Most businesses in Australia need to move goods efficiently to survive. When it comes to choosing a transport option, there are a variety of services available. It is good to be familiar with the options, as not all transport services will operate the same way. Two of the most popular services are line haul delivery and local freight.
Both of these services have a vital place in supply chains. However, they each fulfill a different role and purpose. The right option for you can depend on a number of factors such as distance, routes, and delivery requirements. Being familiar with both can help you decide when to use each, and ultimately improve efficiency and costs. As one of the leading transport companies in Australia, the team at DSE is here to help break down the differences so you can make an informed decision.
What is Line Haul Delivery?
Line haul delivery allows you to transport goods between major locations like hubs, depots, or cities. These routes are long and cover great distances across the countryside. Line haul services work on a fixed schedule and are ideal for transporting larger amounts of stock. In terms of shipping, they would fit somewhere in the middle of the supply chain. Line haul services work best when transporting goods between your major service hubs. Think warehouses, storage facilities, and distribution centres. Where they really demonstrate their value is when you need to send a lot all at once, especially over a long distance.
What About Local Freight Delivery?
Local freight slots in somewhere near the end of the shipping chain. Think of shipments directly to the client. This is usually nearby, perhaps in the same city or region. This allows you to move your goods from the distribution hub to their final delivery destination. One area they really shine is with same day deliveries or last minute orders.
What’s the Difference?
So the big question, what are the major differences between the two? To help grasp the nuances, it is best to split things up into categories. Let’s take three as an example: distance, purpose, and schedule.
Distance
From the descriptions above, you can probably spot the differences in distance. Line haul is for long distances (interstate, cities, regions). Local freight, on the other hand, takes care of the things nearby (local, same city, directly to the client).
Purpose
Line haul transport helps to move goods between service hubs. It is best for large volume deliveries in order to maximise efficiency. Local freight is for the final phase of delivery and transports goods from the hub directly to the client.
Schedule
Line haul services usually operate on a fixed schedule. Because the distance covered is greater, providers will try to consolidate shipments and maximize every trip as much as possible. Local freight is great when you need to choose a schedule. Shipments are smaller, and the timing can often be varied depending on your requirements. You can start to see how both play an important part in the day-to-day operations.
Which is Right for Your Shipping Needs?
It is highly likely that most businesses will use a combination of both line haul and local freight. Which is right for your specific shipment comes down to distance, purpose, and schedule. Choosing the right option can improve efficiency in both time and cost. Working with an experienced shipping provider can help ensure your shipments run smoothly and on time. For line haul transportation, local freight, or anything else shipping-related, the team at DSE is on hand and ready to help.