Line haul is a specific operational model in the logistics and trucking industry that governs long-range transportation. This term describes the core function of carrying freight over extended routes, connecting markets across a country or continent. Understanding line haul is essential for recognizing how raw materials and finished products efficiently traverse the supply chain. This model facilitates the high-volume, rapid transit that supports modern commerce and regional distribution centers.
Defining Line Haul Transportation
Line haul transportation is defined by the movement of cargo between two major, established points, typically spanning distances greater than 250 miles. This operational structure focuses on maximizing the efficiency of long-distance trips by moving large volumes of consolidated freight between primary terminals or distribution centers. The routes are usually pre-planned and direct, connecting major metropolitan areas or regional hubs rather than making numerous stops.
Carriers utilize this system to move freight from the point of origin consolidation to the destination where it will be broken down and distributed locally. This movement is distinct because the truck is typically at highway speed for the majority of the trip, minimizing loading, unloading, or delivery delays.
Key Components of a Line Haul Operation
The infrastructure supporting line haul relies heavily on a network of terminals and hubs designed for rapid processing. These facilities function as consolidation points where incoming shipments are aggregated and outgoing loads are prepared for their long-distance voyage. Once the loads are built, the operation adheres to highly scheduled routes, ensuring predictability and consistency in transit times between these fixed locations.
A specialized process within line haul is relay driving, which maintains continuous movement without violating driver hours-of-service regulations. In a relay, a driver completes a segment of the route, meets another driver at an interchange point, and then swaps trailers or switches vehicles. This allows the freight to continue moving toward its destination while the initial driver takes mandated rest, optimizing asset utilization. These fixed relay points allow freight to cross multiple states with minimal delay.
Line Haul Versus Local Haul
The difference between line haul and local haul, often termed Pickup and Delivery (P&D), lies primarily in the distance traveled and the nature of the driver’s responsibilities. Line haul involves long-distance, inter-city travel focused on moving cargo from one major hub to another, often requiring drivers to be away from home for extended periods. The objective is maximum mileage and efficient transfer of bulk goods across a regional or national network, operating predominantly on interstate highways.
Local haul, conversely, involves short-distance trips within a metropolitan or regional area, typically centered around a single terminal. P&D drivers are responsible for the final mile delivery or the initial pickup of freight directly from customer locations, involving frequent stops and maneuvering in city traffic. These drivers rarely exceed a 100-mile radius from their base and are generally home every night, making multiple stops to load or unload smaller shipments.
The fundamental distinction also impacts freight handling. Line haul loads are generally sealed and untouched until they reach the destination terminal. Local haul involves significantly more interaction with the cargo, requiring drivers to manage invoices and interact directly with customers. The two operations are interdependent, with P&D feeding consolidated loads into the line haul network for final distribution.
Common Types of Line Haul Freight and Equipment
Line haul operations are typically structured around two primary categories of freight volume: Full Truckload (FTL) and Less-Than-Truckload (LTL). FTL involves a single shipment that occupies the entire trailer, moving directly from the shipper’s location to the consignee’s location without intermediate handling. LTL involves multiple smaller shipments from various customers that are consolidated onto one trailer at a terminal for the long-distance segment of the journey.
The equipment used is specifically designed for long-distance efficiency and driver comfort over extended trips. Most line haul trucks are equipped with sleeper cabs, providing the driver with a living space for mandated rest periods away from home. The most common trailers include 53-foot dry vans, which carry general merchandise, and refrigerated trailers, or “reefers,” which maintain temperature control for perishable items. These large trailers are built for highway speeds and maximum payload capacity.
Understanding Line Haul Costs and Pricing
The pricing structure for line haul services is usually calculated based on the mileage or the “lane rate” between the origin and destination terminals. Carriers assess a base rate per mile, which is adjusted based on the specific route, the current demand, and the type of equipment required for the freight. This mile-based calculation allows for a standardized and predictable cost structure across the extensive network of lanes a carrier operates.
Beyond the base rate, shippers must also account for various surcharges and accessorial charges. A fuel surcharge (FSC) is a variable fee applied to account for fluctuations in diesel fuel prices. Accessorial charges cover services outside the standard operation, such as waiting time, special handling, or fees related to detours and border crossings. These additional fees ensure the carrier is compensated for resources expended in specialized transport.
The Role of the Line Haul Driver
The line haul driver’s primary responsibility is the safe and timely transport of cargo over long, uninterrupted segments of highway. This requires strict adherence to Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which govern the maximum amount of time a commercial driver can operate a vehicle to prevent fatigue.
The nature of the work means line haul drivers spend long hours in the cab, often utilizing the sleeper berth for mandated rest periods. Unlike local haul drivers, they rarely interact with the end customer or assist with physical loading and unloading. Their focus remains on the operation of the vehicle and the security of the freight from the departure terminal to the destination terminal.