live load trucking

What Is Live Load Trucking?

Did you know that inefficiencies in loading practices can cost businesses thousands of dollars annually? These setbacks can feel unavoidable if you’re managing a fast-paced operation or working with limited yard space. This is where live load trucking comes into play, a solution for shippers with tight schedules or limited space.

While it requires a bit more coordination than drop and hook trucking (if you’ve read our latest blog, you’ll be experts in this area), live load trucking offers unique advantages for businesses needing adaptability and real-time problem-solving. Whether you’re dealing with perishable goods or smaller-volume shipments, live loading might be the right fit for your logistics strategy.

So let’s dive into how live loading works, and see if it could be the right option for your business.

What Is Live Load Trucking? 🤔

Live load trucking is a shipping method where the truck driver waits on-site while a shipment is loaded and unloaded. In contrast to drop and hook, where pre-loaded trailers are dropped or picked up at a loading dock to be handled later, live load trucking involves a longer and more hands-on process for the truck driver. This method is ideal for perhaps smaller businesses that need flexibility and to maintain tight schedules.

The main difference between drop and hook is the time the truck drivers spend at the facilities. Generally, drop and hook is an instant attachment of a pre-loaded trailer. Whereas, live-load trucking takes around 2 hours to load or unload, depending on the type of freight being hauled and how many warehouse workers are helping to load and unload. In some instances, where there are delays, these two hours can quickly turn into three or even four, and each unanticipated extra hour that that driver is held up can add detention fees to your final bill.

How Does Live Load Trucking Work? 🚚

Live loading is a simple process, however, it does require a great amount of coordination and communication between all parties involved, the shipper, warehouse workers, and the truck driver. Here’s a step-by-step guide for shippers who might be new to this method.

live load trucking

 

Coordinate – Communicate with your carrier to schedule a suitable time for them to arrive at your facility.

Preparation – Make sure that your shipment is ready to go before the truck arrives. This includes ensuring your cargo is properly packed, labeled, and staged near the loading dock.

Dock Assignment – You will assign the truck driver to the specific dock where the shipment is waiting.

Loading & Unloading – Once the truck is parked at the dock, it’s go go go for the loading or unloading team. This can take around 2+ hours depending on the complexity and size of the shipment.

Secure the Load – The driver and shipper ensure the cargo is securely loaded to prevent damages during transit.

Thorough Inspection – Both the driver and your team will thoroughly inspect the entire shipment to ensure everything is in order.

Paperwork – Before the driver can be on their way, you will present them with appropriate documentation such as a bill of lading.

Departure – Once all of the above has been completed, the driver will get back on the road and head to their next destination.

Why Choose Live Load Trucking ⁉️

1. Restricted Space: Live load trucking is a fantastic option if you have space constraints as in, don’t have enough yard space to accommodate multiple trailers. Live loading helps to avoid congested yards, major delays, and even accidents.

2. Cost Efficient: Live loading is a cost-effective option, but in a different way to drop and hook. Its’ cost-effectiveness comes from eliminating the need for large space, extra trailers (if taking transportation in-house), and idle equipment. Although be aware that detention fees are a real possibility of live loading, when you optimize schedules and processes then you can save on these too. Keep reading for some useful tips to avoid these.

3. Suitable for Perishable & Time/Temperature Sensitive Goods: Live loading is the best solution for perishable and temperature/time-sensitive cargo. This is because there’s no lag time between loading and pick up by the truck and then unloading at its destination, which can happen with drop and hook. A drop and hook-loaded trailer could be waiting in the yard for multiple hours before being picked up or unloaded.

4. Flexibility: Live loading allows you to make last-minute changes to any shipments. This is super important for industries that have fluctuating demands.

5. Catch Potential Problems Quickly: With the truck driver on-site any improper labeling, damaged goods or miscounts can be addressed at the time of loading.

Useful Tips For Shippers That Choose Live Load Trucking ✅

Challenge #1: Make live loading an efficient process – To do so, it is essential to reduce loading and unloading times.

Tip: To streamline your operations:

  • Stage your shipment next to the appropriate dock before the truck arrives.
  • Train staff to use tools like forklifts and conveyor belts to speed up the process.
  • Have a clear communication channel between the warehouse teams and drivers to minimize delays.

Challenge #2: Cost-Saving Strategies – Optimizing schedules is key to avoiding detention fees.

Tip: Schedule pick-ups during quieter hours to avoid delays and reduce detention fees.

When you make small improvements like implementing these tips and overcoming these challenges you can significantly improve operational efficiency and enhance cost savings!💵

Conclusion 👏

Live load trucking is an attractive option for many shippers, whether you opt for live loading because of restricted yard space, frequently handling perishable goods, or you’re looking for ways to reduce shipping costs. Then look no further, although it requires more time on-site for the driver and more coordination, the benefits of real-time problem-solving and the ability to make last-minute adjustments make it a compelling option for a ton of businesses.

Weighing up your business’s unique needs will enable you to make the right choice when choosing which method of transportation to use. Remember, the key to efficient logistics is choosing the method that aligns best with your operational goals. It’s safe to say, live load trucking can become a valuable part of your logistics strategy when you optimize your scheduling and communication.

We’d love to hear how we can help to make your logistics nightmares a dream. Call us today at:

📞 Phone: 888-SHIP-911 or use the link below to get in touch!

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