Linehaul
Linehaul refers to the long-distance transportation of freight between major terminals, hubs, or cities. In LTL networks, linehaul connects terminals; in parcel networks, it connects sort hubs. This is the high-speed, high-efficiency segment of freight movement.
Definition
Linehaul is the trunk transportation segment that moves freight between major network nodes. Unlike local pickup and delivery (P&D) operations that visit multiple stops, linehaul runs are direct point-to-point movements designed for distance efficiency. Linehaul operations typically run overnight to minimize transit time and maximize equipment utilization.
Why Linehaul Matters
Linehaul is the backbone of freight network economics:
- Cost efficiency: By consolidating freight and running full trailers, linehaul achieves the lowest cost per ton-mile in trucking
- Service time: Linehaul timing determines when freight arrives at destination terminals for final delivery
- Network structure: Linehaul routes define how carriers connect markets—direct lanes between major metros vs. hub-and-spoke consolidation
How Linehaul Operations Work
LTL Linehaul
LTL carriers run linehaul schedules between their terminals, typically departing early evening and arriving early morning. A carrier might run nightly linehaul from Los Angeles to Dallas, Chicago, and Atlanta.
Parcel Linehaul
Parcel carriers use a mix of aircraft and trucks for linehaul. Express services rely on overnight flights through mega-hubs like Memphis; ground services use trucks that can cover 500-1,000 miles per night.
Team Driving
For ultra-long-distance linehaul (coast-to-coast), carriers use team drivers who alternate sleeping and driving, allowing the truck to run nearly continuously while staying within hours-of-service regulations.
Relay Operations
Some carriers use relay points where drivers swap trailers and return to their home terminal. The freight keeps moving while drivers stay within their home range.
Linehaul and Transit Time
While linehaul is generally the most predictable segment of freight movement, several factors affect performance:
- Weather: Mountain passes and winter corridors can delay or halt linehaul movements
- Dispatch timing: Freight that misses the linehaul dispatch window waits 24 hours for the next departure
- Driver availability: Driver shortages can force carriers to delay departures or skip runs
- Hours-of-service: Drivers have legal limits on driving time; delays early in a run can force extended rest breaks
Common Misconceptions
- "Linehaul is always by truck." Many carriers use rail for long-haul segments where transit time permits. Parcel express networks rely heavily on aircraft linehaul.
- "Ground means slower linehaul." "Ground" service often still uses aircraft for the linehaul segment—the distinction is about service commitment, not necessarily transport mode.
- "More distance means more variance." Counter-intuitively, direct linehaul lanes often have lower variance than shorter lanes with multiple handling touches.