Contract Carriers Basics

Learn about contract carrier services and the trucking industry

Contract carriers are trucking companies that work by contract and agreement with shippers to deliver goods throughout the country. Truckload carriers sometimes work in conjunction with other modes of transportation to move goods around the country. Truck transport moves 69% of all goods throughout the US.

Trucking contracts are used with companies that have need of regular transportation of goods. Dedicated freight carriers carry food, building supplies, household goods and every other kind of cargo.

1. Contract carrier services are used by small and large businesses to transport goods on a regular schedule.

2. Truckload carriers are expected to be on time and make deliveries as scheduled.

3. Businesses that need contract carriers to move their cargo make long-term agreements with carriers as to pricing, type of trucks needed (refrigerated trucks, for example), as well as insurance conditions.

4. Contract carriers now use trucks with lower emissions and GPS technology for better driving times.

 

Get info on contract carriers basics

Contract carrier service falls under the broad umbrella of the trucking industry as a whole. If you're thinking of entering into a trucking contract, learn more about contract carriers basics.
Try: Trucking Industry Facts gives a breakdown of the of the industry's financial stats, number of companies and how much cargo is moved by trucking. Trucking Info gives more in-depth info on the industry and a list of the 100 more profitable trucking companies.

Look at trucking industry commentary for more info on contract trucking

Commentary from different sources can provide basic insight on contract trucking and dedicated carriers.
Try: EDS discusses the trucking industry emerging trends in warehousing, contracts and logistics with regard to truckload carriers. See Freight101.com for a good list of frequently asked questions on contract trucking. 

See how trucking and trucking contracts are evolving

Research by the government and academic institutes can keep you informed of the changes affecting a dedicated freight carrier business.
Try: The United States Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation Systems report goes into detail as to the ways in which different technology such as GPS affects truck load carriers and their services. The Institute of Transportation Studies details how shippers have changed the ways they use contract carriers.

 

• The contract carriers basics, or the basics of contract carriers, suggests that technology, economic conditions and governmental regulation all contribute to how contract trucking is performed.

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