Among the 4 modes of transportation (road, sea, air, and rail), the trucking industry alone ships more than 60% of goods in the United States. This is four-times as much as rail transport , the second-largest method of transportation. The sheer quantity and variety of goods needing to be shipped via trucks poses a challenge for both customers and carriers.

The first hurdle is the simple fact that not all freight can be transported the same way, and the second is whether or not the specific equipment needed is available for transport. For example, fresh produce, vehicles, and building materials are three completely different types of cargo that require different carrier equipment.

Freight brokers hold the key to solving these challenges: They have access to an immense and diverse network of carriers, including:

  1. Dry Vans, Refrigerated Trailers, & More
  2. Expedited Freight Shipping
  3. Intermodal Freight Transport
  4. Oversize/Overweight Loads

As a 3rd party logistics company, Somerset Logistics provides multiple modes of transportation and equipment types. Learn more here

Dry Vans, Refrigerated Trailers, & More

While dry vans are utilized for moving nonperishable items (building materials, textiles, paper products) refrigerated trailers – or reefer trailers – are a specialized type of equipment used for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo (meat, fresh fruit, medical products, wine). It makes sense, then, that a shipper could find themselves in a bind if they only have access to a dry van when they need a refrigerated trailer, or vice versa.

A freight broker like Somerset Logistics is able to assist customers by booking the specific equipment they need for their shipping needs.

Expedited Freight Shipping

It is common for time-sensitive freight to be up against a tight deadline, which means it may require expedited freight shipping. This transportation type is an ideal solution for urgent situations where the quickest method of transport is essential. For example, there is a missing piece of equipment necessary to complete the assembly of a product at a manufacturing site and new equipment must be delivered to the site as soon as possible to get the manufacturing line up and running again. Situations such as this demand faster transit in comparison to standard shipments.

Somerset Logistics coordinates expedited shipments in various ways – lining up a team of drivers, shipping overnight, and scheduling specialized equipment such as cargo vans to provide quick service to our customers.

Intermodal Freight Transport

When freight needs to be moved by two or more modes of transportation – from cargo ship to truck, or from train to truck – this is known as intermodal freight transport. Because the freight remains in the same shipping container, and therefore isn’t handled during transport, intermodal transportation is considered a safe and cost-efficient shipping method. Intermodal transport is a solution for a wide variety of goods.

If a customer has a shipment coming in from a port, Somerset Logistics can arrange to handle and haul intermodal freight.

Oversize/Overweight Loads

From large machinery to heavy equipment and materials used to build towers, bridges, and dams, trucks are often the only means of transportation for oversized and overweight loads. This type of cargo requires industry knowledge and precise attention to detail, as there are several steps to ensure an oversize/overweight load is handled properly. Permit and escort requirements vary by state and by country, making it imperative to work with an experienced freight broker for such shipments.

A freight broker like Somerset Logistics has the capacity to manage large-scale projects to include securing permits, escorts, insurance and selecting the carrier with the necessary equipment to handle oversize/overweight loads.

Regardless of your shipping needs, Somerset Logistics is your single phone call to get the job done. Contact us today