When shipping goods, one big question that comes to mind is which method of transportation you should use to have the best outcome. Over the Road (OTR) or Rail Transportation (Intermodal). So, which one should you choose? We’ll cover every detail of both OTR and Rail Transport, including their similarities and differences, so you can decide which method of transport will ship your equipment and commodities at the best rate.
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Over the Road (OTR) Transport: What Is It?
OTR Transportation is used when the total distance the cargo will travel is performed by truck or railway. Based on if the cargo is for a full truckload (FTL), which is referred to an entire trailer reserved for a single shipper’s freight, or less-than-truckload (LTL), which is referred to allowing multiple shippers to share space on the same truck, Over the Road Transport would be the ideal solution for a more efficient shipment. Some Advantages of OTR Transport include:
- It can be accessed from nearly every local destination but is ideal for shorter distances.
- It provides door-to-door service.
- It comes with cheaper packing costs and enables more flexibility in scheduling deliveries.
Rail Transportation: What Is It?
Rail shipping is using trains and railroads to transport goods. In comparison to OTR, Rail Transport is the most cost-effective solution for transporting heavy items over long distances. Some Advantages of Rail Transport include:
- This method of transport is fuel efficient. For example, rail can transport 1 ton of freight across more than 470 miles, all off a single gallon of fuel.
- Rail Transport can carry the equivalent of 400 trucks.
- It is a cost-effective alternative to trucks.
- Reduces congestion on the road and maintains reliable transit times.
OTR vs. Rail Transport: What’s the Difference?
For both OTR Transportation and Rail Transportation, they each come with unique differences. With OTR Transportation, you will get flexibility, safety, and security. With Rail Transportation, you will get tremendous cost savings, while with OTR, it delivers a more efficient shipment process. Although OTR and Rail Transport complement each other in the sense that they both are in the business of transporting goods, they do have distinct differences. With OTR Transport, it includes full truckload, less-than-truckload, and van transportation. It can haul a wide range of products in any size order, from a single pallet to 30 skids. OTR can go any distance, dry or temperature-controlled, fragile or vibration sensitive product. Intermodal Rail Transport hauls high-volume freight and can travel more than 700 miles at a time. Rail Transport can also carry products in dry or temperature-controlled conditions. If you are looking for convenience, OTR would be the ideal mode of transportation. If you’re looking to save a few hundred dollars for every load, Rail Transport would be the best option.
Which One Should I Use?
As mentioned previously, determining the next route of transportation for your goods is an essential component of operating your business. For example, if you are in need to move heavy, bulky material constantly, Rail Transportation would be the best match. Most industries familiar with or that have used Rail Transport are agriculture, manufacturing, petroleum-based products, energy, chemicals, forest products, and automotive. If you’re looking for more flexibility and more secure transport, then OTR would be the most ideal choice. Specifically, goods that require a temperature-controlled environment are an indicator that OTR Transport is the way to go.
Get a Quote for OTR Trucking & Rail Transport Services Today
Looking for OTR or Rail Transportation assistance? Lone Star Logistics has you covered. Our team offers a wide offering of logistical and transportation services, including flatbed transport, step-deck transport, oversized loads, tanker transport, and hazmat transport. Based on what you are looking for, our team is here to help. To get started, fill out our Quote Request Form via our website. We will be in touch within 24 hours to schedule a call to discuss your needs.
Please note that Lone Star Logistics is a federally licensed freight brokerage company. If you have any questions regarding our logistical and transportation services, visit our contact page or reach out to us by phone (833) 562-3722 or by email info@lone-starlogistics.com. We are excited to work with you!
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FAQs
For both OTR Transportation and Rail Transportation, they each come with unique differences. With OTR Transportation, you will get flexibility, safety, and security. With Rail Transportation, you will get tremendous cost savings, while with OTR, it delivers a more efficient shipment process.
What is the main difference between the rail and the road transport? ›
Road transport typically ensures quicker transit due to its agility and flexibility in navigating through various terrains. Rail transport, while having longer transit times, provides predictability and reliability not hampered by external factors.
What is the difference between rail freight and road freight? ›
Consider the environmental impact of rail vs road freight for sustainability. Lower fuel consumption in rail freight means lower carbon emissions. Therefore, road freight can increase your carbon emissions. Moreover, road freight produces air and noise pollution at the same time.
What is OTR in logistics? ›
What's Over the Road (OTR) ? Over-the-road trucking is also referred to as long-haul trucking. This term refers to the mode of transportation that requires drivers to run from one coast to the next over interstate borders. Some over-the-road truckers even cross international borders to pick up and deliver loads.
What is the difference between intermodal and OTR? ›
For starters, over-the-road transportation typically involves a long-distance haul that brings cargo from one warehouse to another. The truck is the only form of transport involved with over-the-road. On the other hand, intermodal trucking deals with the first and last mile of freight that has been shipped by rail.
What is the difference between the modes of transport? ›
The main modes are air, rail, road, and water transport. Each has advantages and disadvantages related to speed, cost, safety, convenience, and other factors that tourists consider when choosing which mode best suits their needs and preferences. While air transport is the fastest, it is also the most expensive.
Why is rail better than trucking? ›
The primary factor that makes rail shipping more cost-effective than a truck is fuel efficiency, especially when transporting goods over long distances. A reason for this is the lower rolling resistance of steel wheels on steel tracks compared to rubber tires on asphalt.
What is over the road in logistics? ›
Over-the-Road (OTR) refers to drivers or carriers that haul all types of freight for long distances, often for several weeks at a time and often over state or country borders. With such long drive times, OTR drivers often sleep in the cab of their truck or in a hotel/motel when not driving.
What is the difference between OTR and long haul? ›
Over the Road trucking, also known as long haul trucking, can be abbreviated as OTR. This type of driving can span across the continental United States and beyond. These routes may often be trips of 250 miles, or more. Some long haul truckers may drive upwards of 100,000 miles per year or more as an OTR trucker.
What does a OTR do? ›
OTR stands for over the road, referring to truck drivers hauling freight over long distances, spending 3-4 weeks at a time on the road. OTR drivers drive all across the United States and Canada.
For both OTR Transportation and Rail Transportation, they each come with unique differences. With OTR Transportation, you will get flexibility, safety, and security. With Rail Transportation, you will get tremendous cost savings, while with OTR, it delivers a more efficient shipment process.
What is the difference between OTR and drayage? ›
Although both terms refer to transportation by truck, drayage means moving containers over short distances, while over-the-road (OTR) trucking involves transporting over long distances across different regions, states, or countries.
What is the meaning of OTR delivery? ›
Commercial enterprises sometimes encounter the abbreviation “OTR” transportation. This expression usually refers to the “over the road” movement of goods through the chain of commerce. In its broadest sense, it typically designates transportation using exclusively trucks or tractor trailer rigs.
When compared to rail transport, road truck transportation is? ›
Flexibility: Advantage to Trucking
Flexibility is the main advantage of trucking. While railcars must travel along fixed rail routes, trucks have access to a much wider range of roads and highways. This means that trucks are capable of accessing many more loading and unloading points across the nation.
What is the difference between rail and metro rail? ›
These two different types of commutes operate using separate rail networks. But the main difference between the two is that the metro trains are designed to be driven over independent rail lines, unlike local trains that are forced to share paths with trains that are meant for covering long distances.
What are three rail transportation advantages? ›
Advantages of Rail Transportation
Trains run quicker and with less interruption, as well as being less influenced by bad weather and road congestion. It is easy to move large quantities of product by rail since it is more cost-effective and much more cost-effective to send them across larger distances.
Why do people choose rail travel over flying or driving? ›
Trains are Reliable and Stress Free
Your time is yours. With high-speed rail, train travel is always faster than driving. In many cases, it's even faster than flying, once you factor in the whole air travel song-and-dance. And if you do need to catch a plane, trains make it easier to get to the airport.
