are common in long-haul trucking.

High Demand and Job Stability

Short-haul trucking services are essential in industries like grocery supply chains, parcel delivery, and construction. The growing demand for last-mile delivery also ensures consistent work opportunities.

Challenges of Short-Haul Trucking

Despite its advantages, short-haul trucking comes with its own set of challenges.

Lower Earnings Compared to Long-Haul Trucking

Short-haul drivers often earn less than long-haul truckers since they drive fewer miles and are usually paid hourly rather than per mile.

Heavy Urban Traffic and Congestion

Many short-haul truckers operate in cities where traffic congestion can cause delays and impact delivery schedules.

High Physical Demand

Short-haul drivers frequently load and unload cargo, make multiple stops, and navigate tight urban spaces, making the job physically demanding.

Strict Delivery Schedules

Short-haul trucking often involves time-sensitive deliveries, such as food, medical supplies, or retail goods, which require precise scheduling.

Regulations and Compliance for Short-Haul Trucking

Short-haul truckers must adhere to various federal and state regulations to ensure road safety and operational efficiency.

Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

Short-haul drivers may qualify for the 100 air-mile exemption under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules. This exemption allows drivers to:

Operate within a 150 air-mile radius of their starting location.
Work up to 14 hours without needing to log hours electronically.
Be exempt from keeping a logbook if returning to the same work location daily.

Also see: Understanding DOT Hours of Service (HOS) Rules

CDL Requirements

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may be required depending on the truck’s weight classification. Trucks over 26,001 pounds require a CDL.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Short-haul truckers using the 100 air-mile exemption are not required to use ELDs, but those exceeding the limits must comply with electronic logging rules.

Check out: Best ELD Devices

Vehicle Weight Limits and Safety Checks

Trucks must comply with weight limits and undergo regular inspections to meet safety standards.

Learn more: Fleet Vehicle Maintenance

Essential Tips for Succeeding in Short-Haul Trucking

To maximize success in short-haul trucking, drivers and fleet owners should follow these best practices.

Optimize Route Planning

Using GPS tracking and route optimization software helps avoid traffic congestion, reduce fuel consumption, and meet delivery deadlines.

You might interested in: Matrack fleet tracker

Maintain Your Vehicle Regularly

Frequent short trips can lead to increased wear on brakes, tires, and engines. Conducting daily inspections and scheduling routine maintenance prevents costly breakdowns.

Improve Fuel Efficiency

Short-haul drivers should adopt fuel-saving techniques, such as reducing idle time, maintaining proper tire pressure, and using fuel-efficient driving practices.

Develop Strong Customer Relationships

Since short-haul truckers interact with clients frequently, building a reliable reputation improves job stability and customer retention.

Stay Compliant with Regulations

Understanding local and federal trucking laws helps avoid fines and operational delays.

Future Trends in Short-Haul Trucking

Short-haul trucking is evolving with advancements in technology and changing market demands.

Rise of Electric and Autonomous Trucks

Many companies are investing in electric short-haul trucks, reducing emissions and fuel costs. Autonomous driving technology is also being explored to improve efficiency.

Growth in E-Commerce and Last-Mile Delivery

With the boom in e-commerce, short-haul trucking plays a key role in last-mile delivery, ensuring quick shipments from warehouses to customers.

Increased Use of AI and Telematics

AI-powered route planning, real-time fleet tracking, and predictive maintenance are transforming short-haul logistics for better efficiency.

Conclusion

Short-haul trucking is a dynamic and essential part of the transportation industry, offering steady job opportunities, lower regulatory burdens, and better work-life balance than long-haul trucking. However, it comes with challenges such as urban congestion, physically demanding tasks, and lower earning potential.

For those considering a career in short-haul trucking, understanding the industry’s requirements, compliance regulations, and optimization strategies can lead to long-term success. As the industry evolves with technology, automation, and electric vehicles, short-haul trucking will continue to play a pivotal role in modern supply chains.

Whether you’re an aspiring driver, a business owner, or a logistics professional, staying informed about best practices and industry trends ensures a competitive edge in the growing short-haul trucking sector.