Every single day, tens of thousands of business owners, online sellers, manufacturers, and even people thinking about becoming truck drivers search for answers about What are Truck Loads. They’re trying to figure out how to move stuff from Point A to Point B without losing their minds, or their money.
Take a look at what people are actually searching for:
| Keyword | Monthly Searches | Who’s Searching |
|---|---|---|
| Trucking Companies Near Me | 90,000 | Business owners needing local carriers |
| Freight Shipping | 22,000 | Anyone shipping anything, anywhere |
| Full Truckload | 5,400 | Manufacturers, wholesalers with big shipments |
| LTL vs FTL | 3,600 | Small business owners comparing options |
| Dry Van | 8,100 | Retailers, e-commerce sellers |
| Reefer Truck | 4,400 | Food producers, florists, pharma companies |
| Flatbed Truck | 6,600 | Construction, lumber, equipment dealers |
| Hot Shot Trucking | 3,600 | Oil fields, urgent equipment deliveries |
| Intermodal Freight | 2,400 | Companies shipping long distances |
| Hazmat Shipping | 1,900 | Chemical companies, fuel suppliers |
| How to Ship Freight | 2,400 | First-time shippers, small businesses |
| Freight Quote Calculator | 2,400 | Budget-conscious shippers |
| Oversized Load Permits | 1,300 | Heavy equipment haulers |
| White Glove Delivery | 1,600 | Furniture stores, medical equipment suppliers |
Here’s what’s interesting about all these searches: behind every single one is a real person with a real problem. A farmer whose tomatoes need to reach the distributor before they rot. A construction manager waiting on a crane that’s stuck somewhere in another state. An Etsy seller who just got their first big wholesale order and has no idea how to get 500 pounds of product to the customer.
They all need the same thing: someone to explain truck loads in plain English.
So, let’s do that. Let’s break down everything you need to know about truck loads, what they are, which type you need, and how to actually ship something without getting ripped off or losing your cargo.
What are Truck Loads?
Let’s start with the basics.
A truck load is exactly what it sounds like, cargo that’s being hauled by a truck. But in the shipping world, the term means a lot more than just “stuff on a truck.”
Think of it this way: when you call a shipping company, they need to know three things right away:
- How much stuff do you have? (Is it enough to fill a whole trailer?)
- What kind of stuff is it? (Does it need to stay cold? Is it dangerous? Is it shaped weird?)
- Where’s it going and how fast? (Next town or across the country? Regular speed or hurry-up?)
The answers to these questions determine what kind of truck load you need.
And here’s the good news: once you understand the main types, the whole process starts making sense.
The Complete Guide to Truck Load Types (With Official Resources)
Below is a comprehensive table of every major truck load type. I’ve included what each one is, where it’s used, the specifications you need to know, and links to official government and industry resources where you can verify regulations and get more information.
| Load Type | What It Is | Where It’s Used | Key Specs | Official Resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Truckload (FTL) | Exclusive use of an entire trailer for one shipper’s cargo. Your freight is the only freight on the truck from pickup to delivery. | For bulk shippers, retailers, and warehouses handling 15,000+ lbs or 24+ pallets. | • Weight: 15,000-45,000 lbs • Pallet Capacity: 24-30 pallets • Trailer Length: 48-53 ft • Transit: 2-5 days domestic | • FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations • ATA Trucking Industry Facts |
| Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) | Multiple shippers share space on one truck. Your freight is consolidated with others heading in the same direction, moving through terminals. | Small businesses shipping 1-10 pallets, e-commerce sellers, retailers sending smaller batches, manufacturers shipping less-than-full loads, anyone under 15,000 lbs. | • Weight: 150-15,000 lbs • Pallet Count: 1-10 pallets • Freight Classes: 50-500 (NMFC) • Transit: 5-10 days domestic | • NMFC Freight Classification System • FMCSA Cargo Tank Facilities |
| Dry Van | Standard enclosed, non-temperature-controlled trailer. The most common type of freight trailer in America. Weather-protected and secure. | General merchandise, retail goods, electronics, clothing, furniture, non-perishable food, auto parts, packaged goods, anything that fits on pallets and doesn’t need special conditions. | • Length: 53 ft (standard) • Width: 98-100 inches interior • Height: 105-110 inches interior • Capacity: 26-30 pallets • Max Cargo: 45,000 lbs | • FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules • DOT Vehicle Size & Weight |
| Reefer (Refrigerated) | Temperature-controlled trailer with built-in cooling system. Maintains specific temperatures from -20°F to 70°F throughout transit. | Fresh produce, frozen foods, meat, dairy, seafood, flowers, pharmaceuticals (vaccines, biologics), temperature-sensitive chemicals, any product requiring “cold chain” logistics. | • Temp Range: -20°F to 70°F • Common Set Points: 34-38°F (produce), 0°F (frozen), 55-65°F (pharma) • Fuel: Diesel-powered cooling unit • Monitoring: Real-time temp tracking | • FDA Food Safety Modernization Act • CDC Vaccine Storage Guidelines |
| Flatbed | Open trailer with no sides or roof. Cargo is loaded from above or sides and must be secured with straps, chains, or tarps. | Construction materials (lumber, steel, pipe), heavy machinery, equipment, infrastructure components, building materials, anything too tall or wide for enclosed trailer. | • Length: 48-53 ft • Deck Height: 5 ft (standard) • Capacity: Up to 48,000 lbs • Width: 102 inches standard | • FMCSA Flatbed Securement Guidelines • OSHA Crane & Derrick Safety |
| Step Deck | Flatbed variation with a lower rear deck to accommodate taller cargo. The drop deck allows for increased height capacity. | Taller equipment, machinery with height that exceeds standard flatbed limits, loads needing extra vertical clearance. | • Front Deck Height: 5 ft • Rear Deck Height: 3-4 ft • Step Location: Usually 10-12 ft from front • Capacity: Similar to flatbed | • State Oversize Permit Requirements • FMCSA Permit Portal |
| Lowboy | Extremely low deck trailer with ramps. Designed for heavy equipment that drives onto the trailer. The gooseneck detaches for loading. | Heavy construction equipment (excavators, bulldozers, loaders), industrial machinery, large vehicles, any equipment requiring drive-on loading. | • Deck Height: 18-24 inches • Capacity: 100,000+ lbs • Ramp Length: Varies by model • Gooseneck: Removable for loading | • FMCSA Heavy Vehicle Use Tax – • DOT Size & Weight Portal |
| RGN (Removable Gooseneck) | Heavy-haul trailer where the front neck completely detaches, allowing equipment to drive on from the front. The lowest deck height available. | Extremely heavy equipment (cranes, transformers, large mining equipment), military vehicles, oversize industrial components. | • Deck Height: 12-18 inches • Capacity: 200,000+ lbs • Length: 48-60+ ft • Loading: Drive-on from front | • FMCSA Registration & Licensing • Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety |
| Hot Shot | Smaller trucks (usually 1-ton pickups with flatbed or gooseneck trailers) for urgent, smaller loads. Faster than waiting for full-size truck availability. | Oil field equipment deliveries, emergency replacement parts, manufacturing breakdowns, urgent construction supplies, time-sensitive small-to-medium loads. | • Capacity: 10,000-20,000 lbs • Trailer: Flatbed or gooseneck • Transit: Expedited, direct • Drivers: Often single with fast turnaround | • FMCSA Small Business Guide • DOT Registration Steps |
| Tanker | Specialized trailer for liquids or gases. Cylindrical tank instead of box. Different types for food-grade, chemical, fuel, or dry bulk. | Fuel delivery (gasoline, diesel), chemical transport, food-grade liquids (milk, cooking oil, syrup), dry bulk (cement, flour, plastic pellets), compressed gases. | • Types: Liquid, dry bulk, food-grade, pressurized • Capacity: Varies by liquid density • Compartments: Often multiple • Cleaning: Required between product types | • PHMSA Hazardous Materials Regulations • FMCSA Cargo Tank Facilities |
| Hazmat | Any trailer (dry van, tanker, etc.) carrying materials classified as hazardous. Requires special placards, driver endorsements, and strict documentation. | Chemical manufacturers, fuel distributors, industrial suppliers, waste disposal companies, ammunition and explosives transport, any business shipping dangerous goods. | • Placards: Diamond-shaped hazard labels • Driver: Hazmat endorsement required • Paperwork: Strict documentation • Routing: Some routes restricted | • PHMSA Hazmat Safety • FMCSA Hazmat Drivers |
| Intermodal | Containers that move via multiple transportation modes (truck + rail + ship) without opening. Container transfers between chassis, rail car, and ship crane. | Long-distance shipping (1,000+ miles), import/export containers from ports, cost-conscious shippers moving freight between major hubs, environmentally-focused companies. | • Container Sizes: 20 ft, 40 ft, 53 ft • Rail: Double-stacked on trains • Cost: 20-30% below FTL • Carbon: Lower footprint than truck | • FMC Ocean Shipping • STB Rail Oversight |
| Expedited | Time-critical freight with guaranteed delivery deadlines. Often uses team drivers to keep truck moving 24/7. Premium pricing for priority handling. | Manufacturing shutdowns waiting on parts, medical supplies for scheduled procedures, event materials with hard deadlines, any “can’t be late” situation. | • Drivers: Team (2 drivers) • Transit: Non-stop • Tracking: Real-time, constant • Cost: 2-3x standard rates | • FMCSA Hours of Service • DOT Emergency Exemptions |
| White Glove | Premium delivery service including inside placement, unpacking, assembly, setup, and debris removal. Goes far beyond standard drop-and-go delivery. | High-end furniture, medical equipment (hospital beds, imaging machines), electronics installations, art and antiques, trade show exhibits, any item requiring careful handling. | • Service: Inside delivery • Includes: Unpacking, assembly, setup • Debris: Removal included • Scheduling: Appointment-based | • Better Business Bureau • FMCSA Company Snapshot |
| Cross-Border | Freight moving between countries (US-Mexico, US-Canada). Requires customs documentation, broker coordination, and knowledge of international regulations. | US-Mexico manufacturing supply chains, US-Canada retail distribution, import/export businesses, companies with North American supply chains. | • Customs: Required documentation • Brokers: Often needed • Duties/Tariffs: Vary by product • Carriers: Must be certified for cross-border | • CBP Import/Export • USMCA Information |
| Dump Trailer | Trailer that hydraulically lifts to dump loose bulk materials. Common in construction, landscaping, and agriculture. | Construction sites (gravel, sand, dirt), road work, landscaping supplies, demolition debris removal, agricultural materials (grain, feed). | • Lifting: Hydraulic system • Capacity: Varies by trailer size • Material: Loose bulk only • Types: End dump, side dump, belly dump | • OSHA Construction Standards • FMCSA Cargo Securement |
Quick Comparison: Full Truckload (FTL) vs. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)
Since these two terms cause the most confusion, here’s a direct side-by-side comparison:
| Factor | Full Truckload (FTL) | Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment Size | Full trailer (24+ pallets) | 1-10 pallets |
| Weight | 15,000-45,000 lbs | 150-15,000 lbs |
| Transit Time | 2-5 days (fastest) | 5-10 days (slower) |
| Handling | Loaded once, unloaded once | Multiple touches at terminals |
| Cost Structure | Per mile, flat rate | Per pound based on freight class |
| Best For | Large shipments, fragile goods, urgent delivery | Small shipments, budget shipping |
| Official Resource | FMCSA FTL Guidelines | NMFC LTL Classification |
How Much Do Different Truck Loads Cost? (2026 Rates)
Here are real average spot rates from early 2026. Remember that rates fluctuate based on fuel, season, and market conditions.
| Load Type | Average Rate (Per Mile) | Official Rate Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Van FTL | $1.64 | DAT Spot Rates |
| Reefer FTL | $2.05 | DAT Spot Rates |
| Flatbed FTL | $1.97 | DAT Spot Rates |
| LTL | Class-based ($150-$500/pallet) | NMFC Class Calculator |
| Hot Shot | 20-50% above standard | Truckstop.com Market Data |
| Expedited | 2-3x standard | FMCSA Emergency Authority |
| Intermodal | 20-30% below FTL | STB Rail Rates |
Official Resources for Truck Load Shipping
These are the government and industry websites you can trust for accurate, up-to-date information.
| Organization | Website | What They Provide | Authority Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) | fmcsa.dot.gov | Regulations, safety rules, compliance requirements, carrier registration, hours of service | .gov (Highest) |
| PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) | phmsa.dot.gov | Hazmat regulations, safety standards, emergency response information | .gov (Highest) |
| FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) | fhwa.dot.gov | Size and weight limits, bridge formulas, permit coordination | .gov (Highest) |
| CBP (US Customs and Border Protection) | cbp.gov | Cross-border requirements, import/export documentation, tariffs | .gov (Highest) |
| FMC (Federal Maritime Commission) | fmc.gov | Ocean shipping regulations, intermodal container rules | .gov (Highest) |
| STB (Surface Transportation Board) | stb.gov | Rail rates, intermodal economic regulation | .gov (Highest) |
| OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) | osha.gov | Loading dock safety, hazardous material handling, worker protection | .gov (Highest) |
| American Trucking Associations | trucking.org | Industry data, economic reports, policy advocacy | Industry Leader |
| NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) | nmfc.org | Freight class system, classification guidelines | Industry Standard |
| DAT Freight & Analytics | dat.com | Spot rates, load board, market trends | Industry Standard |
| FreightWaves | freightwaves.com | News, market analysis, SONAR data | High Authority |
| Commercial Carrier Journal | ccjdigital.com | Regulatory updates, industry news, best practices | Trade Authority |
Your 5-Step Action Plan
Here’s exactly what to do next:
- Identify your cargo – What is it? Does it need temperature control? Is it hazardous? Is it oversized?
- Measure and weigh – Get accurate dimensions and weight. Use FMCSA scales information for guidance.
- Match to load type – Use the table above to find your category
- Find a qualified carrier – Use FMCSA Company Snapshot to verify credentials
- Get multiple quotes – Check rates against DAT market data
Series: Complete Guide to Truck Loads
This guide is the overview in our 7-part series on freight and logistics.
Blog 1 (You’re Here!): [What Are Truck Loads? The 2026 Complete Guide to Freight Types and Logistics]
Blog 2: [What is Full Truckload (FTL): 2026 Guide with best explanation
Blog 3: [What is Less-Than-Truckload (LTL): 2026 Guide with best explanation]
Blog 4: [What are Dry Van Loads: 2026 Guide with best explanation]
Blog 5: [What are Reefer & Temperature-Controlled Loads: 2026 Guide with best explanation]
Blog 6: [What are Flatbed & Oversized Loads: 2026 Guide with best explanation]
Blog 7: [What are Specialized Freight: Hazmat, Tanker, Hot Shot & White Glove Services]
Have questions about truck loads or which type is right for your shipment? ( Click Here)
