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In a shipping emergency, time is critical, and you need more than just a truck – you require a tailored solution. The right choice of emergency freight vehicle ensures that your urgent cargo is delivered swiftly, securely, and at the best possible cost.

Choosing the Right Expedited Freight Vehicle

Each ground vehicle in FullTruckload.com's extensive network is carefully vetted before use, ensuring each one meets specific standards and regulations. Each truck and van can securely transport cargo of all weights and sizes on cross-country shipments within the United States, Canada and Mexico as well as local and regional destinations.

When it comes to fast truck deliveries, FullTruckload.com's experienced expeditors streamline the expedited freight process by matching the cargo's size and weight with the best vehicle. We also offer exclusive vehicle use, which gives you full access to the vehicle you selected.
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Choosing the Right Truck for the Job: Key Considerations

When choosing a vehicle for emergency freight, it’s essential to evaluate several critical factors to ensure it can meet the challenges of urgent and unpredictable transportation. Consider the type of cargo being shipped, as different items—such as sensitive materials or oversized machinery—require specialized vehicles for safe and efficient transport.

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Vehicle Capacity

The vehicle must have sufficient capacity to handle the weight and volume of the freight. Knowing the maximum payload weight is essential, as choosing a vehicle that is too small can lead to multiple trips or inability to accommodate large shipments. Vehicles such as cargo vans, box trucks, or larger trucks may be appropriate depending on the freight’s size.

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Speed and Agility

In emergency freight situations, timely delivery is crucial. A vehicle with good acceleration and maneuverability in traffic can help ensure fast deliveries. Smaller vans or sprinter vans, for instance, can navigate urban environments more easily than larger trucks.

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Fuel Efficiency and Range

Consider fuel economy and the vehicle’s driving range, especially if the emergency freight needs to be transported over long distances. A fuel-efficient vehicle or one with a larger fuel tank may reduce the need for frequent refueling stops, saving time during urgent deliveries.
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Durability and Reliability

Emergency freight requires a dependable vehicle that can handle frequent use and long trips without breaking down. Reliable vehicles with a history of strong performance and low maintenance costs are ideal. Brands known for durability, such as Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, or Freightliner, are often preferred.

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Vehicle Size and Road Regulations

In some urban areas, larger trucks may be restricted from accessing certain roads or areas. Smaller vehicles like cargo vans may be more suitable for navigating tight city streets, while larger trucks might be better for highway routes.

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Temperature Control Options

If the emergency freight includes perishable or sensitive items, a vehicle with temperature control capabilities, such as a refrigerated truck or van, may be necessary to maintain the required conditions.

Why Work with FullTruckload.com?

A Single Point of Contact

From booking to delivery, you’ll have a dedicated expediter guiding you through every step of the logistics process. Experience seamless, personalized support from start to finish.

Real-Time Tracking, 24/7/365

With real-time updates and complete visibility, you can stay ahead of any potential delays and make informed decisions to keep your operations running smoothly.

Multiple Options

We proactively analyze ground and air traffic, anticipate weather challenges, and account for potential flight delays to keep your shipment on track. Our goal is to overcome any obstacles and ensure your deadline is always met.

FullTruckload.com’s Streamlined Process

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Single point of contact

Work with the same expeditor during your shipment’s entire process–no annoying call centers!
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shipment-to-vehicle matching system

We carefully match the size and weight of your shipment to the right vehicle.
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Vetted & exclusive carriers

We work with vetted, experienced carriers, so you get one vehicle for the entire delivery process exclusive.
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real-time monitoring & alerts

Our GPS tracking technology lets us know exactly where your shipment is at all times.

Types of Vehicles

SPRINTER VAN
BOX TRUCK
STRAIGHT TRUCK
HOT SHOT TRUCK
53' DRY VAN
FULL FLATBED

Sprinter Vans

Sprinter vans are an excellent choice for small, urgent freight shipments that require quick delivery. These agile vehicles excel in navigating urban areas, making them ideal for time-sensitive, last-mile deliveries or handling smaller, high-priority cargo. With a load capacity of up to 3,000 pounds and dimensions ranging from 8-12’ x 52” x 70”, they can accommodate a variety of emergency shipments. Their compact size also enables access to areas that might be difficult for larger trucks, such as narrow streets and tight loading docks.

In addition to their maneuverability, sprinter vans offer flexibility in cargo management. They can be equipped with shelving, temperature control, and various door configurations to streamline loading and unloading. The option for side and rear doors provides multiple access points, allowing for efficient retrieval of goods without the need to reorganize the entire cargo space. This feature is especially valuable when making several stops or when there’s a need for rapid unloading at different locations.

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Box Trucks

For situations where more space is needed but agility is still a priority, box trucks are a great option. These vehicles, with dimensions of 12-16’ x 94” x 70” and a capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, offer a larger cargo area while maintaining maneuverability in tight spaces. Their compact size compared to larger freight trucks allows for easier navigation in urban streets and residential areas, making them well-suited for urgent deliveries that require quick access in restricted locations.

In addition to their maneuverability, box trucks provide the benefit of an enclosed, secure cargo space that protects shipments from weather conditions and theft. This makes them an excellent choice for transporting valuable items, electronics, or sensitive equipment. Many box trucks are equipped with lift gates or loading ramps, which assist in handling heavy or bulky cargo, speeding up the loading and unloading process and enhancing the safety of goods during transport.

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Straight Trucks

For medium-sized emergency shipments, straight trucks provide an ideal combination of capacity and speed. With dimensions ranging from 22-26’ x 96” x 96” and a payload of up to 9,000 pounds, these trucks are equipped to handle substantial loads while meeting the urgency of the situation. Their generous cargo space can accommodate large equipment, pallets, or multiple smaller shipments, making them perfect for consolidated freight that needs quick delivery.

Straight trucks also offer greater maneuverability than larger tractor-trailers, allowing access to areas with tight street layouts or lower weight limits. This makes them especially useful for urban deliveries or routes requiring multiple stops. Additionally, the enclosed cargo space helps protect goods from weather, while roll-up doors and loading ramps streamline loading and unloading, particularly when dock-level access is unavailable.

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53' Dry Vans

For emergencies that require a full truckload, 53’ dry vans offer an effective solution. These large vehicles, capable of carrying up to 42,000 pounds with dimensions of 53’ x 99” x 102”, are perfect for transporting large volumes of time-sensitive freight over long distances. Their spacious cargo area can accommodate a wide range of shipments, such as bulk materials, large equipment, and palletized goods, making them ideal for industries like manufacturing, retail, and distribution.

The enclosed design of dry vans ensures that shipments are shielded from weather, dust, and debris during transit. This makes them a reliable choice for freight that doesn’t require temperature control but still needs a secure environment. Goods such as packaged foods, electronics, consumer products, and non-perishable items can be transported in these vans with confidence, knowing they will arrive at their destination in optimal condition.

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Full Flatbeds

For oversized or irregularly shaped emergency shipments, full flatbed trucks provide an excellent solution. With a capacity of up to 48,000 pounds and dimensions ranging from 48-53’ x 102” x 102”, these adaptable vehicles are designed to carry even the most challenging cargo. Flatbeds are perfect for freight that cannot fit within the confines of an enclosed trailer, such as heavy machinery, steel beams, construction materials, or large equipment. Their open design facilitates loading and unloading from any side, which is essential for handling time-sensitive deliveries efficiently.

In addition to their ability to handle large and bulky items, flatbed trucks offer flexibility in accommodating a variety of load sizes and types. For oversized shipments that exceed standard width or height limits, flatbeds can be configured with special permits and equipped with tarps, chains, or straps to secure the load during transit. This capability is especially valuable in industries like construction, energy, and manufacturing, where emergency shipments often involve unconventional or massive items requiring careful handling.

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Hot Shot Trucks

Hot shot trucks play a vital role in emergency freight services, offering a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional freight methods. These versatile vehicles typically tow 32-40 foot trailers and can carry loads ranging from 15,000 to 18,000 pounds. They are ideal for urgent deliveries that don’t require a full truckload but are too large for smaller vehicles, making them an excellent choice for time-sensitive shipments.

Specialized and oversized loads, such as machinery, construction materials, or industrial equipment, are particularly well-suited for hot shot trucks. Their trailers can be customized to various configurations, including flatbeds, goosenecks, or lowboys, allowing them to transport a wide range of cargo types. This adaptability enables the transport of irregularly shaped or oversized items without delays, making hot shot trucks a go-to solution for industries like construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing.

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The Right Vehicle for Your Expedited Freight Job

Choosing the right emergency freight vehicle involves considering several factors to ensure efficient, timely, and cost-effective transport. The size and weight of the shipment, nature of the cargo and urgency of the delivery are all important factors to look at when considering the right choice of vehicle. The right capacity is key to every urgent shipment.

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The first consideration is the size and weight of the shipment. Different vehicles offer various capacities, so knowing the exact dimensions and weight helps in choosing the appropriate freight option
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Understanding the nature of the cargo is essential for selecting the right vehicle and freight service

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Emergency freight often involves a trade-off between speed and cost. The type of vehicle, distance, and handling requirements can all impact the overall cost:

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Industries We Serve

Aviation & Aerospace

Every moment a commercial airliner sits on the ground, it costs an airline money. Expedited freight services by FullTruckload.com can get you back in the air with the prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America. With a nationwide network of carriers and access to dedicated box trucks, straight trucks, and tractor-trailers, FullTruckload.com offers reliable and efficient transportation tailored to the aviation industry’s needs.
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Construction

Because one shipping delay can snowball and cause delays throughout your entire project, you need an experienced 3PL provider who understands the construction industry and has the logistical reach to deliver your freight on time, anywhere. That 3PL partner is FullTruckload.com. From heavy machinery and building materials to specialized tools and equipment, our logistics solutions are tailored to keep your project on track. With a robust network of carriers and expertise in handling oversized, time-sensitive, and critical shipments, we ensure that every delivery arrives exactly when and where it’s needed.
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Energy

The consequences from lost power production are serious for any business. Equipment failure is one of the biggest causes of energy production downtime. Losses compound exponentially with delay, loss of energy capacity, or the idling of plants for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Whether it's a hydroelectric power station or solar farm, you need a 3PL provider who can move your parts and equipment safely and securely while meeting your most stringent deadlines.
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Manufacturing

Every moment a manufacturing facility or factory sits idle costs a company money due to the high costs involved in lost sales and lost customers. With many manufacturers building to just-in-time production rates, any disruption threatens parts and vehicle inventories. This is where the speed, expertise, and experience of freight services from AirFreight.com make a difference throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain.
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Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry faces challenging conditions in offshore and onshore oil rigs, often in remote locations with limited infrastructure. Don’t let oil pumps or pipelines sit idle, waiting for equipment. By having the right plans, parts, people, and a logistics partner such as FullTruckload.com, you can effectively mitigate plant or pump downtime, unscheduled disruptions, and equipment failures.
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Renewables & Environment

Wind turbines can be as tall as an 85-story building with a blade radius of an acre. Transporting just one wind turbine can take up to nine separate shipments. Solar equipment includes sensitive electronics and glass that are easily subject to damage. Constructing one solar panel requires nearly 40 different components, including precious metals, that need to get to the factory on time. With requirements like this, it's critical to work with the right 3PL provider that can flex with your needs when situations and requirements change.
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Retail

During downtime, retailers experience lost sales with the inability to process credit cards, access customer purchasing history, or locate items in stock at a distribution center or another retail location. Don’t let unexpected downtime due to point-of-sale equipment failures impact your brand or frustrate your customers. If you can’t serve your customers, your competition will!
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Technology

Unexpected IT downtime can bring down even the largest businesses—just ask airlines when their reservation systems go offline. The importance of e-commerce, online sales, and the computing infrastructure that supports it makes getting systems and servers up and running even more critical. With 98% of organizations reporting that a single hour of downtime costs over $100,000, you can’t afford a slow logistics partner.
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3PL

With today’s broken supply chains, even companies that specialize in logistics find themselves needing help. We provide an expansive network of expedited ground and air shipping options to make the trip in the air, to and from the airport, or complete the entire delivery on the ground. Through these resources and our centralized planning operations, we help 3PL providers overcome all the challenges of their industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is expedited freight?

Expedited shipping involves the rapid delivery of time-sensitive freight. With many e-commerce companies offering deliveries in as little as two days, there is increasing pressure on both shippers and carriers to maximize efficiency in their shipping operations.

Which is the best expedited freight vehicle for short distances?

For short-distance emergency freight, Sprinter vans are typically the best option. Their compact size and agility make them ideal for navigating urban environments and tight spaces. They can quickly move goods across short distances while offering the flexibility needed for quick, last-mile deliveries. Additionally, Sprinter vans are capable of handling smaller, time-sensitive shipments efficiently, providing fast service with minimal handling and reduced risk of delays.

What is full truckload (FTL)?

Full truckload (FTL) shipping is a mode where a truck is dedicated to transporting a single shipment. Essentially, the entire journey is reserved exclusively for that shipment. Compared to less than truckload (LTL) shipping, FTL offers several advantages, particularly in terms of efficiency and speed.

How much is a full truckload?

A full truckload can accommodate up to 26 non-stackable pallets or up to 52 stackable pallets of standard size, which measures 48” x 40” x 48”. The total weight of the shipment should not exceed 44,000 pounds, or 21.7 tons.

What does expedited mean in trucking?

Expedited transport refers to when a logistics company prioritizes your shipment on short notice to ensure timely delivery. This service is typically used by those who need their cargo delivered as quickly as possible, whether by a specific date or ahead of a deadline.

How to become an expedited driver?

To become an expedited driver, you’ll need a valid driver’s license, strong navigation skills, and the flexibility to adjust to dispatchers’ requests as needed. The specific type of license required will depend on the duties associated with the job.

WHAT IS FULL TRUCKLOAD?

Full Truckload (FTL) refers to a freight shipping method where an entire truck’s cargo space is utilized for a single shipment. It is particularly suitable for large, heavy, or time-sensitive shipments and is often more cost-effective for high-volume freight.

Dedicated Single Point of Contact

At the heart of FullTruckload.com is a dedicated team of professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every shipment arrives on time, and in optimal condition, at its final destination. We offer the fastest ground and air transportation options for B2B customers across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Get peace of mind with a dedicated single point of contact. We're with you along every mile of your journey. 

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Reach out today and let's solve your urgent shipping needs. I or a member of the team will be with you from start to finish. Let's chat

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