Trailer repositioning plays a crucial role in the world of logistics. However, many shippers are unaware this service is available to them. There are advantages of using trailer relocation that every business should know about.
According to the freight data provider FreightWaves, trailer repositioning is a strategic practice in logistics, where empty or underutilized trailers are moved to areas with higher demand. This strategy is often used to avoid deadhead miles. Shippers can also save money by using the load-out trailer repositioning technique.
Learn more about trailer repositioning and all the ways it can help you save when moving bulk shipments of freight.
Businesses who have operations around the U.S. might find that some of their warehouses are short on trailers. Equipment repositioning services allow them to move what they need to the locations it’s needed most. In some cases, shippers can also move freight shipments inside relocated trailers.
When shippers use repositioning, they can:
While businesses are the beneficiaries of this service, there are other parties can take advantage of it as well. These include equipment leasing providers and carriers.
Use your own trailer to move cargo with power only trucking services.
Although there are great benefits to semi trailer repositioning, it still costs money. A local move for a 53-foot dry van trailer can be as much as $500. The amount that has to be paid for this service can vary based on a variety of factors.
Some of them include:
The distance between the current location of the trailer and its destination significantly impacts the cost. For example, equipment that travels between locations inside a state will be cheaper to reposition than one that travels from one state to another.
Another significant component that affects trailer relocation prices is the cost of fuel. The longer the distance, the higher the fuel expenses. Driver wages can also contribute to the cost of repositioning semi trailers. Truckers with specialized skills will be paid more for their work. If a driver with a valuable skill set performs relocation, the expense of the service rises.
The maintenance costs for trailers can influence repositioning. Regular checks and repairs ensure that equipment is safe for transport. This minimizes the risk of breakdowns and delays. Finally, administrative tasks will influence rates for the service as well. These duties require time and resources, which contribute to the overall cost.
Some administrative tasks include:
The rates that trailer reposition companies charge will vary with every shipment. That said, this logistics operation will always be a cheaper than the expenses that come with deadhead miles.
Trailer relocation is one strategy that shippers use to reduce their transport costs. Normally, reefers and dry vans are empty when they’re moved. That said, businesses can request that a trailer be loaded with freight prior to trailer repositioning.
This type of technique is called load out, and it involves filling trailers in one area to their full capacity before moving them to another location. Using this option is more efficient than relocating the equipment while it’s unloaded.
Shippers that choose not to use load out will have to use multiple shipments to transfer their goods. This would mean additional fuel costs and more labor to move the loads of freight. Carriers benefit from load out because they’re still able to transport a trailer to a location where it’s needed. It should be noted that using this option will increase transit times. This service requires loading trailers to full capacity before they’re sent to another destination.
Trailer relocation is used to address imbalances in equipment distribution and optimize logistics operations. There are a few reasons why equipment might be needed more in one location than in others.
These include:
Trailer repositioning is particularly useful when seasonal increases in demand occur. During the holiday season, customers in certain locations may desire specific types of products.
Businesses that have goods located in warehouses in different parts of the country can use semi trailer relocation to transport goods and equipment to places where demand is high. We’ve provided some data on when consumers in the U.S. start their holiday shopping.
| Month | Percentage of Holiday Shoppers in 2021 | Percentage of Holiday Shippers in 2022 |
| October | 45% | 56% |
| November | 42% | 35% |
| December | 11% | 9% |
| January | 2% | 1% |
Provided by Statista
This data can help shippers determine when they’ll need more of certain products and equipment. Trailer relocation is also used to reduce transportation costs. Shipping freight in equipment that’s being relocated is an efficient strategy because additional loads won’t have to be organized.
Trailer relocation enables shippers to expand their customer reach as well. Moving this type of equipment to new regions or areas allows businesses to access new markets. This is especially helpful when a company opens a new distribution center in a different part of the country.
There are a few different solutions that help facilitate effective trailer repositioning services. In some cases, only one of these methods is required.
However, there are many instances where a combination of these solutions are used:
We’ll explain how each of these methods are used to perform effective trailer positioning services.
Technology plays a crucial role in repositioning dry van trailers. For example, advanced logistics management systems can provide real-time information regarding the location of equipment. This gives shippers the ability to track and manage their fleet efficiently.
Some types of technological systems that are used for trailer repositioning services include:
Using GPS tracking systems allows shippers to monitor the transportation of trailers. Businesses can also use this information to prepare for the arrival of their equipment. Route optimization software utilizes algorithms to calculate the most efficient routes for trailer repositioning.
These technological systems analyze factors such as:
This helps transportation companies find the best route to use when performing reefer or dry van trailer repositioning. Better routes also mean reduced costs for shippers. Telematics systems are another useful solution that collects data on various trailer parameters.
Telematics can measure things like:
The information that telematics provides helps shippers monitor the conditions of their equipment. This type of technology solution can also help transportation companies with route optimization.
Automated alert systems notify businesses about critical events related to trailer repositioning, such as:
The system also assists shippers with tracking and preparing to receive repositioned trailers and freight.
Participating in collaborative logistics networks allows shippers to connect with other businesses in the industry. These networks facilitate the exchange of trailers and sharing of resources. Partnering with other companies can be very beneficial for businesses.
Some advantages include:
Shippers that partner with other businesses can share trailers and combine loads. This leads to a more efficient movement of equipment and freight.
While businesses often use inventory management systems to forecast demand for products, they also use it to determine when they will need trailer repositioning services. Customer demand for more of a certain commodity often indicates the need for more trailers.
Inventory management can be used to obtain goods that are highly requested and the trailers needed to carry them. This will prevent stockouts and reduce transportation costs for shippers.
USA Truckload can help you with just about any logistical service you may require. Our team of professionals is committed to delivering exceptional service. We have a vast network of carriers located throughout the country that move freight for our customers. When you book a load with us, we find a transportation provider that’s best suited to move your goods.
Some of the logistical services we offer include:
We guarantee that our carriers will transport your load carefully and efficiently. Experience the advantages of using USA Truckload services and unlock the potential of your logistics operations. You can start by filling out your quote form or by calling our team at (866) 353-7178.
Don’t settle for mediocre logistics services. Our experienced consultants are ready and responsive to your handling costs and transit times.
How does trailer repositioning impact the environment, and are there sustainable practices to mitigate negative effects?
Trailer repositioning can impact the environment by increasing fuel consumption and carbon emissions due to the movement of empty trailers. Sustainable practices to mitigate these effects include optimizing routes to minimize empty miles, using fuel-efficient vehicles, and employing software that identifies and reduces unnecessary repositioning.
What are the technological advancements or tools specifically designed to enhance the efficiency of trailer repositioning services?
Technological advancements enhancing trailer repositioning efficiency include GPS tracking, telematics for real-time location and status updates, and sophisticated logistics software that optimizes routing and matches empty trailers with nearby loads to reduce empty travel.
Can smaller businesses or individual shippers also benefit from trailer repositioning services, and if so, how do they access these services?
Smaller businesses and individual shippers can benefit from trailer repositioning services by accessing shared logistics platforms that offer repositioning as part of broader transportation and supply chain management solutions. These platforms can provide cost-effective access to the same efficiency benefits enjoyed by larger companies.
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315 NE 14th St., Ocala, FL 34470
