Truckload Carriers

Truckload Carriers

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in this industry provide long-distance transportation by truck of general freight, in which freight from a single shipper makes up a truckload. Major companies include JB Hunt, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and Werner Enterprises (all based in the US), along with TFI International (Canada).

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by consumer spending and manufacturing output. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations. Large companies have advantages in account relationships, bulk fuel purchasing, fleet size, and access to drivers. Small operations can compete effectively by providing quick turnaround, serving a local market, or transporting unusually sized goods. The US industry is?fragmented: the 50 largest companies account for about 50% of industry revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

A truckload (TL) customer typically loads a trailer full (or nearly full); the carrier then transports the container, and a receiver unloads the contents. Shipments are usually delivered within one or two days, depending on the distance.