The need for available drivers and equipment is commonplace in a consistently evolving economy. This \"truckload capacity\" issue is a problem that plagues the domestic trucking industry. The article discusses capacity and solutions regarding this emerging issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truckload capacity dictates what transportation options are available to domestic shippers across the country. Determinations in available equipment, drivers, and supply chain output play a critical role in capacity. Shippers commonly seek out a DTC or DCC model to avoid capacity issues and maintain their shipping lanes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truckload capacity is a severe issue in the world of domestic freight transportation. Learn more about the concerns revolving around capacity below.<\/p>\n\n\n

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$\"what$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
What is Truckload Capacity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Truckload capacity is a term in domestic freight logistics that refers to the volume of freight that\u2019s able to be shipped by a truckload carrier. The trucking market is constantly in flux regarding pricing, availability, equipment, and truck drivers, all of which are factors that impact truckload capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The United States has an incredible amount of domestic freight that is transported via motor carriers annually. However, due to the incredible powerhouse nature of the U.S. economy, supply and demand are always high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The American Trucking Association has forecasted continuous growth over the next 10 years. What does this mean for the capacity of truckload carriers and the long-term future of the industry? It means that capacity itself will need to grow to meet demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ATA Forecasted Freight and Trucking Market Growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Year<\/strong><\/td> Market Growth<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
2017<\/td> 2.8% growth in tons of freight moved<\/td><\/tr>
2023<\/td> 5.1% growth in tons of freight moved<\/td><\/tr>
2028<\/td> 36.6% growth in tons of freight moved<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Source: trucking.org<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
As you can see in the illustrated forecasted market, the example clearly shows signs of massive growth. Unfortunately, there is a flip side to all of this. With the rapid growth of an industry, comes the need for infrastructure to combat the onset of inflation to truckload rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The only way to meet the demands of the U.S. economy and curb any supply chain disruption is to increase the volume of drivers and equipment. Currently, there is a hiring boom occurring in order to get drivers to meet capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
What Does Truckload Mean in Logistics?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
At its core, truckload is a term that defines a mode of transportation for freight shipping. However, trucks cannot move short or long-haul freight across the country alone. These trucks require the use of trailers<\/a> that are towed behind them carrying freight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several forms of trailers are used to move freight from the point of origin to the point of destination. Some examples of various truckload trailers come in the form of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Dry Van Trailer:<\/strong> This is the most common form of trailer that is used in truckload shipping. Dry vans come in two varieties, vented and non-vented trailers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Flatbed Trailer:<\/strong> This form of trailer is most commonly associated with hauling items that are non-palletized, oversized goods, and equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Refrigerated Trailer:<\/strong> These trailers have a refrigeration unit to keep perishable goods from expiring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Intermodal Trailer:<\/strong> These trailers haul freight containers on chassis<\/a> trailers to their destination.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Truckload serves as the most commonly used form of shipping in logistics. It is what keeps supply chains and distribution centers flowing. Failure to meet current truckload needs-based requirements means disruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This disruption to the supply chain is of utmost importance to anyone in logistics. Most often, it is not necessarily a lack of equipment that prevents capacity from being met, it is the lack of truckload drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Does Capacity Mean in Logistics?<\/h3>\n\n\n
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$\"how$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
The term \u201clogistics\u201d refers to resource management<\/a>. It is essential to understand precisely what logistics is before you can begin to understand what capacity means in logistics. At the forefront, logistics deals with the packaging, handling, storage, and transportation of goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you factor in capacity into the world of logistics, a lot more factors come into focus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The number of available drivers needed to move loads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The amount of equipment needed to move loads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The amount of space needed on trucks to move loads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The amount of total output that requires attention by the supply chain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
An equal amount of inbound and outbound loads for drivers to carry out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In logistics, capacity is directly related to availability. In other words, the availability of drivers, trucks, and shipping space to move goods from origin to destination. In the transload world, this availability extends to rail, barge, and air freight, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Need capacity now? Check out our available freight routes <\/a>and get your goods on the go.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
What are Spot Rates and Contract Rates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In the truckload industry, rates differ depending on varying factors. Trucking companies or carriers will offer these different rates for the shipper, giving them flexibility in their shipping choices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two shipping markets are the carrier\u2019s market and the shipper\u2019s market. The shipper\u2019s market is generally more favorable for spot rates. Whereas, on the other hand, the carrier market is more favorable to contract rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spot Rates: <\/strong>These short-term rates are contractual because they are based on the current outlook of the truckload shipping market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Individual shipping coverage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Dynamic rates<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The pricing structure is set to short-term<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Contact Rates: <\/strong>These annual long-term rates are based on forecasts and trends, which help predict the market, offering a better outlook in terms of capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Total shipping lane coverage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Static rates<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The Pricing structure is set to long-term<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Honestly, it just depends on what the shipper's needs look like. For some, the right option is contract rate if you have a static business that does a lot of shipping over multiple lanes. Contract rate protects both the long-term pricing and capacity of the needs of your shipments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For others, periodic shipping over multiple lanes might be keen to use spot pricing due to the shifting dynamic of the spot market in terms of both pricing and capacity. Either way, these two options are great for facilitating shipments while considering capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seasonal Truckload Capacity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There is a season for everything. This includes truckload shipping. Two things you might consider to keep your supply chains strong are produce shipping season and peak shipping season. You might find reduced capacity for your shipment during these two busy times. Produce shipping season is generally in the spring and summer; peak shipping season is in the late summer to fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might find that produce shipping season, especially on the East Coast, lasts from April to July. This is when produce is harvested and moved from the farmer\u2019s field to processing centers to warehouses to supermarkets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peak shipping season is when retailers are getting ready for the back-to-school and holiday rush. It typically lasts from August to October, just after produce shipping season. The volumes of shipments typically spike this time of year and full truckload spot rates might spike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shipping along a busy route? USA Truckload Shipping, powered by R+L Global Logistics, can find capacity when you need freight shipping from Washington, D.C., to California<\/a> and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Factors Influence Capacity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It is precisely the state of availability between both trucking equipment and drivers that make up the total capacity within the truckload market. It is up to logistics managers, distribution centers, and trucking companies to weigh these factors to be effective in the freight market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Changes in truckload indexes are used to help forecast capacity<\/a> in domestic truckload shipping. Shifting changes in market conditions also influence the capacity within truckload shipping. Here are some takeaways of influencing factors within capacity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Driver Capacity:<\/strong> This term refers to the number of available drivers ready to move truckload shipments. Having a capacity of available drivers is key to avoiding a driver shortage and keeping the flow of goods moving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Van Load Capacity:<\/strong> This term refers to the available space for cargo on an individual truckload shipment. With a capacity of 53 feet in length and 43,000 pounds, van capacity is determined by the number of pallets and whether or not an LTL or FTL shipment fills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Regional Capacity:<\/strong> The capacity of drivers and equipment within a designated region of truckload shipping. Specifically, this affects shipment capacity for a driver when they make a delivery and need a refill their load for the return trip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Seasonal Capacity:<\/strong> The capacity of drivers and equipment during the various seasons, like holidays or other calendar events, that might pose an issue in available drivers or equipment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Here are some examples of individual areas of note that can guide a shipper in choosing whether to use a spot rate or contract rate in terms of affected truckload capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Cost of fuel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Value of cargo<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Total weight of load<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Destination and Origin point<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Type of goods being shipped<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Any additional accessories required<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The total estimated shipped goods <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
These reasons influence domestic capacity throughout the year. From a shipper's point of view, there is a litany of determining factors that can lend themselves to aid in determining whether or not a shipper chooses a spot rate vs a contract rate in shipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Does LTL or FTL Affect Capacity?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When factoring in truckload capacity, a shipper must also consider how they wish to ship truckload goods. Options like less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) shipping, depending on the number of goods being shipped, are options that favor one or the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With LTL shipping, goods are loaded onto a truck without one shipment maximizing load capacity. Essentially only filling a portion of the truckload. This means that capacity volume determines how many shipments are loaded within a single truckload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whereas in FTL, the entire load is from a single shipper. Factors like destination and desired shipping time frame can all determine the capacity of an FTL shipment. As you can see, truckload capacity is affected by individual factors and truckload shipment type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that said, one of the most common options for shippers is an LTL shipment at a spot rate in a pinch. However, for shippers who do a lot of regional shipping, it is done as an FTL truckload at a contract rate. Both situations factor in truckload capacity and how to leverage capacity in their methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Does Supply Chain Tech Affect Capacity?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the modern era, technology helps supply chains stay updated with the latest innovations to help keep the supply chain flowing at peak proficiency. Supply chain technology<\/a> can affect capacity in a positive way by keeping shipping at a consistent pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How exactly is this accomplished? Well, with the institution of automation and warehouse management software (WMS). Goods are sorted, stored, and routed to truckloads in a fashion that best meets capacity in all cases and destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why is this important, you might ask? From a shipper's perspective, keeping their goods flowing without risking bottlenecks in capacity is mission-critical for any business. Using the latest tech in the supply chain gives you, the shipper, an edge over the competition and keeps your goods flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is always best to seek out the assistance of a truckload specialist when trying to keep your supply chain moving. Our team is happy and eager to help you avoid any unnecessary bottlenecks while keeping truckload capacity in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Dedicated Truckload Capacity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Over the past few years, there has been a surge in dedicated truckload capacity (DTC). DTC has emerged as one of the most surefire ways to avoid capacity constraints for shippers who deal with truckload companies or carriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dedicated Capacity Revenue Growth in Truckload<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Year<\/strong><\/td> Revenue Growth<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
2016<\/td> 1.55 million<\/td><\/tr>
2017<\/td> 2.23 million<\/td><\/tr>
2018<\/td> 3.33 million<\/td><\/tr>
2019<\/td> 4.84 million<\/td><\/tr>
2020<\/td> 6.33 million<\/td><\/tr>
2021<\/td> 8.45 million<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Source: truckinginfo.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
There is also another option known as dedicated contract carriage (DCC). Shippers may find better value when considering DCC. It just depends ultimately on what the shipper is looking for in their region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are the differences between DTC and DCC:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Dedicated Truckload Capacity (DTC):<\/strong> This service is when a trucking company provides continuous support and reliability in trucking capacity that is shared between shippers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC):<\/strong> This service is essentially the same as DTC but with an added caveat of exclusivity of equipment and driver to a specific shipper that is provided by third-party logistics (3PL).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
DTC has shown tremendous growth over the years because more consistent capacity is available. Offering the consistent support of equipment and drivers along a route that is shared with other shippers has great value in avoiding overstretching capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DCC has become increasingly popular among shippers who do a lot of business regularly because their capacity is not shared with anyone. The drivers and equipment are exclusively reserved for the individual shipper alone in specific shipping lanes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are Freight Rates and Does it Affect Capacity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Understanding truckload capacity can help you move freight with cost efficiency in mind. Nevertheless, truckload capacity isn\u2019t alone when considering the rate of truckload freight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some key examples of things to factor in when considering freight rate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Handling:<\/strong> If your shipment requires extra handling, or if it cannot be quickly loaded, the cost increase will vary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Loading & Unloading:<\/strong> If your goods require the use of special equipment when loading and unloading freight, like a lift gate or a trailer dock, then the rate will assuredly start to increase.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Origin and Destination:<\/strong> While the per-mile price might go down when you\u2019re shipping cross-country, the total price will be higher than if you\u2019re shipping to neighboring states.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Time Frame:<\/strong> If you need a delivery time confirmed, like morning or afternoon, this will almost always have a critical impact on your freight rate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Specialty Services:<\/strong> Whenever moving freight that requires special permits, such as an oversized load or a particular commodity, the cost of permits and special equipment will drive the freight rate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Freight Insurance:<\/strong> Safeguarding your freight should always be of the utmost importance. By insuring the estimated value of your freight, you will gain the coverage needed to protect the shipment while increasing the price.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, the freight rate itself does not affect truckload capacity. However, it is the individual instances of requirements that do place potential conditional change on capacity. For instance, a particular time frame request can dictate the available capacity of equipment or drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While other options, such as freight insurance, have no bearing on a freight shipment's truckload capacity. In most cases, any change to the shipping lane, time frame, etc, will almost always incur problematic situations in capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Best Service and Largest Capacity in North America<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are you looking to ship freight at the best price and with a 3PL with the largest fleet in North America? Look no further; USA Truckload powered by R+L Global Logistics is your No. 1 trusted 3PL partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our industry-leading support, services, technology, and equipment will give you the most significant edge in truckload shipping. We have an unmatched \u201cwhite glove\u201d experience for our customers with over 80 years of combined experience, and we are ready to serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our commitment to having available trucks for any situation is best in class. Whether you are looking for a traditional truckload, DTC or DCC, we will facilitate your shipping needs like never before because our commitment to you is paramount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides our fleet, we also have the additional capacity of equipment and drivers through a vast network of carriers. USA Truckload can move anything from oversized, hazmat, refrigerated, and flatbed loads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can move your freight and give the best advice at the best price. Our team is ready to assist you and get your freight moving. You can click for more information<\/a> or call our team today at (866) 353-7178<\/a>, don\u2019t wait and suffer from a lack of capacity, ship with confidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Truckload capacity might be a problem, but a strategic partner can help. You can get a freight rate quote and book your shipment with our vast carrier network.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":1543,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-freight-resources"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/How-Does-Truckload-Capacity-Work_featured.jpg",375,375,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/How-Does-Truckload-Capacity-Work_featured-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/How-Does-Truckload-Capacity-Work_featured-300x300.jpg",300,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/How-Does-Truckload-Capacity-Work_featured.jpg",375,375,false],"large":["https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/How-Does-Truckload-Capacity-Work_featured.jpg",375,375,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/How-Does-Truckload-Capacity-Work_featured.jpg",375,375,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/How-Does-Truckload-Capacity-Work_featured.jpg",375,375,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Joey Rizzolo","author_link":"https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/author\/joey-rizzolo\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Truckload capacity might be a problem, but a strategic partner can help. You can get a freight rate quote and book your shipment with our vast carrier network.","meta_box":{"table_of_contents":[{"heading_tag":"h2"}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8365"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8365\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1543"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newtruckload.rlgrandd.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

What Does Capacity Mean in Logistics?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n