Over the Road (OTR) refers to long-haul freight transportation, typically involving the movement of goods over long distances, often crossing state lines. OTR truck drivers are usually on the road for extended periods, traveling across regions or the entire country to deliver goods, unlike local or regional trucking, which covers shorter distances.

Full Truckload (FTL) refers to a shipping method where an entire truck's capacity is dedicated to a single shipment. In FTL, the shipper's cargo fills the truck and the shipment goes directly from the origin to the destination without sharing space with other shipments or making multiple stops along the way. This method is often used for large shipments or when faster delivery is required.

For FTL shipping, the main trailer options include dry vans for general cargo, reefers for temperature-sensitive goods and open-deck trailers for oversized or irregular items. There are also variations within these equipment types to accommodate smaller FTL shipments at a cost-effective rate between LTL and FTL prices, as well as specialized open-deck options for handling larger dimensions and Over-Dimensional (OD) loads.

Over-Dimensional (OD) refers to open-deck shipments that exceed the legal height, width, length or weight restrictions imposed by authorities, which may vary from state to state. It's important to note that OD dimensions cannot be created by simply combining multiple pieces to exceed legal limits. OD is a highly specialized area of expertise that requires thorough planning for a smooth execution.

• Dry Van: Typically holds 40,000 to 45,000 pounds and up to 26 standard pallets (48" x 40"). The standard 53-foot trailer has enough space for two rows of pallets, stacked single-high.
• Reefer (Refrigerated Trailer): Holds a similar weight capacity of 40,000 to 45,000 pounds; however, due to the insulation, the pallet counts vary. Reefers can hold around 24 to 26 standard pallets, but it is dependent on the reefer unit's interior space.
• Flatbed: Handles up to 48,000 pounds with the number of pallets depending on how the cargo is secured and loaded, typically this will be 24 to 26 pallets if they are loaded flat. The flexibility of flatbeds allows for non-standard cargo shapes and sizes.

FTL should be considered when you have enough freight to fill most or all of a truck's capacity, or when time-sensitive deliveries require direct transportation without multiple stops. FTL is also ideal when shipping valuable, fragile or sensitive goods that need to be handled carefully, as it reduces the chances of damage. Additionally, FTL can be more cost-effective for large shipments compared to LTL, where multiple smaller shipments share a truck.

Shipping via truck provides shippers with flexibility in reaching various destinations, door-to-door service that minimizes handling and delays and often faster transit times for shorter distances. It can be cost-effective for smaller or specialized shipments, offers real-time tracking for better visibility and can handle a wide range of cargo types with specialized equipment.

Shipping via truck can have drawbacks including delays from traffic and weather, limited cargo capacity compared to rail and a higher environmental impact than other transportation methods. These factors can affect delivery schedules and overall efficiency.

A Partial Truckload (PTL) shipment typically falls between traditional Less-than-Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL) in terms of size. It involves shipping a load that is too large for LTL carriers—such as half or more of a truck’s space—but not enough to justify paying for an entire truckload. On the other side of the equation, most LTL carriers have strict size limits and won’t allow you to book a significant portion of their truck. Partial truckload shipments are generally more cost-effective for larger loads that don’t require a full truck, while LTL is ideal for smaller shipments that only occupy a small portion of the truck.

Opting for a 3PL for FTL shipping presents several operational advantages compared to using asset-based carriers. 3PLs leverage a broad network of carriers, which can optimize service levels and cost-effectiveness. They offer flexibility to adjust to varying shipment volumes and requirements, their negotiating power can result in more competitive rates and 3PLs also employ advanced technology for enhanced tracking and visibility. Their capability to scale services combined with their expertise in managing complex logistics and regulatory compliance further differentiate 3PLs from asset-based carriers.