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Understanding the Types of Freight and Specialized Equipment Needed for Transport

Apr 25, 2023

Types of Freight and Packaging Types

Freight transportation is an essential component of the global economy. It involves the movement of goods from one location to another, typically over long distances. There are various types of freight, which can be classified based on the packaging types or commodities being shipped. Let's take a closer look at the different types of freight and the specialized equipment required to transport them.

Packaging Types:

1. Crates:

Crates are wooden or plastic containers used to transport goods. They come in various sizes and shapes, and they are often used to ship fragile or heavy items, such as machinery or glassware.
2. Gaylords:

Gaylords are large corrugated boxes used to transport bulk items, such as dry goods or plastic pellets. They can hold up to 2,000 pounds of cargo and are often used in the manufacturing and retail industries.
3. Pallets:

Pallets are flat wooden or plastic platforms used to transport goods. They are commonly used in warehouse and transportation industries and can be stacked to maximize storage space.

Commodities:

1. Food:

Food is one of the most common commodities shipped globally. It requires specialized equipment, such as refrigerated trucks (reefers), to maintain proper temperature during transport. Examples of food items shipped include produce, fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products.
2. Construction and Pipe:

Construction and pipe materials are often oversized and require flatbed trucks for transport. These materials include steel, lumber, concrete, and pipes.
3. Oversized:

Oversized freight includes heavy equipment, such as excavators and cranes, that require specialized low boy trailers for transport.

Specialty Equipment:

Specialty types of freight require specialized truckload equipment to ensure safe and efficient transport. For example, construction and pipe materials require flatbed trucks because they are often oversized and heavy. Flatbed trucks have a flat platform with no sides, allowing for easy loading and unloading of materials. Reefer trucks are required for transporting perishable items, such as food, because they maintain a controlled temperature inside the trailer. Low boy trailers are needed for oversized freight because they have a low deck height, allowing for the transport of tall or bulky items.

In conclusion, there are various types of freight that can be classified based on packaging types or commodities being shipped. Specialty types of freight require specialized equipment, such as flatbeds for construction and pipe materials, reefers for food, and low boys for oversized freight. With the right equipment, freight transportation can be efficient and cost-effective, benefiting businesses and consumers alike.

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