Getting into the trucking business is not an easy task. Aside from gathering the vehicles and other resources you need to start your business, it’s best that you learn about the different types of trucking that you can choose from.
One of the main types of trucking that you can invest in is long-haul freight transportation. It is a common type of trucking that allows businesses and individuals to source products and different materials from any point in the country.
What is Long-Haul Trucking?
Long-haul trucking is a type of trucking that requires drivers to transport products and materials over 400 kilometers. It uses specialized vehicles that can handle loads that most average-sized vans and trucks cannot handle.
Long-haul transportation can also refer to the complicated operation involved in this kind of trucking. Aside from simply loading cargo onto the truck, driving it to its destination, and unloading it, long-haul trucking requires a lot of logistics and administrative tasks to ensure that every piece of product or material being transported is safe. Long-haul truck drivers also need to be trained in order to be prepared for any challenges that they may encounter on the road.
Types of Long-Haul Trucks
Since long-haul transportation often involves moving different kinds of cargo from one place to another, you need to use specialized trucks. This will allow you to transport materials and products safely across long distances. Some of the most common types of transport trucks used for long-haul trucking are the following:
Flatbed Truck
This type of truck has an open bed without walls or a roof, which makes the loading and unloading process much easier. It is used for transporting large and heavy cargo, including heavy equipment and cars.
Refrigerated Truck
When transporting perishable goods, such as vegetables and fruits, long-haul truckers use refrigerated or reefer trucks. This type of truck has a temperature-controlled cabin that allows the cargo to stay fresh throughout the shipment.
Vented Van
Another common type of truck used for long-haul transportation is a vented van. This is a type of enclosed trailer that is equipped with vents and is used for transporting dry and non-perishable goods. It’s designed to protect the cargo from the elements to keep it safe in transit.
Challenges of Long-Haul Trucking
Although long-haul trucking can offer a lot of benefits, such as income stability, it also has some downsides. When you choose to get into long-haul trucking, you may encounter some challenges, including the following:
Fuel Costs
One of the greatest issues you may run into when running a long-haul transportation business is fuel costs. Because fuel prices are volatile, you can’t always project your expenses for the month or even week. This can cause you stress, especially if the fuel prices keep on rising.
Additionally, long-haul trucks are not known for their fuel efficiency. Therefore, you might have to spend a lot of money to ensure that your vehicles have enough fuel to complete their deliveries. This means that you also have to charge your clients higher to fulfill their needs. Although most clients will understand this, some may object to the increase.
Vehicle Maintenance
Another challenge you might encounter when running a long-haul transportation company is keeping up with your vehicles’ maintenance. To ensure that your trucks are performing well, you need to bring them in for maintenance and routine checkup regularly.
However, because your trucks aren’t always used simultaneously, their maintenance and checkup schedules may differ. This makes it hard to track which trucks are due for maintenance and may even cause you to miss some appointments.
Vehicle maintenance may also cost you a significant amount of money, especially when several of your trucks are due for a checkup all at once. Repairs may also cost a lot of money as your trucks get older and become subject to wear and tear.
Skilled Drivers
One of the greatest challenges you can face when starting a long-haul transportation business is looking for highly skilled drivers who can transport goods over long distances. You need to find individuals who have the physical and mental stamina to drive for several hours per day while also ensuring safety.
Additionally, the drivers you hire should have the right licenses and training to drive a long-haul truck. This will help you ensure the safety of your staff and your clients’ goods.
Venture Into Long-Haul Trucking
Now that you’ve learned more about long-haul trucking, you can be confident enough to start your business. Knowing about the different challenges you may encounter also allows you to prepare for any problems.
To kickstart your new business, turn to us at Prime Quest. You can count on us for high-quality long-haul or cargo trucks and after-sales services, which will be beneficial for your investment. Talk to us to learn more.
