Multi-stop truckload is a pivotal aspect of over-the-road trucking. It involves using a single truck to haul shipments to several locations along a continuous route. When properly executed, it presents an opportunity to cut down on fuel, payroll, and maintenance costs. However, it's not without challenges. Careful planning is key to the execution of this shipping strategy.
According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), multi-stop truckload is a shipping method where one truck carries freight destined for multiple destinations. It maximizes efficiency by optimizing routes and fully utilizing cargo space. Under the right circumstances, it can be an effective cost-saving measure.
Join us as we break down the fundamentals of multi-stop truckload.
When it comes to managing freight efficiently, it's essential to understand the components of multi-stop truckload shipping. While it’s not ideal for every shipment, there are many circumstances where leveraging this strategy can be a net positive. Let's take a closer look.
Generally speaking, multi-stop truckloads are employed when two conditions are true:
Instead of sending several trucks with smaller loads to each individual receiver, a single truck is dispatched with a fully or mostly-loaded trailer. This reduces the number of trips required and cuts down on fuel. Making the most of a trailer’s capacity is a key element of multi-stop shipping.
Technology has its fair share in streamlining the multi-stop truckload shipping process. The use of planning software allows shippers to track and manage shipments with efficiency. Such software can provide real-time data, which is vital for timely decision-making and preventing shipment delays.
Multi-stop truckload is a form of LTL shipping. LTL shipping is the practice of filling a trailer with shipments from two or more shippers with multiple destinations. This contrasts with a full truckload (FTL) shipping, in which a single shipper’s deliveries occupy the trailer.
Some advantages of LTL shipping include:
Full truckload (FTL) deliveries are often the method of choice for single, large-volume shipments. While it can be costlier than LTL, a full truckload shipment does have its advantages.
FTL shipping has some of the following benefits:
It’s important to note that the words ‘full’ and ‘less than’ can be a little confusing here. An FTL carrier doesn’t necessarily fill the trailer to capacity. If a customer pays for an entire trailer worth of shipping space just to use a quarter of it, it’s still considered FTL. This can occur when freight needs to be expedited.
Since multi-stop truckloads require more coordination than FTL shipments, planning the route is crucial to success.
Multi-stop route planners are the unsung heroes of efficient multi-stop truckload shipping. By figuring out the best delivery sequence, they can present you with the fastest route.
Today’s route planning tools and technologies have evolved significantly. Advanced software can consider a wide array of variables such as traffic conditions, weather, and load weight. This ensures highly efficient routing, which is especially crucial in time-sensitive deliveries.
Using multi-stop delivery as part of your truckload shipping strategy can have a plethora of advantages. From cost savings to reducing environmental impact, the benefits are hard to ignore.
One of the most enticing benefits of multi-stop delivery is the potential for significant cost savings. By grouping multiple shipments into a single truck, fuel consumption is reduced, as are shipping costs.
To understand how much this method can save in fuel costs, let’s take a look at diesel prices over the last five years.
| Year | Cost Per Gallon | Cost Per Thousand Miles Averaging 6.5 MPG |
| 2018 | $3.17 | $487.69 |
| 2019 | $3.05 | $469.23 |
| 2020 | $2.55 | $392.30 |
| 2021 | $3.28 | $504.61 |
| 2022 | $4.98 | $766.15 |
The last two years have seen spikes in the cost of diesel, largely due to factors such as the war in Ukraine. The more fuel a carrier has to use to move your cargo, the higher the costs will be. For this reason, multi-stop shipping should be used when possible to split the costs of fuel among shippers.
Reducing fuel use doesn’t just save money: it can also enhance your company’s image as a responsible, eco-conscious brand. An environmentally friendly approach to logistics is becoming more critical than ever. Making multiple stops is inherently greener than deploying multiple trucks, as it reduces the number total number of miles driven when used correctly. Fewer miles mean less fuel consumption, which directly translates to lower emissions.
Additionally, optimized routes mean less time on the road, resulting in savings on driver wages and vehicle wear-and-tear.
Multi-stop delivery not only benefits your bottom line, but can also lead to streamlined operations. Efficient route planning and delivery schedules make it easier to predict arrival times, which helps in managing customer expectations.
If you need to deliver multiple packages along a continuous route, multi-stop delivery is a smart move.
In continuous move multi-stop truckload shipping, the emphasis is on keeping the truck moving with as little idle time as possible. The truck is always loaded and making back-to-back deliveries.
While this approach can drastically reduce downtime and increase efficiency, it's not without its challenges. The planning process is far more complex and requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure seamless back-to-back loading and unloading.
Being successful in multi-stop truckload shipping is an art that combines effective planning, intelligent use of technology, and great communication.
These three best practices are crucial to proper implementation of multi-stop truckload shipping.
Real-world examples provide invaluable insights into the practical application of multi-stop truckload shipping.
Here are a few cases that demonstrate how companies have harnessed the power of this shipping method to drive success.
These success stories highlight the potential of multi-stop truckload shipping as an efficient and sustainable logistics strategy. Whether it’s retail, food production, or e-commerce, the effective application of multi-stop truckload shipping can translate into reduced costs, faster deliveries, and environmental sustainability.
When you need a trusted partner for your multi-stop truckload shipping needs, USA Truckload Shipping is here for you. We’re experts in providing tailored shipping solutions that are as unique as your business.
Our services include:
Our state-of-the-art technology ensures efficient route planning and real-time tracking. Plus, our dedicated support team is always just a call away. Don’t miss out on optimizing your logistics with us. Give us a call at 866-353-7178 or request a proposal and step into a world of streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective shipping.
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315 NE 14th St., Ocala, FL 34470
