The concept refers to a hauling arrangement where a trucking company provides solely the tractor unit and driver to transport a trailer that is already loaded and prepared for shipment. This arrangement contrasts with full-service freight transportation, as the company’s responsibility is limited to the motive power and manpower required for movement. An example would be a scenario where a manufacturer loads its own goods onto a trailer and then contracts with a trucking firm to simply haul the pre-loaded trailer from its facility to a distribution center.
This service model offers distinct advantages in specific contexts. Shippers can benefit from utilizing their existing trailer fleet and managing the loading and unloading processes independently, maintaining greater control over these crucial aspects of the supply chain. Furthermore, it allows shippers to optimize their internal resources and potentially reduce overall transportation costs by outsourcing only the driving component. Historically, this type of freight movement has been employed to streamline operations and leverage specialized expertise where needed within a broader logistics network.
