Full truckload (FTL) shipping, specifically drop and hook trucking, is a popular solution offering many benefits. Shipping cargo efficiently and affordably is critical for any business. Additionally, drop and hook trucking streamline logistics operations, minimizing loading and unloading times, and reducing overall transit times for shipments.
This post will explore what drop and hook shipping involves and why it’s worth considering.
Drop and hook is a form of full truckload (FTL) shipping. FTL shipping refers to using a whole truck to ship your goods or having enough freight to fill an entire truck (usually covering ten or more pallets).
With drop and hook (also known as “drop trailer” or “no-touch freight”) shipping, a driver delivers a full trailer (or, in some cases, an empty one) and then hooks their tractor (truck cab) to another full trailer at the same location.
Drop and hook shipping removes the need for drivers to wait while their trailer is loaded and unloaded. That makes for faster shipping overall.
Companies often use FTL shipping when working to tight deadlines since drivers won’t need to make multiple stops. If time is less of an issue and shippers have smaller shipments, businesses can opt for less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping instead.
During a live load, a truck driver waits for their trailer to be loaded or unloaded at the loading dock. That can lead to longer waiting times for truck drivers. Trucking companies usually provide 2 hours of free wait time, but after that, they start charging for detention.
Drop and hook FTL shipping offers several benefits, including:
Efficiency is crucial when shipping goods domestically or internationally. The drop trailer approach makes shipping smoother and less time-consuming.
If you choose live-load shipping, truck drivers will need to wait while their trailers are loaded and unloaded at loading docks. This can be frustrating for drivers who want to hit the road again as soon as possible and may slow your shipping.
FTL shipping is a great option to ship goods in high volumes. Choosing FTL transport means the entire truck or trailer is dedicated to your items only, so truck drivers won’t need to stop multiple times in their journey for multiple businesses’ cargo. Drop and hook shipping further speeds up the process by eliminating loading and unloading times.
With drop trailer shipping, truck drivers deliver goods without coming into contact with any of their cargo, making for a more efficient and secure process.
Companies using drop and hook shipping don’t need to pay truck drivers a waiting fee (covering the time they spend waiting for cargo to be unloaded). Businesses that want to avoid unnecessary costs may find FTL transport the best option.
Here are some of the main reasons for using drop and hook FTL shipping.
Items that are small and easy to maneuver are often loaded directly onto the floor of a trailer or truck without using pallets. Loose items can take longer to load and unload than a pallet shipment. By choosing drop trailer shipping, you don’t have to worry about the longer live loading times for loose, floor-loaded items.
Shipping backlogs are a common issue in warehouses and distribution centers. Whether that’s due to staffing problems or too many packages, backups can reduce efficiency. Drop and hook is a good option in these situations because it bypasses busy warehouses entirely.
Many warehouses and distribution centers have lots of room for docking. That allows them to welcome more trucks and trailers, even when they may not have a huge workforce. Drop trailer shipping allows these facilities to handle more shipments and make the most of their space available.
Businesses regularly shipping large amounts of goods need an efficient process to manage their deliveries and avoid supply-chain issues. Drop and hook FTL shipping lets you stay on track with your busy shipping schedule.
FTL drop and hook shipping can make for faster, smoother, and more cost-effective deliveries. If your business ships goods in high volumes and with tight time constraints, drop trailer transport could be the right method for you.
DTS is a shipping logistics company with more than 30 years of experience. We offer solutions to help you optimize your whole supply chain. For more information on full truckload rates and services, contact the DTS team today.
Whether you're a company looking to improve one facet of your supply chain, your entire supply chain, or simply looking for a transportation and logistics consultation, we can help.
