Freight hauling is the backbone of so many industries, ensuring bulk goods move efficiently from one point to another. The global freight trucking market is valued at somewhere north of $2.2 trillion, with more than 3.5 million truckers employed in the U.S. trucking industry alone. 

Outsourcing is a popular option for many businesses reliant on freight hauling that would rather not assume the full cost of labor, fleet management and insurance. As a Northern Ohio third-party logistics company, our Cleveland freight hauling services are among the most in-demand. 

What Is Freight Hauling?

Freight hauling refers to the transportation of large quantities of goods over short or long distances. It involves moving products from manufacturers or suppliers to warehouses, retailers, or directly to customers. Freight hauling can be done using various modes of transportation, including trucks, trains, ships and planes, depending on the size and nature of the cargo as well as the distance it needs to travel.

Freight can be categorized into different types:

• Full Truckload (FTL). Where a single shipment takes up the entire capacity of the truck.
• Less Than Truckload (LTL). Multiple shipments from different businesses share the space within a truck.
• Intermodal Transportation. Using more than one mode of transport, such as combining trucking and rail services.

Each method of freight hauling comes with its own set of advantages depending on the needs of your business. But at its core, freight hauling of all types ensures that products reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

How Freight Hauling Works

Freight hauling may seem straightforward, but it involves a lot of moving parts. As a 3PL company, On Time Delivery & Warehouse handles every stage of the Cleveland freight hauling process. Here’s how it works:

1. Planning and Scheduling: Once a client submits a request for shipment, our team assesses the weight, size, and type of freight to determine the most efficient way to transport it. We also consider delivery timelines and any special requirements, such as refrigeration or fragile handling. 
2. Carrier Selection: Depending on the nature of the shipment, we select the most appropriate carrier (or combination of carriers) to handle the job. We have established relationships with reliable trucking, rail, and shipping companies to ensure that our clients’ products are in good hands.
3. Routing: Efficient routing is key to keeping costs low and ensuring timely deliveries. Our advanced technology helps us plan optimal routes, avoid traffic congestion, and track weather conditions to minimize delays. We may make delivery appointments to ensure efficiency in loading, unloading, consolidating and de-consolidating and delivery. 
4. Tracking and Monitoring: Once the freight is in transit, we use real-time tracking systems to monitor its progress. Clients receive updates throughout the process, and if any delays occur, we provide quick solutions to keep everything on schedule.
5. Delivery and Confirmation: Finally, we ensure that the freight is delivered to its destination on time and in good condition. We handle any issues that may arise during delivery, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for our clients.

Freight hauling may occur intrastate (Ohio-only), interstate (across state lines) or internationally (across national borders). According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation, roughly 75 percent of goods by weight are moved less than 250 miles between origin and destination. Roughly 6 percent of goods by weight  moved 1,000 miles or more. 

Most local companies in need of a Cleveland freight hauler tend to rely on truck transport. Out-of-state customers shipping to On Time Delivery & Warehouse may use a combination of rail, truck or air – including one of the two main rail spurs, CSX Intermodal and Norfolk Southern Railway, and/or Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (CLE). Having a third-party logistics team with its own fleet of trucks, customs-bonded warehouse and TSA carrier status helps ensure all bases are covered for freight hauling of domestic goods and imports/exports. 

Industries That Use Ohio Freight Hauling

Freight hauling is crucial for a wide range of industries, including:

• Manufacturing: Manufacturers rely on freight haulers to transport raw materials to production facilities and deliver finished products to distributors or retailers.
• Retail: Both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce retailers need reliable freight hauling to ensure that their products are available to customers when they’re needed.
• Construction: The construction industry requires the transportation of heavy machinery, building materials, and supplies to job sites across the country.
• Agriculture: Farmers and food producers depend on freight hauling to get perishable goods, such as produce and dairy products, to grocery stores and distribution centers.
• Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: These industries require specialized freight services to handle the transportation of medical supplies, equipment, and temperature-sensitive medications.