The logistics industry relies on efficient transporting and delivering goods from location to location. Line haul transportation plays a significant role in this, especially with the rapid rise of eCommerce in our digital age.
If you can imagine the sheer amount of goods being transported worldwide daily, you can see the significance of optimizing line-haul logistics. This article takes a closer look at Canada’s line-haul logistics 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. It uses various forms of transport such as roads, rail lines, air, or waterways. Road transportation is currently the most common mode of freight transport in Canada, both for internal trade and for trade with the United States.
Some key features of line haul transportation include long distances, large loads, schedule runs, and freight tracking. Line haul transportation can benefit businesses by being a cost-effective, efficient, and flexible way of transporting goods.
Transported freight can range in both size and weight. The process begins with courier companies gathering freight from an initial warehouse, then being organized and categorized by location for long-distance delivery.
Shipments are then directed to a hub (sorting facility) and distributed. 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
How Is Logistics in Line-Haul Trucking Optimized?
A trained team with extensive experience in supply chain management and logistics is primarily responsible for planning the scheduled routes. These experts find the most cost-efficient strategy for transporting goods. Integrating advanced technology and software has made optimization through various techniques easier.
Techniques can include:
Route Optimization:
Route optimization plays a critical role in line haul transport. Identifies the shortest and most efficient route that minimizes unnecessary miles while reducing fuel consumption and the carbon footprint. Supply chain experts can capitalize on their efforts by using advanced routing algorithms and mapping technologies for route planning optimization.
Load balancing:
Improves fleet utilization to their optimal capacity and minimizes their required quantity, reducing the cost of transportation.
Mode selection:
Depending on the shipment’s size, weight, destination, and delivery requirements, mode selection chooses the most efficient and cost-conscious modes of transport. This can include truck, rail, air or ship.
Line haul transportation is a paramount segment in the supply chain. Utilizing and taking advantage of line haul optimization becomes a key strategy for business.
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 called the linehaul rate. 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 line haul tracking important?
A: Line haul tracking allows for important data collection and delivery transparency. Real-time tracking using new technologies (like GPS and RFID) can give updates on the location and status of shipments to ensure timely and accurate deliveries to their end destinations.
Q: Why does line-haul optimization matter?
A: Companies face two main challenges in line haul deliveries. First is staying on top of 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.