International overland transportation, especially between countries like Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, requires careful planning when selecting the appropriate vehicle for each type of cargo. Choosing the right mode of transport is crucial not only to ensure the merchandise arrives in perfect condition but also to optimize costs. Below is a practical guide for selecting the ideal vehicle, from Sprinters to heavy-load transport.
- Sprinters: The Fast Solution for Light Shipments
Sprinters are ideal for small to medium-sized loads that require fast and efficient deliveries. These vehicles offer flexibility for accessing urban areas and are designed for “just-in-time” deliveries. If you need to deliver products quickly over medium distances, Sprinters are the best option.
- Capacity: Up to 1,200 kg, with a cargo volume of 12 to 17 cubic meters.
- Uses: Urgent shipments of small components or various products requiring speedy delivery.
- Practical example:
An automotive supplier in Detroit, MI, USA, urgently needs to send a batch of electronic components to a plant in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Using a Sprinter allows for a quick delivery. Since it’s a small, urgent shipment, a Sprinter is more efficient and economical than a full truckload.
- Box Truck: Protection for Medium Loads
The Box Truck is the perfect intermediate solution for transporting medium loads that need extra protection. These trucks are fully enclosed, making them ideal for loads that need protection from weather or that are vulnerable to theft.
- Capacity: Between 4,000 and 8,000 kg, with a volume of 25 to 35 cubic meters.
- Uses: Transportation of various products, furniture, or fragile loads that require protection during transit.
- Practical example:
A company in Los Angeles moves sensitive and high-value products to Laredo, Texas, for distribution into Mexico. A Box Truck is ideal because it offers an enclosed space that protects the goods from weather and potential theft during transit.
- Full Truckload (FTL): Heavy and Large Loads
The Full Truckload (FTL) service is ideal for companies needing to transport large volumes of merchandise or heavy loads. These trailers occupy the full space of a 53-foot truck, allowing for direct shipments without consolidating with other loads.
- Capacity: Up to 20 tons, with a volume of about 100 cubic meters.
- Uses: Shipping large quantities of products or heavy machinery that require direct transport.
- Practical example:
A company in Ontario, Canada, needs to send heavy machinery to a factory in Nuevo León, Mexico. An FTL is the best option because it allows for transport without intermediate stops, guaranteeing fast transit times and reducing the risk of damage.
- Lowboy and Flatbed: Transport for Oversized Loads
For large or oversized loads, such as industrial machinery or construction equipment, specialized vehicles like Lowboys and Flatbeds are essential.
- Lowboy: Perfect for extremely heavy or tall loads, with a capacity of up to 45 tons. Its low platform design allows the transport of equipment that cannot exceed height limits on the road.
- Flatbed: Ideal for goods that don’t fit inside a closed trailer, such as pipes, beams, or industrial machinery that need to be loaded from any side.
- Practical example:
A construction company in Houston needs to move industrial cranes to a project in Monterrey, Mexico. Using a Lowboy ensures the load can be transported without exceeding height and weight limits, ensuring compliance with transport regulations.
- Refrigerated Trucks: Maintain the Cold Chain
Refrigerated trucks are essential for transporting temperature-sensitive products such as perishable food, medications, or chemicals. These vehicles ensure the cold chain is maintained throughout the journey.
- Capacity: Between 15 and 20 tons, depending on the size of the vehicle.
- Uses: Transportation of products requiring temperature control to prevent losses and ensure quality.
- Practical example:
A dairy company based in the U.S. moves its products to Canada. To ensure the products arrive in optimal condition, a refrigerated truck is essential to maintain the proper temperature throughout the transit.