Full Trailer Load (FTL) Services

Full Trailer Load (FTL) Services2023-02-28T14:41:27-06:00

FTL, Full Truckload Shipping Services in Chicagoland

Looking to move bulk, packaged, or containerized cargo locally within a 100-mile radius around Chicago? Look no further than Thinnes Transport, one of the leading and most reputable trucking companies in Illinois.

With a dedicated fleet of large/small freight vehicles and a versatile team of logistics experts and experienced drivers, we provide state-of-the-art full trailer load services locally and across all 50 US states, Mexico, and Canada at highly competitive rates.

We’ve also established a powerful network of carriers in Chicagoland and surrounding states to expand our services and enable continuous optimization.

So, feel free to call us at (312) 659-4809 to learn about our trucking, warehousing, and other freight shipping & logistics services.

Why Opt for FTL, Full Truckload Services?

Full trailer load freight shipping services are the go-to option for shippers looking for a single carrier solution to haul cargo from A to B. FTL utilizes a freight vehicle’s entire capacity for a single client’s shipment and offers the following benefits:

Why Choose Thinnes Transport to Move Your Cargo?

  • Unparalleled Expertise
    Thinnes Transport has been providing top-notch FTL freight transportation and logistics companies in Illinois for over four decades. Hence, you can rest assured we have the expertise, experience, resources, and connections to move your cargo from A to B safely and timely.

  • Strategic Location
    Since our founding, we’ve operated out of Crystal Lake and Lake in the Hills, both cities located within 30 miles of Chicago. Our shipment warehouse is located close to major rail depots, three airports, and multiple shipping lanes on the Great lakes.

  • Insurance & Shipment Protection
    At Thinnes Transport, we treat your cargo like our own with careful handling. Moreover, we are equipped with the latest surveillance technologies to enhance protection. We also provide an additional layer of protection through insurance.

  • Enhanced Visibility
    All our vehicles are equipped with the latest and most powerful electronic logging devices (ELDs) in the market to track date & time, location, distance traveled, engine status, idling time, driver actions, and other metrics. Thus, you can rest assured we have an eagle eye on your cargo at all times.

  • Swift Delivery
    As veterans in the freight industry, we understand how delays can disrupt supply chains and result in several operational and financial repercussions. Hence, we utilize GPS tracking to pick the best routes and try to move ahead of schedule to keep a good amount of float at all times.

  • Round-the-Clock Customer Service
    Our customer support team is available at your service 24/7/365 to answer any questions related to our full truckload services in Illinois and your cargo in transit.

Types of Cargo We Transport

At Thinnes Transport, we work with a variety of industries and move a wide range of cargo within the state, country, and across the north and south US borders, including (but not limited to):

  • Automotive
  • Construction
  • eCommerce
  • Food
  • Mining
  • Pharmaceutical

Our Fleet

For over 40 years, we’ve gradually upgraded and expanded our fleet to increase our freight shipping capacity in Chicagoland, Southern Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and other areas. Today, we have a large fleet comprising mainly:

  • 53′ Dry Vans
  • Sprinter Vans
  • Drop Trailer
  • Hotshot Trailer
  • 28′ Pup Trailers for those tight spots

Our FTL Freight Shipping Process

  • Brief and Preparation
    We kick-start all our freight processes by learning about our clients (shippers/brokers) to understand their shipment needs, timelines, budget, and volume/weight/type of cargo. With this information, we can procure the right equipment, vehicle, and resources to ensure smooth delivery.

  • Scheduling
    Next, we set our freight schedules according to your pick-up and delivery dates and get copies of all the essential documentation before we commence the operation.

  • Transit and Logistics
    Our team utilizes the latest fleet and freight management software to optimize every aspect of the transition, from pick-up to delivery. By doing so, we can accelerate loading and unloading times, pick the best routes and drivers to minimize idling, and monitor road and vehicle conditions to prevent or plan for any disruptions or uncertainties.

  • Delivery & Reporting
    Finally, we arrive at your freight’s delivery point and allow your team to unload the cargo carefully. Once we’re done, we send a detailed completion report along with any mandatory documentation, such as invoices, and be on our way.

  • In-House Truck Maintenance
    At Thinnes Transport, we repair and maintain our trucks in-house. We save time and resources by not outsourcing this crucial aspect of operations. We have partnered with manufacturers and third-party vendors for quick parts procurement. Moreover, we have hired experienced technicians and equipped them with cutting-edge tools and equipment to work quickly and effectively.

FTL Freight FAQs

What Documents Are Required For FTL Freight Shipping?2023-02-28T13:26:16-06:00

Freight transportation is a crucial aspect of global commerce. To ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods, documents such as bills of lading and manifests are required for all freight shipping. Full truckload (FTL) shipping is no exception – understanding what documentation is needed before beginning an FTL shipment can help make the process smoother and more successful.

When preparing to ship via FTL service, it is important to have all necessary information on hand prior to starting the transaction. Generally speaking, shippers will need to provide a signed bill of lading which serves as proof that they contracted with a specific carrier to deliver their cargo from one location to another. Furthermore, additional paperwork may be requested by carriers depending on the type of commodities being transported; this could include hazardous material forms or other special permits. The importance of providing accurate information cannot be overstated – any discrepancies between what’s stated in the paperwork compared to actual contents can result in delays and potential fines for shippers.

Finally, comprehensive knowledge about each step of the shipping process helps ensure shipments arrive at their destination properly and timely. Keeping track of relevant documents is just one part of making sure FTL freight runs smoothly – proper preparation and execution are key elements for success in this area. Having access to detailed records also allows shippers to monitor progress throughout transit if queries arise along the way.

Are There Any Risks Associated With FTL Freight Shipping?2023-02-28T13:25:50-06:00

The risks associated with FTL freight shipping are genuine and should not be taken lightly. It can mean the difference between a successful shipment and one that is filled with costly delays or even total losses. For shippers in particular, this means taking time to ensure they understand all of the potential problems their shipments could face along the way. From inclement weather conditions to human error, there’s plenty of room for things to go wrong when it comes to FTL Freight shipping.

One of the most prominent issues that arise during FTL Freight shipping is miscommunication between parties involved in the transaction. This includes misunderstandings regarding price points, delivery times, product quality expectations and more. If these types of communication breakdowns occur at any point throughout the process, then goods may end up being delivered late or damaged due to lack of clarity from both sides of an agreement. Additionally, poor handling practices on either side can also lead to damage occurring before deliveries reach their intended destination sites.

Furthermore, insurance policies related to cargo loss and theft will determine how much compensation a company receives if something goes wrong while goods are in route; unfortunately, many companies simply don’t have enough coverage available for such eventualities which can leave them high and dry if anything does happen during transit. All in all, FTL freight shipping carries risk as well as great reward – understanding these risks beforehand is essential for anyone considering this mode of transportation for their products.

What Is The Average Cost Of FTL Freight Shipping?2023-02-28T13:25:29-06:00

FTL freight, or Full Truckload Freight, is a type of transportation service in which goods are shipped as one full truckload from origin to destination. Commonly used by larger companies and businesses that require more than just a pallet or two of products for delivery, FTL freight shipping can provide cost savings due to increased efficiency when compared with less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. As such, it is important to understand the average cost associated with this form of shipment before making any decisions about using the service.

Typically, the overall cost of FTL freight shipping depends on several factors including distance traveled and weight/dimensions of the load being shipped. Generally speaking, shorter distances tend to be cheaper since fewer miles will need to be covered. In addition, lighter loads often equate to lower costs due to reduced fuel consumption and wear and tear on vehicles hauling them. The size of the truck itself may also impact pricing; smaller trucks are usually less expensive but can only accommodate limited amounts of cargo.

Overall, FTL freight shipping has become an increasingly popular option among shippers looking to move large quantities of items without spending a fortune in comparison with LTL shipments. Although prices vary based on individual circumstances and needs, understanding the basics behind typical rates helps ensure savvy decision making when selecting services best suited for each particular scenario.

What Is The Difference Between FTL And LTL Freight?2023-02-28T13:25:04-06:00

Freight transportation is like a puzzle, where all the pieces must fit together perfectly in order to get goods and materials from Point A to Point B. Full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) freight are two of the most common types of transport used by businesses today. We will explore the differences between FTL and LTL freight in detail below.

Firstly, it is important to understand that FTL shipping involves filling an entire trailer with one company’s shipment for delivery at its final destination. This type of freight service has several advantages:

  • no additional handling costs as the cargo does not need to be unloaded or sorted;
  • greater security since there are fewer opportunities for theft;
  • reduced transit time due to fewer stops along the way;
  • potentially lower overall cost if you have enough cargo for a full load.

On the other hand, LTL shipments involve combining multiple customers’ smaller orders into a single truckload for delivery. Here are four major benefits associated with LTL freight:

  • flexibility when dealing with smaller quantities of goods;
  • shared cost which reduces your individual transport expenses;
  • more accurate delivery times due to fewer variables;
  • increased control over scheduling pickups and deliveries.

Both FTL and LTL services offer unique advantages depending on specific business needs. When choosing between them, be sure to consider factors such as quantity of items being shipped, cost savings potential, transit times, pickup/delivery options, weight restrictions, special packaging requirements, insurance coverage levels and any other relevant considerations before making a decision. By taking all these elements into account beforehand you can make an informed choice that best suits your company’s goals and objectives.

How Do I Choose a Freight Carrier?2023-02-28T13:23:58-06:00

The decision to choose a freight carrier requires careful consideration of many variables. It is not merely about finding the most cost-effective option; it is about selecting the optimal transport for each shipment. FTL (Full Truckload) Freight shipping involves filling an entire truck with goods from a single shipper or multiple shippers who are sending items to the same general area. Depending on what needs to be shipped and where it needs to go, companies may opt for either dry vans, flatbeds or refrigerated trailers when utilizing Full Truckload services. Additionally, carriers offer different levels of service such as expedited delivery or guaranteed transit times – all factors must be taken into account before making a selection.

It can be difficult to decide between various options without understanding how they work together and impact overall costs. Therefore, researching available solutions is key in finding the right fit; taking time to compare prices against services offered by different providers helps create an informed choice based on individual requirements. Ultimately, the best way to find successful transportation partners lies in exploring new possibilities while remaining mindful of budget considerations.

Get in Touch

At Thinnes Transport, we offer various shipping options for our clients in Chicagoland and surrounding states. Since our founding, we’ve established ourselves as one of the best freight shipping services for full truckload freight transport.

You can rest assured we excel in every aspect of the value chain, from brief to pick-up, transit, and delivery.
So, if you want to leverage our expertise and opt for our full trailer load services (FTL), contact our experts immediately by calling (312) 659-4809.

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