Trucking Timing Options

Trucking Logistics 101: Know Your Ground Freight Timing Options

How deferred shipping, expedited trucking and hot shot trucking stack up

From medicine to retail to food, every facet of the global economy depends on speedy, reliable trucking logistics.

But with so many choices, from deferred shipping to expedited trucking to hot shot trucking, how do you know which service is best suited to your schedule?

For help deciding, read on to learn the difference between trucking service timing options and how AIT can build a customized, cost-effective solution to help your organization reach its goals.

The ideal for longer lead times


Deferred shipping is a secure and cost-effective transit solution for ground shipments with longer lead times or without tight time constraints—scheduled restocks for automotive parts or retail inventory, for example.

With this method, your freight is consolidated and ships at the next available connection. While the deferred shipping process may take slightly longer than other trucking options, your organization benefits by cutting costs on routine shipments without excessive delays.

AIT offers deferred freight trucking logistics services with competitive rates for three-day and three-to-five-day delivery options on shipments of all sizes, including full truckload shipments and less-than-truckload shipments.

Best for tighter timelines


Delivery of time-sensitive goods like perishables or pharmaceuticals often requires expedited trucking, providing attentive, reliable ground transit built around customers' particular schedule requirements—without delays.

AIT's high-touch expedited trucking service is also available for full truckload shipments and less-than-truckload shipments and includes flexible pick-up hours, weekend service, and no size or weight restrictions for cost-effective, time-guaranteed delivery to any location.

Get the speed of air at the cost of ground


When you need freight delivered fast, sometimes hot shot trucking's direct-route method is the best option. It provides the efficiency of air shipping for deliveries of any size at a lower cost—and with fewer complications.

AIT's hot shot trucking logistics services move our customers' cargo from origin to destination in the same truck while avoiding delays associated with depot transfers and consolidations.

Whether your freight can benefit from deferred trucking or demands the fast transit of hot shot trucking, you can take advantage of additional support options across the entire supply chain, including:
  • Inside pick-up and delivery
  • Lift gate service
  • Merge in transit
  • Air ride equipment
  • Weekend and holiday service
  • Exclusive-use vehicles

Partner with a tenured team of trucking logistics pros

Still unsure whether deferred shipping, hot shot trucking or expedited trucking is right for you? Working with an experienced logistics partner can not only help you find the right solution—it can set your entire shipment up for success.

Contact a Representative