Everything You Need to Know About Short-Haul Trucking – Matrack Insights
AndrewFebruary 27, 2023Trucking Industry

Everything You Need to Know About Short-Haul Trucking – Matrack Insights

The trucking industry is a crucial component of the economy, and transporting goods is vital to keeping the economy moving. One significant aspect of trucking is short-haul trucking, which involves transporting goods over relatively short distances, often within a single state or province. Despite the greater emphasis on long-haul trucking, short-haul trucking is equally vital in the industry. Short-haul trucking, also known as regional trucking, is a type of trucking that involves the transportation of goods within a limited geographic region. It is a crucial part of the logistics industry and is vital in moving goods from one place to another.

This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to short-haul trucking. We will explore everything you need to know about short-haul trucking, including its definition, benefits, challenges, regulations, and technology trends. Whether you’re a business owner seeking to transport goods or a driver interested in pursuing a career in trucking, this article is for you.

What Is Short Haul Trucking?

Short-haul trucking is a transportation method for moving goods over short distances, typically within a 150- to 250-mile radius of a distribution center or shipping point. The primary objective of short-haul trucking is to provide quick, efficient transportation of goods from manufacturing plants to distribution centers, warehouses, or retail stores. In other words, short-haul trucking is a crucial component of the supply chain that ensures products reach their intended destinations promptly and cost-effectively.

Short-haul trucking is often used for just-in-time delivery, where products are delivered as needed to avoid excess inventory and reduce warehousing costs.

How Does Short-Haul Trucking Differ From Long-Haul Trucking?

The critical difference between short-haul and long-haul trucking is the distance drivers travel. Short-haul truckers typically remain within a 150-mile radius of their home base, while long-haul truckers travel across multiple states, covering long distances. As a result, short-haul drivers tend to spend more time at home, while long-haul drivers may be away for weeks at a time.

Another factor distinguishing these two types of trucking is the type of roads and driving conditions drivers encounter. Long-haul truckers typically drive on highways for many hours at high speeds, while short-haul truckers are more likely to operate on local streets, which require slower speeds and may have more frequent stops and turns. Additionally, short-haul and long-haul drivers may be subject to different regulations, particularly regarding the number of hours they are permitted to drive. Short-haul drivers may have various limitations on working time than long-haul drivers.

What Are The Types Of Short-Haul Trucking?

Regional Trucking

Longer journeys up to 150 miles, sometimes spanning more than one day

Local Trucking`

Shorter journeys under 150 miles, often within a neighborhood or community

Regional trucking companies transport goods across a larger geographic area spanning multiple states. They have a network of terminals and warehouses to store and distribute the freight, which allows them to transport goods quickly across a larger area. Regional trucking companies also have established delivery networks, making them more efficient at delivering cargo.

On the other hand, local short-haul trucking companies operate within a smaller geographic area, typically limited to one state. They have fewer terminals and warehouses than regional trucking companies and only transport freight within a smaller radius. Local trucking companies are more suitable for transporting goods within a specific region, such as a city or a state. It makes them well-suited for delivering smaller shipments, such as food or construction materials, to local businesses and consumers.

The main difference between regional and local short-haul trucking lies in the size of their geographic area and the number of facilities they operate. While regional companies work within a larger area and have more facilities, local companies focus on smaller sites with fewer facilities. The choice between a regional or local short-haul trucking company depends on the nature of the goods being transported and the shipper’s or receiver’s specific needs.

Benefits Of Short-Haul Trucking

How Is It Advantageous For The Short-Haul Trucking Business Owner:

How Is It Advantageous For Short-Haul Truck Drivers:

Challenges Of Short-Haul Trucking

Short Haul Driver: What Is It? and How to Become One? | Ziprecruiter
Source: ZipRecruiter

Technology Trends In Short-Haul Trucking

Technology is rapidly transforming the trucking industry, and short-haul trucking is no exception. Here are some technology trends that are likely to shape the future of short-haul trucking:

How Matrack Benefits The Short-Haul Trucking Business

Matrack is a GPS tracking and fleet management software that can provide numerous benefits to short-haul trucking businesses. Here are some of the ways Matrack can benefit short-haul trucking:

Matrack’s GPS tracking and fleet management software offers end-to-end support for short-haul trucking businesses, enabling them to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and improve safety. By maximizing the optimal use of vehicles, the software eliminates operational burdens and helps to keep the business running smoothly.

Conclusion

Short-haul trucking is a critical aspect of the logistics industry that plays a vital role in transporting goods over relatively short distances. It offers many benefits to business owners, including faster delivery times, lower transportation costs, improved supply chain efficiency, greater flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Short-haul trucking companies also provide job opportunities for drivers who prefer to remain close to home and spend more time with their families. With the right technology and regulations in place, short-haul trucking has the potential to become even more efficient and sustainable, providing even more benefits for the economy and the environment.

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Miles

Inside Sales Rep

Hi, my name is Miles. Please let me know if I can help you find the solution that best fits your needs.

miles@matrackinc.com
(925) 230-4530

I am here to help. Let me know if you have any questions.

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