Line haul transportation refers to the movement of goods and cargo over long distances, typically between cities or regions. This type of transportation is typically provided by large commercial carriers, such as trucking companies or railroads. The term “line haul” refers to the main or primary portion of a trip, as opposed to “local haul” which refers to the shorter, local portion of a trip.
Several factors, including the mode of transportation, determine whether a trip is considered line haul. A long-distance truck trip, for instance, is typically regarded as line haul, whereas a shorter train trip might not be. In the context of shipping, the term “line haul” refers to the portion of a ship’s journey that takes it from one port to another.
Due to the greater distances involved, line haul transportation frequently costs more than local transportation. This means that line haul is typically only used when absolutely necessary, such as when time is of the essence or goods need to be transported over long distances.
Line Haul Transportation Compared with Road, Rail, Sea, and Air Transportation
Line haul transportation is a type of transportation that typically involves the movement of goods over long distances by truck, train, or ship. It is typically used for large shipments of goods that are not time-sensitive and can be shipped in bulk.
Compared to road transportation, line haul transportation can cover longer distances and is typically used for larger shipments. Road transportation is typically used for shorter distances and smaller shipments.
Compared to rail transportation, line haul transportation by truck offers more flexibility and is typically faster. Rail transportation is typically less expensive and more energy-efficient but may take longer to reach the destination.
Compared to sea transportation, line haul transportation by truck and train is typically faster and more flexible. Sea transportation is typically less expensive but takes longer to reach the destination.
Compared to air transportation, line haul transportation is typically less expensive but takes longer to reach the destination. Air transportation is typically faster and is used for time-sensitive shipments.
Overall, the best mode of transportation will depend on the type of goods being shipped, the distance of the shipment, and the time sensitivity of the shipment.
What is a Line Haul Carrier?
A line haul carrier is a company or organization that specializes in providing line haul transportation services. This typically involves the movement of goods over long distances by truck, train, or ship. Line haul carriers typically operate on a scheduled basis, moving goods between major transportation hubs, such as ports, airports, and distribution centers. They may also provide intermodal transportation, which involves the movement of goods by multiple modes of transport, such as truck and train. Line haul carriers are responsible for the pick-up and delivery of the goods, the handling of cargo, and the necessary paperwork such as bills of lading and customs declarations. They also provide tracking and tracing services to customers to keep them informed of the status of their shipments.
Why is Line Haul Carrier Tracking Important?
Line haul carrier tracking is important for a number of reasons:
Visibility: It allows customers to know the location of their shipments in real-time, providing visibility into the entire shipping process. This helps customers to plan their logistics, inventory and production accordingly.
Accountability: It enables customers to hold the carrier responsible for any delays or issues that may arise during transportation.
Cost savings: By tracking the location of shipments, customers can identify any potential delays or issues early on and take corrective action to minimize the impact on their business. This can help to reduce costs and avoid potential financial losses.
Security: It allows customers to monitor their shipments for security purposes and take appropriate action if necessary.
Compliance: It enables customers to comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards for tracking and traceability of goods.
Improved customer service: It allows carriers to provide better customer service by providing real-time information about the status of shipments, giving customers peace of mind and satisfaction about the service.
Overall, line haul carrier tracking is a critical component of transportation logistics and supply chain management, providing customers with the information they need to make informed decisions, ensure the timely delivery of goods, and maintain the integrity of their supply chain.
