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Business Transport Guide:
The Pros and Cons of Rail and Truck Transport
When shipping freight or transporting machinery, one of the decisions you must make is whether to ship by rail or truck. Selecting a cost effective method of transport is important, but you should consider other important factors as well. There are pros and cons to both shipping by truck and shipping by rail. By evaluating your needs and priorities, you can determine whether transporting by truck or by rail is the best option for you.
When Should I Transport by Rail?
- Your shipment is fragile or prone to damage - rail transport is usually smoother than trucks.
- Your shipment is time-critical – rail lines operate on a predetermined schedule, while trucks can encounter accidents or construction on the interstates.
- You have a very large shipment that is too large or heavy for a truck – the limits are higher for rail shipments.
When Should I Choose Truck Transport?
- You need flexible options – truck transport offers more options than rail, such as Truckload (TL) or Less Than Truckload (LTL), and more routes are available.
- You place a priority on cost-efficiency – this can vary depending on your shipment, but truck transport is relatively cost-effective.
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