Millions of transport trucks crisscross the United States on any given day to deliver precious cargo. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in 2020, trucks moved 11.84 billion tons of freight, accounting for 72.5% of the total freight tonnage transported in the country.

Trucking is a preferred mode of transportation thanks to the flexibility of trucking to transport goods to almost any location, the speed of delivery, and the ability to track trailer shipping in real time. 

But, with the large volume of trailers on the road, selecting the correct type of trailer for a specific shipment is essential to ensure that the cargo arrives at its destination safely and on time.

How can you know which trailer is right for your logistics management? Below we'll break down seven types of trailers and their main application in shipping and logistics.

Keeping your semi-truck and trailer in top working condition is paramount to staying safe on the road and keeping maintenance costs in check. Frequent stops for repairs or other inconveniences can impact your livelihood as it takes up precious time and money.

Performing regular daily checks on your equipment is critical to the extending the life of your asset. It will also help you detect any changes in the performance to minimize repair costs.

For example, if your fuel efficiency has decreased, your tire wear patterns are uneven, or the steering is suddenly veering to one side, your commercial truck could be out of alignment.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor lists tractor-trailer truck driving as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. It makes sense with large loads, long drive times, and unpredictable traffic and weather. 

As a professional truck driver, you most likely know this all too well. 

There's a good chance you've had some close calls or have even been in an accident. It's easy to get caught off guard if you aren't prepared for rapidly changing conditions like a sudden blizzard through a mountain pass or high winds through flatlands. 

The good news is that there are things you can do to improve your safety while operating your semi truck in dangerous driving conditions.

Staying safe on the road is essential for any professional semi-truck driver. While it’s exciting to pick up your load and hit the road, a pre-trip inspection will keep you safe while delivering your load assignment and prevent possible delays at inspection points that could slow you down and cost you money.

It’s easy to get complacent, but when you’re operating a large commercial vehicle, skipping this step could end up costing you your career. Whether you’ve been driving for years or are new to the trucking industry, a pre-trip equipment check should be part of your regular routine.

But what should you check on your semi-trailer before hitting the road?

Check the following six things on your equipment, so you don’t run into surprises at inspection points. 

There's a good chance you chose the trucking industry to avoid typical strategies other businesses employ, like networking. 

But the truth is, there's no better way to meet like-minded people than through networking. Everyone can benefit from a connected network, including semi truck drivers.

While networking may not be synonymous with trucking, it's time to change that.

The holiday season can be an intense time of year for professional truck drivers. December brings an increase in holiday travel, with trucks scrambling to deliver packages on time and people traveling by car to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. 

Driving long distances can leave your tractor-trailer susceptible to damage. Commercial trucks and trailers experience anything from minor wear and tear to more severe issues requiring full-service maintenance.

Manufacturers around the world are experiencing shortages in components, supplies, and even labor. And the semi-trailer industry has been hit hard by these global supply chain issues. 

The shortage of materials was initially sparked by government-mandated plant shutdowns at the height of the pandemic. And even as the world has opened up again, other economic factors have created a backlog in new semi-trailer builds. 

For many owner-operators and smaller fleets, working with a trailer dealership on financing can be a stressful and confusing process. How do you know you’re getting the best deal? What kind of credit score do you need to get the payments you can afford? Can you find someone who has the experience and knowledge to find the lenders that are the best fit for you? 

At CRTS, we take a thoughtful approach to trailer financing. We believe a dealer should do their homework on behalf of their customers so that you can get the best financing option to fit your needs and goals. Your buying or leasing experience should be as straightforward as possible. 

Many dealerships handle financing by turning you over to a finance company and stepping away from the process. They’re often very friendly people, but they aren’t thinking about your financing needs or options. Your credit application could be sent to as many as six or seven separate lenders, in a bulk group email, to see which lender will approve the financing. 

Every fleet is different. Your trucks run a certain product to certain parts of the country, making a certain series of stops along the routes. Your operation has its own set of business and financial goals and you have your own set of uniques. 

As a result, you have specific challenges that other fleets don’t have. The success of your business depends on hauling trailers that best fit your own unique needs. 

At CRTS, we understand the importance of equipping your trailer with the right options. That’s why we work with you to understand your situation and offer trailer customizations that can help you run more efficiently. Here’s how we do that.