What Is Multiple Goods In One Trailer

Can different types of goods be moved easily on a single trailer, cutting down on logistics costs and improving working efficiency? This question is at the heart of the problems we face today in transportation. As logistics companies try to be more efficient and cut down on delivery costs. It’s important for them to know the best ways to move multiple items.

At Genron International Trade, a top semi trailer companies in China. We are aware of the difficulties involved in moving multiple items in a single trailer. With the right approach, you can make full use of the trailer space, meet temperature standards, and comply with all regulations. We will talk about the pros, cons, and best ways to move different types of cargo in a single trailer in this piece.

What Is Multiple Goods In One Trailer?

Multiple goods in one trailer, as the name suggests, refers to the transportation of several different types of goods on one full truck load (FTL). This method allows for one trip to transport them to their destination. It is ideal for long-distance transportation as well as large logistics projects.

This service is usually not a one-time transportation, but includes multiple stops during a single trip for split transportation. It increases efficiency, reduces costs, and cuts down on empty trucks.

For example, we delivered a low-bed trailer for a construction company. This customer specified before customization that they needed to transport construction materials as well as construction equipment. In some cases, it was also necessary to transport both materials for a split-site drop-off.

GENRON delivered a trailer that was perfectly safe for the customer’s needs. The trailers were able to accommodate the simultaneous transportation of construction materials and equipment as well as the delivery of batches. This eliminates the need for multiple deliveries and greatly improves transportation efficiency and construction progress.

Common Challenges of Multiple Goods In One Trailer

There are many obstacles to overcome when shipping multiple items in a single trailer, so preparation and performance are crucial. When we ship different kinds of goods together, we run into a number of problems that slow down and threaten the safety of the whole process.

Temperature Control Issues: Keeping the right temperature for each type of goods is one of the main worries. It’s hard to ensure the quality and safety of goods that require specific weather conditions. One example is a major grocery store company that uses 36° F-cooled reefer trucks to service its stores. But some things, like frozen meat, need to be shipped at lower temperatures. This makes controlling the temperature more difficult.

Space Optimization Difficulties: Another big problem is that trailers don’t have a lot of room for different kinds of goods. To make the best use of the room, we need to think about how different goods’ sizes, weights, and stacking needs affect each other. It’s important to make good use of space so that nothing goes to waste and everything gets moved safely.

Loading and Unloading Complexities: To load and unload multiple items from a single trailer, you need to carefully plan your steps. We need to cut down on the time it takes to handle things while still keeping the products separated and the temperature stable. It is essential to follow the correct loading sequence, especially when stopping at multiple sites. This ensures the quality of the goods and prevents cross-contamination.

Once we understand these issues, we can find solutions. This will ensure that multiple items can be transported quickly and safely using a single trailer.

Trailer Design Considerations for Multiple Goods

At Genron International Trade, we know that the shape of the trailer is an important part of moving a wide range of goods. The construction of a trailer directly affects its load capacity and flexibility. In addition, it also affects the protection of various items during transportation.

Standard Trailer Dimensions and Capacities

Dry van trailers that are standard are made to carry legal loads. They are usually 53 feet long, can hold up to 110 inches of height, and can hold up to 100 inches of width. Depending on the trailer and the type of goods, the most weight that can be carried goes from 42,000 to 45,000 pounds.

• Height: 108 inches (9 feet) is the most common height capacity.
• Width: 100 inches (8 feet, 4 inches) is the typical width capacity.
• Length: 53 feet (636 inches) is the standard length for dry van trailers.

Multi-Temperature Zone Configurations

Trailers designed for multiple goods often require multi-temperature zone configurations. This involves specialized partitioning systems and independent refrigeration units to maintain different climate environments within a single trailer.

• Movable bulkheads and insulated partitions create adaptable zones.
• Multi-evaporator refrigeration systems allow for precise temperature control.

Specialized Equipment for Diverse Cargo

Different types of goods can be loaded into trailers, which are equipped with special features to prevent cross-contamination of goods. For example, adjustable shelves, hanging clothing systems, and partition walls.

• E-track systems and logistics posts secure cargo.
• Custom trailer solutions can be developed for specific cargo needs.

Types of cargoes and modes of transportation

There are no specific requirements for this type of transportation. We have broadly categorized them according to the type of cargo and mode of transportation:

Common types of cargo

• Fragile goods: Common ones include glass, ceramics, etc. However, this type of goods needs to be handled with care. However, this type of cargo needs to be handled carefully to avoid breakage.
• Temperature-controlled goods: Such as food, medicines, etc. These goods need to be kept at a specific temperature for transportation.
• Heavy equipment: Including construction equipment, machine tools, etc. These goods are usually large and heavy and require the use of suitable trailers.
• Bulk goods: e.g. sand, cement, stone, etc. These goods usually need to be loaded in specific containers to prevent spillage or contamination.
• Small goods: e.g. household goods, furniture, etc., which are suitable for placing in minivans or enclosed trailers.

Suitable mode of transportation

Depending on the type of cargo and its requirements, it is vital to choose the right trailer. Common modes of transportation include:

• Flatbed trailers: suitable for transporting large, heavy items such as construction materials, equipment, etc.
• Enclosed trailers: suitable for goods that need protection, such as fragile goods, valuables, etc. 3.
• Refrigerated trailers: for transportation of temperature-controlled goods to ensure that foodstuffs, medicines, etc. are kept within the set temperature range.
• Bulk trailers: Suitable for transportation of bulk goods, usually used for transportation of construction materials or other unpackaged goods.

Advantages and Challenges of Multi-Cargo Transportation

Multi-stop transportation is a common mode of transportation nowadays. There are some advantages to this task, but there are also some challenges. Below, we have compiled some of the advantages as well as challenges.

Advantages of multicargo transportation

• Reduced transportation costs: due to the fact that the transportation industry has become progressively more competitive in recent years. Transporting multiple cargoes together at once is a competitive transportation solution. It can effectively avoid empty trucks and reduce the cost of single-trip transportation. For example, transporting different cargoes at one time can effectively reduce the cost of fuel as well as the cost of transportation time.
• Improve transportation efficiency: Multi-commodity transportation can reduce the number of transportation trips and improve efficiency.
• Provide flexibility: different goods can be transported together according to the needs. Whether it is a long-distance or short-distance transportation, the transportation strategy can be developed according to the cargo.

Challenges of multicargo transportation

• Cargo Damage: Different cargoes may collide or crush during transportation, which increases the risk of damage. For example, heavy cargo may affect fragile goods.
• Complex loading and unloading: When loading multiple cargoes, it is important to ensure that space and weight are allocated appropriately. Smoothness and stability of the trailer during transportation are extremely important. However, this operation requires additional time and human resources.
• Improper loading affects the balance: Uneven weight distribution of cargo can cause many problems when transporting multiple loads. Therefore, when loading, make sure that the trailer is balanced.

How to optimize the efficiency of multi-cargo transportation？

Multicargo transportation has many advantages. But how can it be further optimized to make the most of this mode? Here are some tips that GENRON has compiled to address this issue:

• Classification and segregation of cargoes: During transportation, it is advisable to classify and separate different cargoes into packages. This way, you can ensure the safety of your goods and avoid damage. You can use foam boards or cardboard boxes to separate these goods.
• Route Optimization: Before shipping, choose the shortest and safest route. Avoid detours that increase transit time/fuel and labor costs.
• Multi-functional trailers: Avoid frequent vehicle changes by using multi-functional trailers for different cargoes. In addition, at the same time, reduce the number of loading and unloading, and improve the efficiency of transportation.

Summary

Overall, it is possible to reduce costs and increase efficiency by transporting multiple cargoes in a single trailer. However, there are some challenges with this approach. Therefore, you need to plan/load your shipments appropriately. This is certainly an effective solution for companies that need to optimize their transport processes.

As a professional trailer manufacturer, we can provide targeted, customized trailer solutions according to your requirements. Feel free to contact our team to round up a customized solution.

FAQs

How to choose the right type of trailer to transport multiple cargoes?

Different types of trailers are selected based on the weight, size, and characteristics of the cargo. For example, heavy equipment is suitable for flatbed trailers, while fragile goods are suitable for enclosed trailers.

What kind of cargo is suitable for transportation on the same trailer?

Usually, the goods that are suitable to be transported together are those that are similar in nature and do not interfere with each other. For example, construction materials and equipment, or temperature-controlled goods, and other temperature-controlled transportation of goods.

How to prevent damage to goods during multi-commodity transportation?

Use suitable packaging, segregation measures, and ensure that the cargo is fixed and stable. In this case, you can use special segregation items, foam boards, etc. to effectively prevent damage to the goods.

How to ensure the safety of goods during transportation?

Ensure that the goods are fixed and stable during transportation, and strictly comply with the safety norms. At the same time, choose suitable trailers and reasonable loading methods to ensure the smoothness of the transportation process.