| The trucking industry can be broken into two | | | | Flatbed: This is an open trailer. There are truckload |
| segments: Less than truckload (LTL), and truckload | | | | carriers that specialize with flatbeds only. |
| freight (sometimes referred to as full truckload or | | | | Step deck: This is a flat bed that drops to allow for |
| FTL). LTL freight is for smaller shipments, usually | | | | taller freight |
| weighing less than 5000 lbs. With LTL, carriers will | | | | Van: This is a closed trailer |
| consolidate numerous smaller shipments from a | | | | There are thousands of truck haulers / flatbed |
| number of customers into one trailer. This is often | | | | haulers in the US, and finding the right one to move |
| cost effective but takes additional time relative to | | | | your freight can be a daunting task. For full load |
| truckload freight (which often moves direct from | | | | shipments weighing in excess of 5000 lbs, it may be |
| origin to destination). | | | | cost advantageous to retain a reputable freight |
| Truckload freight usually starts at 5000 lbs and up | | | | broker / truckload broker. Truckload brokers often |
| and is moved in a dedicated trailer (full truckload), or | | | | work with numerous truckload carriers and they add |
| is grouped with other shipments (partial truckload). | | | | value by vetting the carriers, checking their safety |
| Truckload may mean (among other things): | | | | records, insurance, and licensing credentials. They can |
| Reefer: This is a refrigerated truckload trailer. There | | | | also save you money by shopping for a more |
| are truckload carriers that specialize with reefers only. | | | | competitive trucking quote. |