The Different types of carriers in trucking

There are several types of carriers in the trucking industry, including:

1. For-hire carriers: These carriers provide transportation services to shippers on a fee basis and are typically regulated by the federal government. They may operate their own fleet of trucks or may use leased or rented equipment.

2. Private carriers: These carriers operate their own fleet of trucks and use them to transport their own goods, rather than providing transportation services to other shippers. Private carriers are typically not regulated by the federal government.

3. Less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers: These carriers specialize in transporting smaller shipments that do not require a full truckload. LTL carriers typically consolidate shipments from multiple shippers onto a single truck and charge by the weight or volume of the shipment.

4. Full truckload (FTL) carriers: These carriers specialize in transporting larger shipments that require a full truckload. FTL carriers typically transport a single shipper's goods on a single truck and charge a flat rate for the entire load.

5. Specialized carriers: These carriers offer specialized transportation services, such as handling hazardous materials, oversized loads, or temperature-controlled shipments. Specialized carriers may have additional equipment or training to meet the requirements of these types of shipments.

Overall, the type of carrier a shipper chooses will depend on the type and size of the shipment, as well as the distance it needs to be transported and any specialized requirements that may be involved.