To the end customer, the delivery process is seldom seen. However, the logistics included in the transportation and delivery industry is immense and continuously evolving with the rapid rise of eCommerce in the digital age.
If you can imagine the incredible amount of goods being transported worldwide every day, you can glimpse the significance of optimizing line-haul logistics. This article takes a closer look at what Canada line-haul logistics is and what is involved in the process.
How does line-haul logistics work in Canada?
Line-haul transportation is defined as the movement of freight to transport heavy loads between cities or long distances using roads, rail lines, air, or waterways. Freight varies in both size and weight. The process begins with courier companies gathering freight from a specified storehouse. At this storehouse, same-destination freight is joined and placed in trailers for long-distance delivery.
This shipment is then directed to a hub (sorting facility), where it is organized for further distribution. The transportation industry runs efficiently with high-volume operations using the Line Haul Network. This network refers to the infrastructure that supports the transportation process, which includes:
- Truck drivers
- Dockworkers
- Trailers and tractors
- Depots
- Hubs
Typically, freight with common destinations is consolidated at a depot and transported in trailers to a hub (sorting facility) or another depot (distribution facility). At a sorting facility, freight is further consolidated for transportation to its final destination.
How is logistics in line-haul trucking optimized?
Whether transporting a large volume of goods or a small shipment, the top priority is to keep your cargo moving on schedule and budget. To accomplish this, routing, capacity restrictions, and shipment deadlines are the main focus of transport companies in Canada.
A trained team with experience in supply chain management and logistics plans the route. These experts find the most cost-effective way of transporting goods. For optimized line-haul logistics, companies operate with a large fleet to accommodate massive projects and maintain flexibility. In addition, they run with an interconnected network of depots, ports, and railways to deliver goods safely and on time.
The Bottom Line
Line-haul transportation is a substantial undertaking requiring many moving parts and people to accomplish. As a result, transport companies in Canada rely on a dependable system that includes tracking, data collection, detailed organization, communication, and technologically advanced solutions.
At Shadow Group, we are an asset-based company with hundreds of equipment and machinery pieces. And with decades of experience serving Canada and the U.S., we’re here to meet your line-haul transportation needs.
FAQs
Q: How are line-haul rates determined?
A: The overall cost for linehaul rates is determined by each delivery’s cost per mile, also referred to as the linehaul rate. Therefore, the model is as follows: Overall cost = mileage x per mile rate.
Q: What sectors do line-haul logistics affect?
A: The importance of line-haul logistics is found in the areas it affects. Such areas include:
- Shipment duration
- Transportation cost
- Delivery to and from hubs (sorting facilities)
- Delivery to and from warehouses
- Movement of freight
Q: Why is linehaul tracking important?
A: Linehaul tracking provides valuable insights. It improves customer experience and provides awareness of delivery results and the performance of carriers. Additionally, it offers more transparency for deliveries.
Q: Why does line-haul optimization matter?
A: Companies face two main challenges in linehaul deliveries. First is staying on top of tough SLA compliance. The second is lowering logistical prices. The rapidly growing customer demands make it challenging to reduce transport expenditures. Moreover, long work hours are among the leading causes of driver turnover. Line haul optimization helps to deal with cumbersome tasks efficiently.