Dedicated Fleet
A dedicated fleet is a group of trucks and drivers reserved exclusively for a specific company’s freight.
Examples: A grocery chain contracts a carrier to operate trucks that only move its products between distribution centers and stores.
Advantages: Provides consistent capacity, branded trucks, and reliable service.
Challenges: Higher costs compared to spot freight, and less flexibility if volumes drop.
Real-world example: Ryder and J.B. Hunt manage dedicated fleets for large retailers like Walmart and Target.
Explain like I’m five: It’s like having a school bus that only picks up kids from your neighborhood.
FAQ: Why do shippers use dedicated fleets? For reliability, control, and guaranteed capacity.
Bottom line: Dedicated fleets offer stability and service quality, but they lock shippers into fixed costs.