Wendy Lindars, Author at Global Trade Magazine

The logistics industry is the backbone of international trade and is expected to have a market size worth $11.23 trillion by 2025. For logistics companies, having the right vehicles is crucial for staying competitive and meeting the industry’s rigorous demands.

That said, finding vehicles within budget, that meet your transportation needs, and are fit for long-term performance and durability can be challenging. However, it’s a necessary part of the logistics business management process.

With transportation trends ever-changing and the industry growing bigger and more lucrative with every passing year, the need for reliable trucks is tantamount to your company’s growth and success. There are many factors to consider: scalability, safety, training, loading requirements, and fuel efficiency, among others.

Fortunately, the vehicle market is thriving, and the options are vast. That means you can select from an incredibly wide variety of vehicle options, which is all the more reason to take the selection process seriously.

Choosing the right truck for transportation is much like choosing the right tool for a project. All vehicles have pros, cons, and unique features.

The size, scale, and demand of your logistics business are the first few things you must consider when choosing a vehicle or fleet of vehicles to invest in. How big is your operation? What kind of distances are the routes covered? How established is your business? What sort of cargo do you primarily need to transport?

The answers to all of these questions can give you key insights into how to go about choosing a vehicle that meets your logistics needs. Of course, there is also a budget to consider. The funds you have access to impact what kind of vehicles you can invest in directly.

Gathering information like this is the first step in deciding which logistics vehicle to buy. Conduct thorough research on your current financial status and review your forecasts to determine what costs are feasible and over what period.

The Most Popular Vehicles In The Logistics Industry

There are many different types of logistics vehicles on the market. However, some stand out as particularly practical, affordable, and well-suited to the transportation of goods.

The main types to be aware of include flatbed trucks, refrigerated trucks, straight trucks, tanker trucks, jumbo trailer trucks, semi-trailer trucks, dump trucks, box trucks, and tail-lift trucks. Each of these truck types has unique advantages and drawbacks, all of which need to be considered before you can decide which best suits your needs.

Box trucks

Box trucks are the most familiar and accessible logistics vehicles on the market. With a rectangular box-shaped cargo unit that comes in widely varying sizes, they make handling all sorts of goods simple and straightforward. They also offer valuable protection for cargo against the weather and theft or vandalism.

Jumbo trailer trucks

Sometimes called road trains due to their immense size, jumbo trailer trucks are the heavy-duty trucks of the logistics world. Although they differ from vehicle to vehicle, jumbos typically have two or three levels of storage space, amplifying their ability to transport large quantities of goods over long distances. Their heaviness also allows them to handle bigger payloads.

Flatbed trucks

A flatbed truck is one of the most common logistics trucks. It has an open platform on the back with no sides or roof. It’s a reliable option for transporting bulky, awkwardly sized, oversized goods that won’t fit into conventionally structured trucks. Its large inventory capacity and ability to transport some of the heaviest materials and machinery make it a common sight in the industry.

Refrigerated trucks

If you transport temperature-sensitive goods such as food or pharmaceuticals, a refrigerated truck (also known as a reefer truck) is the best choice. These trucks form an integral part of the cold chain as they are designed with built-in refrigerators for storing cargo and their temperatures can be adjusted as necessary for the goods in transit.

Straight trucks

This type of truck features a separate cab and trailer, giving it a higher level of maneuverability than most. The all-in-one configuration allows drivers to turn almost anywhere, provided there is clearance and to easily navigate local and regional routes covering residential areas or roads not designed to handle capacity loads.

Dump trucks

Dump trucks transport dump material, such as debris, sand, compost, and other heavyweight loose materials. They come in all shapes and sizes, including those with single and multiple axle units. Dump trucks require a skilled professional to drive them, as they are difficult and dangerous to operate without proper experience. Their weight changes constantly as their loads fluctuate and this makes driving them challenging, as it requires various skills.

Tanker trucks

A tanker truck is the only truck you can use to transport liquids and gasses. As such, they’re a cornerstone of the logistics industry that nothing else can’t replace. The cylindrical box is pressurized and tightly sealed and can be found in various sizes for different modalities and distances of travel. These trucks also require experienced hazmat drivers who know what to do in the case of an accident or chemical spill and who can handle the tankers on the road, whether full or empty.

Semi-trailer trucks

Also known as semis, semi-trailer trucks are another widely used vehicle within the industry. They come in many different configurations and sizes, but what sets them apart is their semi-trailer back end, which is connected to the cab with a fifth-wheel hitch. They are versatile vehicles that can maneuver easily through suburbs and highways.

Tail-lift trucks

Featuring a hydraulic lift gate, tail-lift trucks have transformed the loading and unloading of heavy cargo. The lift mechanism makes transporting otherwise heavy or awkwardly sized goods easy across long distances.

Every fleet relies on its vehicles and the people who drive them to keep the logistics world turning and ensure that customers receive their goods timeously and undamaged. The process of selecting which vehicle to invest in takes time, but it is time well spent. This guide can help you make a more informed decision for your logistics company that will set you on the road to success.

Meta Title: Guide To Choosing Logistics Vehicles | Global Trade Mag

Meta Description: Having vehicles that suit your logistics needs can increase efficiency and turnover. Use this guide to determine what type of vehicle you need for your fleet.

A commercial driver’s license opens the door to numerous career opportunities. These five diverse career paths offer great earning potential for CDL holders.

Being a truck driver is a potentially lucrative career path in the US. The demand for drivers is high as shortages have plagued the industry since 2011, and this outlook is not improving any time soon. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in the last decade, there were over 200,000 openings annually for heavy-duty tractor-trailer operators, and filling these spots is hugely challenging.

It’s clear that the demand for reliable, licensed truck drivers has skyrocketed, and this has prompted many people to apply for their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). But while trucking remains one of the most consistently popular ways to utilize a CDL, the list of career options doesn’t stop there.

There are numerous ways to leverage this type of license and commit to professional driving that doesn’t involve trucks at all – or at least not in the way most are familiar with.

5 CAREER PATHS YOU CAN PURSUE WITH A CDL

A CDL is simply a commercial driver’s license – not a truck driving license. Truckers need them in order to legally perform their duties, but there are several options beyond trucking worth considering, especially if you’ve been in the business for a while and are looking to switch things up a little.

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Being a driving instructor is a rewarding experience that can help you impart your knowledge to those around you. As long as you have your CDL, you can receive training to specialize in instructing adolescents, seniors, or people with disabilities how to drive.

Driving instructors earn an average of $44,800 per year. It’s a career that is easy to balance as a side hustle with its flexible hours and consistent demand across the country.

TRANSPORT DRIVER

Although transport drivers are similar to truck drivers in some ways, there are some key differences worth exploring. Mainly, transport driving doesn’t always require truck transport driving or the moving of heavy loads—it also often requires operating smaller vehicles, such as regular cars.

Moreover, transport drivers are sometimes responsible for transporting people, not just packages or goods. Transport drivers earn an average of $64,700 per year.

DRIVER’S HELPER

A driver’s helper is responsible for assisting truckers or other commercial drivers in managing their various duties. It’s a good starter career option for people who have recently received their CDL and want to gain experience and confidence before manning the wheel independently.

Some of the duties a driver’s helper may be tasked with include loading, unloading, navigation, and occasionally driving when the main driver is tired or unavailable. Driver’s helpers make approximately $47,000 annually.

BUS DRIVER

Being a bus driver is a great career option for people who are more socially inclined or prefer a slower pace on the road. As the job title suggests, bus drivers are responsible for driving passengers to various locations via bus. It can be long or short distance, depending on the company you work for.

In addition to the driving part of the job, bus drivers may also be required to perform traffic monitoring, bus maintenance, and tending to passenger needs. Bus drivers make an average of $45,000 per year.

CHAUFFEUR

A chauffeur takes passengers on pre-arranged trips, such as those to and from their airport or from one city to another. Chauffeurs are often required to drive a variety of vehicles, including limousines, private cars, and vans.

There is a refined serviceman element to the chauffeur profession that sets it apart from other CDL career paths. They are often hired by high-end luxury passengers or government officials. Because of the extra skills required, chauffeurs earn an average of $58,000 per year.

KEEPING UP TO DATE WITH CDL REGULATIONS

If you are a truck driver or owner-operator, you probably already have your CDL and are familiar with the process of applying for one. But laws change over time, and keeping your finger on the pulse of new road rules and trends is crucial for maintaining credibility in the trucking industry.

CDL application and approval laws are subject to individual states. Make sure your understanding of CDL requirements is up to date with your region so that your license is always credible and valid.

WHY DIVERSIFY YOUR CAREER PATH?

Whether you are a trucker, a truck owner-operator, or simply a curious driver, embarking on new adventures is a healthy choice for any career path. CDLs are valuable licenses that can extend far beyond just trucking and can help you adopt a broader range of driving skills.

Other benefits include the ability to upgrade your resume, as adding more experience is always a good idea. Working as a chauffeur or transport driver for a bit will make you a more attractive hire. Plus, you never know when a sector or business is going to take a hit. Having experience in multiple professional driving contexts gives you job security. You’ll also become a better truck driver as driving in different circumstances or for various clients requires you to refine and expand your skill set. In turn, this helps to reduce your chances of an accident, as you’ll be better equipped to handle hazardous or difficult situations.

Additionally, if you plan on operating within the trucking or driving industry for the foreseeable future, expanding and diversifying your client base is a huge advantage that can result in a more profitable and sustainable career in the long run.

Obtaining a CDL opens many doors for anyone who wants to make a living from their driving skills. Between trucking and the above-listed career path, there are many incentives to have a CDL.

LEVERAGING CDLs TO DIVERSIFY YOUR CAREER ON THE ROAD

Life on the road is great when you have a CDL. These days, you can use it to work not only as a trucker but also as a chauffeur, driver’s helper, driving instructor, transport driver, or bus driver if you decide that’s what you’d like to pursue. There are many options, and many are worth exploring.

Maintaining awareness of CDL rules and requirements will help you achieve greater success in the commercial driving industry and give you more career freedom in the future.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Logistics Needs: A Comprehensive Guide

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