Modern logistics networks are complicated chains with many moving parts. From major distribution centers and warehouses to long-haul shipping routes and transportation services, there are numerous steps between a customer placing their order and the product being left on their doorstep.
Straight trucks play a crucial role in these networks. They offer distinct benefits over other logistics vehicles with their size variations and flexible loading capabilities. This has made them a vital piece of infrastructure for today’s e-commerce brands.
But exactly what is a straight truck, and how should your brand be using them? You’ll find answers to those questions and others in the article below.
What Is the Role of Straight Trucks in E-Commerce Fulfillment?
Straight trucks are medium-duty logistics vehicles, featuring a cargo area that’s integrated with the cab. This differs from the standard long-haul semi truck, which has detachable trailers connected to the cab with a fifth-wheel coupling. The term “straight truck” comes from this distinction, but these vehicles are also sometimes called a cargo van. Some examples of a straight truck include a standard dump truck, box truck, or cube truck.
Companies tend to use straight trucks for last-mile and middle-mile deliveries. They’re well-suited to these tasks thanks to their compact and fuel-efficient design, but you can use them in a variety of settings, as explored in the following sections.
Versatility in Freight Types
One of the most significant advantages of straight trucks is their versatility for holding different types of freight. This is particularly important for e-commerce brands that offer a diverse lineup of products shipped in various-sized packages.
For example, a straight truck can safely transport:
- Full pallets of heavy goods
- Fragile items that need to be shipped securely
- Many diverse parcel shapes in a single load
So, even if a straight truck isn’t the perfect fit for a route, it may still be an option worth considering. You may be able to reduce costs by consolidating shipments and having your truck drivers make fewer trips. There are also large straight trucks you can use when you need extra space. With multiple-size profiles to choose from, finding an optimal fit for your business becomes easy.
Importance in Warehousing Operations
Many logistics networks also rely on box trucks in their warehousing operations. They can plug crucial holes in your operations, making the entire network more efficient.
For example, you can use these trucks as flexible connectors between regional distribution centers, micro-fulfillment centers, and local delivery stations. Doing so could open new efficiencies to help you save.
These trucks are also great fits for cross-docking operations. They’re small and easily maneuverable and can help you consolidate operations to get products shipped to customers faster.
Advantages in Urban Environments
Straight trucks are especially common in urban environments. Many e-commerce brands use them for last-mile delivery in cities for the following reasons.
Maneuverability in City Streets
First, urban traffic grids pose unique challenges. They often have tight streets and limited parking, which makes maneuvering in a larger delivery vehicle challenging. Straight trucks are perfect for these situations.
They feature shorter wheelbases and have a better turning radius than tractor-trailers. This means they can navigate through city streets in ways larger vehicles and even standard delivery trucks can’t. That can be useful when delivering to downtown retail stores, apartment complexes, and urban fulfillment centers.
Using more maneuverable vehicles can be the difference between delivering packages on time consistently and facing constant traffic delays that frustrate customers.
Faster Delivery Times
You can also find ways to improve delivery timelines by leveraging each cargo van in your network. They can save you from having to route shipments through centralized terminals and transfer hubs.
For example, you could deliver a customer’s order to a regional fulfillment center as part of your regular tractor-trailer shipment. Or, you could use a straight truck to move those goods directly to an urban distribution center. The latter scenario skips the fulfillment center and helps you deliver the customer’s order faster.
This may not work with every shipment. But as your network grows, you’ll typically find more and more of these time-saving opportunities. Straight trucks help you take advantage of them.
Reduced Dependency on Terminals and Hubs
Traditional long-haul logistics tend to rely heavily on large regional terminals and freight consolidation points. A box truck can bypass some of these steps. They support a more direct-to-consumer shipping model, which reduces lead times and keeps clients happy.
You’ll probably still use terminals and hubs, but you won’t have to route every shipment through them. That can open new delivery options for customers, some of whom may be willing to pay you more for a faster shipping timeline.
Future Trends and Developments
Straight trucks are very useful in today’s logistics networks. But supply chains are constantly evolving, especially as technology improves. So, is it still worth developing a straight truck strategy today? Or will they be obsolete in a few years?
For multiple reasons, straight trucks are likely to continue playing an important role in logistics for the foreseeable future. Here’s what you need to know.
Increasing Demand in E-Commerce
First, e-commerce is continuing to grow, expanding into new sectors like grocery and big-box retail. This is driving demand for more localized, nimble delivery options. In other words, as people buy more online, their expectations for speedy deliveries continue to grow.
Straight trucks are well-positioned to thrive in this landscape. They provide crucial last-mile delivery services, which may be the last to be interrupted by emerging tech like driverless vehicles. So, as long as e-commerce continues growing, straight trucks will continue to be important, as well.
Innovations in Truck Design
We’re also seeing new innovations in straight truck design. This is making the vehicle class more useful to diverse retailers. For example, new models do a better job of prioritizing fuel efficiency and integrating smart technology. Many also feature modular interiors that you can arrange however you need.
These innovations should help straight trucks remain relevant in the logistics industry, even as shipping needs change.
Opportunities for Green Logistics
Finally, more and more cities are implementing strict emissions regulations in a push for sustainability. Straight trucks can help your company comply with these expanding regulations. Many new models are electric or hybrid, reducing your carbon footprint without compromising performance. Their smaller size also leads to more efficient fuel consumption per delivery.
Building Your Ideal Logistics Network With AMS Fulfillment
Straight trucks are essential to modern e-commerce companies. They facilitate speedier last-mile delivery, help you save money, and make it easier to comply with sustainability initiatives.
However, it’s important to develop a cohesive strategy before getting started. Even if straight trucks can improve some aspects of your business today, they may not be the ideal solution to your problems.
That’s why we hope you’ll consider partnering with AMS Fulfillment. We’re a high-volume national e-commerce logistics player with everything from pick-and-pack support to inventory management and returns management services. Our team of shipping experts will often utilize straight trucks in last mile delivery for our clients. Straight trucks are one of our many strategies to serve our clients and save. .
So, why wait? Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help.
