US trucks are classified into 8 classes (Class 1-Class 8) based on their Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Choosing the right vehicle is key to saving costs and ensuring efficiency in trucking.

(1) VAN-type vans have a large market size and a single model, mainly used by companies such as USPS, UPS, and Amazon. They are primarily used for urban logistics and last-mile express delivery.

Class 4~Class 7 trucks have the widest range of applications and the most categories. Trucks of this type in the US are mainly long-nosed vehicles (mostly Class 6 and Class 7), with few cab-over engines. They are mainly used for urban and suburban transportation and are common in the delivery of beverages, daily necessities for supermarkets, and fast-food ingredients.

Class 8 trucks are mainly used for long-haul transportation (over 1000 kilometers) and are primarily long-nosed tractor units; due to special working conditions in port transportation, pure electric cab-over tractor units are adapted.

There are various modes of US trucking:

The core modes are FTL (Full Truckload) and LTL (Less Than Truckload), catering to different cargo volumes and timeliness requirements.

(I) Full Truckload (FTL) FTL is a charter service with a capacity of 5000-20000 lbs. It offers point-to-point direct delivery without intermediate stops, ensuring fast timeliness and high security. It is suitable for bulk and urgent shipments, especially for full truckload deliveries to popular Amazon warehouses like ONT8 and LAX9.

LTL is for small items (weight 100-10000 lbs, approximately 50kg-4.5 tons), primarily for consolidated cargo. It has multiple stops and slightly longer transit times but is cost-effective, suitable for low volume, flexible timelines, and cost-sensitive needs. POD (Proof of Delivery) receipts starting with LTL indicate this type of transportation.

US trucking regulations are strict, with clear federal and state requirements for weight limits, axles, and equipment. Any oversight can easily lead to fines and delays. Specific requirements are as follows:

All public roads in the US have weight limit regulations. Overweight and oversized trucks require overweight permits. Cross-border enterprises planning FTL (Full Truckload) delivery need to pay close attention to product dimensions to avoid additional costs. For oversized cargo delivery, weight limits must be strictly verified.

According to federal regulations (23 CFR Part 658.17), the core weight limits for trucks are: Gross Weight ≤ 80,000 lbs, Single Axle Weight ≤ 20,000 lbs, Tandem Axle Weight ≤ 34,000 lbs. Due to the influence of axle weight, actual load capacity is more stringent: Front Axle ≤ 14,200 lbs (approx. 6,450 KG), Middle and Rear Axles ≤ 23,160 lbs (approx. 10,515 KG).

Weight limits vary by state. Overweight freight requires compliant vehicles and overweight permits, and may also be subject to road restrictions. It is recommended to consult professional agencies for overweight matters.

US LTL trucking primarily uses palletized shipments. Standard pallets are 40*48*72 inches. For cargo weighing 150-15000 lbs, LTL can be prioritized. Improper pallet loading can lead to wasted costs and damaged goods. Using a 53-foot dry van trailer and GMA standard pallets (48*40 inches) as an example, the calculation is as follows:

In summary, it can accommodate approximately 26.5 GMA pallets. Actual loading needs to be adjusted based on cargo weight and volume.

Large item sellers often face issues with timeliness, cost, and compliance in the final leg of trucking. Based on practical experience, here are the core points to avoid pitfalls and the solutions provided by Zhongnan Whale Navigation International.

1. Vehicle Matching: Accurately match based on cargo volume and weight to maximize cost control.

2. Address and Surcharges: Avoid hidden costs and ensure transparency and control.

3. Appointments and Customs Clearance: Eliminate Time Delays, Prepare in Advance. FBA warehouse entry requires strict appointment scheduling to avoid No Show and demurrage fees; review all documents throughout the customs clearance process. For special categories, prepare relevant certificates in advance to ensure smooth customs clearance.

Oversized cargo transportation has high thresholds and strict compliance requirements. It is crucial to clearly define the size and weight limits and plan the transportation process in advance. Obtain cross-state overweight/oversize permits and plan compliant routes throughout the process. Implement multiple safety measures, with basic insurance as standard. High-value/fragile/temperature-controlled goods require additional protection to ensure safe and timely delivery.