What Is The Meaning Of Drop Yard In Trucking?
In trucking, a drop yard is a facility where trailers are stored and delivered to shippers. Most trucking companies and owner-operators utilize these strategically-positioned facilities to remain competitive in today’s highly demanding freight transportation landscape. For truckers, load-time flexibility, reduced bobtailing and improved operational efficiency are just a few of the many benefits!
Definition
A drop yard is a trucking facility that provides trailer storage. These facilities are positioned strategically in different cities and states. Whether you’re a trucking company or an owner-operator, using these facilities can be lucrative and cost-effective. The key is to find a good drop yard that fits your needs and budget. When choosing a drop yard, you’ll want to consider location and security. These factors will help ensure the safety of your equipment and people. Another important factor to consider is load-time flexibility. A good drop yard will allow you to pick up and drop off multiple trailers at a time. This will increase your overall productivity and efficiency.
Benefits
One major benefit of using a drop yard is that it can help you avoid delays in delivery. This is especially beneficial if you are shipping floor-loaded freight that takes more time to load and unload than containers. When this occurs, you can avoid paying high detention fees. This can be especially helpful if you have frequent outgoing deliveries. Another advantage is that it allows you to avoid delays caused by a warehouse backup or unloading issues, which can cause you to miss your shipment’s deadline. This can be especially helpful if you are running high-volume routes or shipping during peak times of the year. The best drop yards operate like well-oiled machines, ensuring that trucks are in and out as quickly as possible to reduce detention fees for shippers. This also means that you can spend more time on the road, maximizing your earnings potential!
Drawbacks
However, drop yards aren’t without their drawbacks. Some of them can be expensive to operate, while others can be risky spots for theft and other illegal activities. And at times, they may also require specialized insurance. But the most common drawback of using a drop yard is that it just doesn’t offer the same benefits as live-load trucking. This is particularly true when you are transporting perishable goods, which are more likely to suffer damage if you don’t keep them in a controlled environment. So, if you are shipping perishable goods, it’s important to choose a drop trailer program that’s designed specifically for them.
Costs
Using drop yards to store trailers can reduce trucking companies and owner-operators’ costs in several ways. This includes reduced fuel costs, equipment and maintenance expenses, and regulatory and insurance costs. However, drop yards also increase the likelihood of theft of cargo and trailer equipment. Therefore, these facilities require extra security measures and a higher liability cost than regular trucking yards. Another costly aspect of drop yard usage is the amount of time drivers spend waiting for loads to be loaded or unloaded. This time can lead to a reduction in driver hours of service, as well as detention and demurrage charges. Fortunately, smart shippers are now optimizing their operations by leveraging data to improve planning, labor efficiency and trailer visibility. These strategies can help avoid costly delays and unforeseen costs!