Expediting Trucking

Expedited Trucking: Delivering Time-Sensitive Goods Quickly and Safely

Have you ever wondered how things you order online arrive at your doorstep so quickly? Well, it's all thanks to expedited trucking! Expedited trucking is a special type of delivery service that focuses on getting important and time-sensitive items to their destination as fast as possible. Let's explore what expedited trucking is all about.

Imagine you had to send something really important across the country, like two pregnant boa constrictors, 1,000 pounds of pizza dough, or even parts for a space telescope. These things need to be handled with care and delivered on time. That's where expedited trucking comes in! It's like a superhero service for urgent deliveries.

Types of Vehicles Used for Expediting

Expedited trucking uses different types of trucks depending on the size and nature of the cargo. Here are a few examples:

1. Cargo van: For small and delicate items like the boa constrictors or a bag of produce for testing.

2. Sprinter van: A bit bigger than a cargo van, it can carry three pallets of goods, like valuable pharmaceuticals.

3. Straight truck: When the cargo is too big, oddly shaped, or heavy for a sprinter van, a straight truck comes into play. It usually has a sleeper unit, so the drivers can keep going without stopping.

4. Tractor-trailer: This is for really long items or large loads. It's like the big trucks you see on the highways, but these ones are specially equipped for expedited deliveries.

Expedited trucking is not just about delivering goods quickly; it's also about ensuring they arrive safely. Some items are fragile, valuable, or time-critical, so they need special attention during transport. Expedited truckers take great care to match their trucks to the specific cargo they're carrying, whether it's live animals, antique cars, or even custom-made coffins!

You might have heard of a TV show called "Shipping Wars" that showcases the exciting world of expedited trucking. It's a bit like the Wild West of shipping, with independent truckers competing for loads that big carriers can't or won't handle. But in reality, being an expedited trucker is a responsible job that requires balancing important factors like time, load, and overhead costs.

Expedited trucking plays a crucial role in our modern world, especially with the rise of online shopping and the need for quick and efficient delivery. Without reliable companies specializing in expedited trucking, we wouldn't receive our orders as fast as we do.

So, the next time you order something online and it arrives at your doorstep in no time, remember that expedited trucking made it possible. It's like having a superhero deliver your package right on time!

References:

1. Auto.edu: [1](https://auto.edu/blog/what-is-expedited-trucking-how-can-i-get-a-job-doing-it/)
2. Foxconn Logistics: [2](https://foxconnlogistics.com/what-is-expedited-trucking-a-complete-guide/)
3. Apex Capital Blog: [3](https://www.apexcapitalcorp.com/blog/expedited-trucking/)

Where to find expedited freight

Expedited trucking companies often use load boards to find freight to haul. Load boards are online platforms that connect carriers and shippers, allowing them to post and search for available loads. Here are some load boards commonly used by expediting trucking companies:

1. DAT Load Board: The DAT load board is a popular choice for finding expedited loads for cargo vans. It offers a comprehensive platform with over 400 million loads posted annually [[1](https://www.dat.com/solutions/cargo-van-expediting)]. Carriers and owner-operators can connect with brokers and shippers to find time-sensitive and emergency expedited loads [[1](https://www.dat.com/solutions/cargo-van-expediting)]. DAT provides valuable insights and market data to help negotiate rates and secure profitable loads [[1](https://www.dat.com/solutions/cargo-van-expediting)].

2. Expedited Load Board by DAT: DAT's expedited load board is specifically designed for expedited trucking. It provides access to time-sensitive loads from shippers and freight brokers. The load board includes features that help find the right expedited loads quickly and easily [[2](https://www.dat.com/solutions/expedited-load-board)]. Carriers can also benefit from updated broker information and market rate data to ensure they get the best rates [[2](https://www.dat.com/solutions/expedited-load-board)].

3. Cargo Van Load Board by DAT: For cargo van expediting, DAT offers a comprehensive cargo van load board. It is the largest in the industry, with nearly 1 million freight listings every day [[3](https://www.dat.com/solutions/cargo-van-load-board)]. The load board is user-friendly and provides features to easily find suitable loads for cargo vans [[3](https://www.dat.com/solutions/cargo-van-load-board)]. Carriers can optimize their business by accessing efficient shipping routes and finding loads that match their cargo van's requirements [[3](https://www.dat.com/solutions/cargo-van-load-board)].

These load boards, such as the ones provided by DAT, offer extensive coverage, reliable brokers, and features that help expedited trucking companies save time and find the best loads for their cargo vans. It's important for expeditors to explore different load boards and choose the ones that best meet their specific needs and requirements.

Loadboards Other Than DAT for expediting trucking

Expediting truckers looking for load boards other than DAT have several options to consider. Here are some load board alternatives that expediting truckers can explore:

1. Truckstop Load Board: Truckstop.com is an online freight-matching marketplace that provides load boards, transportation management system (TMS) software, cargo insurance, spot market rates, and other freight solutions. It offers various features such as load searching, lane and truck posting, real-time updates, heat map, multi-trip management, and more. Truckstop is available as a browser platform and also has a mobile app for convenience [[1](https://www.g2.com/products/truckstop-load-board/competitors/alternatives)].

2. Cargobase: Cargobase is a platform that helps manage and procure spot buy freight across all freight modes from preselected providers. It offers features to connect truckers with shippers and freight brokers, facilitating the matching of loads. Cargobase is a potential alternative for expediting truckers looking for load boards other than DAT [[1](https://www.g2.com/products/cargobase/competitors/alternatives)].

3. Descartes Aljex: Descartes Aljex is a cloud-based broker and logistics software designed to assist in load management. It provides features for load matching, dispatch management, and logistics operations. Expediting truckers can consider Descartes Aljex as an alternative to DAT Load Board for finding loads [[1](https://www.g2.com/products/aljex/competitors/alternatives)].

4. Freightview: Freightview is a standalone transportation management system suitable for small to medium-sized businesses that ship less-than-truckload (LTL) freight and work with multiple carriers or brokers. It offers load board functionality, allowing truckers to find suitable loads for their expedited shipments [[1](https://www.g2.com/products/freightview/competitors/alternatives)].

5. SONAR: SONAR is a platform that delivers real-time data and analysis across the global freight market. It provides insights to carriers, brokers, shippers, and other participants in the supply chain. SONAR offers exclusive data to help with benchmarking, analysis, monitoring, and forecasting. It can be a valuable tool for expediting truckers in finding loads [[1](https://www.g2.com/products/freightwaves-sonar/competitors/alternatives)].

These are just a few examples of load board alternatives to DAT that expediting truckers can consider. Additionally, the list of load boards available for truckers is extensive, and it's advisable to explore multiple options to find the most suitable load boards that align with specific requirements and preferences.

Please note that the information provided is based on the context and sources available up to my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. The availability and features of load boards may change over time, so it's recommended to verify the current status and offerings of each load board mentioned.

Costs associated with starting an expedited trucking company

Starting an expediting trucking company involves various costs. Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with starting such a business:

1. Business Structure and Licensing: You need to decide on the business structure for your company, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC. Consulting with an accountant or attorney is recommended to determine the best structure for your needs. You will also need to obtain a federal tax identification number and apply for a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. Additionally, you will need to apply for operating authority and obtain Motor Carrier (MC) numbers from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) [[2](https://batrkr.com/start-expediting-business/)].

2. Insurance: Acquiring insurance is essential for a trucking company. The cost of insurance depends on factors such as the amount of coverage, your driving history, and the duration of your business [[2](https://batrkr.com/start-expediting-business/)].

3. Vehicle and Equipment: The cost of the truck or van and its equipment is a significant expense. The price of a new Freightliner Sprinter van can range from $35,000 to $50,000, while a new expediter straight truck with a sleeper can cost around $175,000 to over $200,000. Financing options should be considered, and the down payment and first month's payment should be included in your startup costs. Additionally, you may need to invest in equipment such as liftgates, pads, blankets, load bars, straps, and a pallet jack [[3](https://www.expeditersonline.com/trucking-news/dollars-sense/the-expediters-startup-costs-explained-8112.htm)].

4. Licensing and Credentials: You may need to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications such as Hazmat and TSA, depending on the size of the truck or van you operate. These credentials have associated costs, including fees for obtaining the CDL and maintaining certifications [[3](https://www.expeditersonline.com/trucking-news/dollars-sense/the-expediters-startup-costs-explained-8112.htm)].

5. Business Account: Opening a separate business checking account is recommended to keep your personal and business finances separate. This account will help you track income, expenses, and net profit for tax purposes [[2](https://batrkr.com/start-expediting-business/)].

6. Marketing and Reputation Building: Allocating funds for marketing your business is essential to attract clients and build a reputation. This can include creating a website, developing marketing materials, advertising, and networking [[2](https://batrkr.com/start-expediting-business/)].

It's important to note that the costs can vary depending on factors such as location, size of the business, equipment choices, and insurance coverage. Conducting thorough research, consulting professionals, and creating a detailed business plan will help you estimate the specific costs for starting your expediting trucking company.