Finding the right trucking company to meet your logistics needs can be challenging. Each company must meet its own set of unique demands, which requires careful selection of transport services. This is true for any type of freight, but it is particularly important when it comes to special loads like hay. While many packages can be transported on routine shipping lines, this is often not the case for hay transport. Many states have specific regulations and restrictions about the quantity of hay that can be hauled and the manner in which it occurs. Some even restrict the time of day for larger loads and the type of roadways where hay transport is allowed. Suffice it to say, hay hauling can be a bit trickier than many other types of shipping logistics.
Overall, the most common way in which hay transport occurs is via flatbed trucking. While other options exist, this is by far the most common method used in North America today. But before you arrange any flatbed trucking service, there are many questions that have to be answered. And third-party logistics (3PL) providers and trucking services that fail to ask these questions will certainly struggle. For this reason, it’s important to know the parameters that a good hay transport company will ask about. Having these insights will help you in your search for a quality logistics and hay-hauling service.
Hay Transport Options
As mentioned, hay hauling is most commonly performed with the use of flatbed trucks. Baled hay, either squared or rounded, is loaded onto the flatbed and then transported to its destination. Full flatbed loads can accommodate up to 24 tons of hay, but partial loads and less-than-full truckloads (LTL) are also available. As with any logistics transport, load size and distance traveled affect the choices available. But at the same time, specific services to protect hay bales can also increase costs. Knowing which of these services are important to you further helps you refine which options you have.
Some logistics companies provide full tarping services to protect the hay, while others may not. If the distance to be traveled is short, and there are no restrictions, tarping services may not be needed. Some companies also offer dry bulk trailers for hay transport, which are fully-enclosed and vacuum-sealed carriers. Dry bulk trailers are safer and protect hay to a much greater extent. But they max out at a little over 3,000 cubic square feet of cargo, and they naturally are more expensive. Depending on your specific needs, these reflect the variety of ways by which hay transport occurs.
Important Questions to Consider
Even if you choose to go with flatbed trucking options for hay hauling, there are still specifics that must be known. Quality 3PL providers and logistics companies will routinely ask about these issues to ensure expectations are met. And those that don’t should raise some concerns. Not only could this result in unexpected costs, but it might also pose legal risks for you and the trucking company. Likewise, it’s important to know that you have choices and don’t have to use the hay-hauling companies suggested by a particular farmer. Exploring different hay transport companies is important from both a quality and a cost perspective.
Key questions that should be asked naturally involve the dimensions of the hay bales to be transported. Companies should also ask if hay is baled in squares or in rounds. They also routinely ask about the number of bales in an effort to comply with weight and height restrictions in various states. And they should of course ask about the specific type of flatbed trucking needed, such as standard or step-deck types. One of the most important pieces of information they should ask pertains to hay transport loading. In many cases, crews will need to be available to load and unload bales of hay on the flatbed trucking trailers. Knowing crews’ availability, contact numbers, and scheduling demands is essential for quality service. These are the types of inquiries you should expect from a top-notch logistics carrier.
Opportunities to Save Cost and Time
For some companies involved in frequent hay transport, acquiring one’s own flatbed trucking equipment and loading crews may make sense. But for the vast majority, these activities can be overly time-consuming and costly. In these instances, it makes sense to partner with a quality 3PL provider like Fratogo. Such 3PL providers that offer comprehensive services and work with numerous carriers offer tremendous savings in time and money. Plus, they’re very familiar with the nuances associated with hay transport and flatbed trucking. In either case, choosing the right hay transport carrier requires a bit of research. But without a doubt, the time invested is well worth it in the long run.
Need Help With Your Hay Transport Operation?
Fratogo specializes in the transportation of hay all across North America. Contact a Fratogo Agriculture Specialist to get your hay moving where and when you need it most!
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