As we have reached the halfway point of 2021, we slowly see transitions in the transportation industry. In 2020, as COVID started to take a toll, people were forced to shop differently. Online shopping became more popular. Even those who would not have ordinarily ordered online did so due to store and restaurant shutdowns. Shutdowns made in-person transactions in 2020 limited or not at all. It is most likely that many will continue to make online shopping their new permanent way to shop. Retail has remained semi-strong, while manufacturing has shown a drop in production due to social distancing and positive COVID testing protocols. Restaurants have either worked with limited hours or closed, causing fewer shipments to them. As the economy is opening back up, this has forced a refocus in the shipping industry.
As the vaccine has been made available to everyone now, stores are needing to replenish stock. Manufacturing is bringing workers back in, especially in the auto industry, and getting back to work. Stores and restaurants that have been closed are reopening and are seeing their patrons return, as they feel more confident of getting out after having been vaccinated. These businesses are feeling a push for the need for product and inventory to help them not only reach their budgeted numbers for this year but also try to make up some of last year’s losses. Manufacturing companies need additional storage for products and a need for shipping their materials.
As businesses work on catching up and returning to some normalcy, the trucking industry has felt the crunch, seeing a higher necessity for shipping and storage in areas that have been closed or have been limited in transactions. This has created a high demand for dry van road trailers and dry van storage trailers.
As your business and your customer’s businesses are ramping back up and you have the need to start looking for additional trailers for either over-the-road transportation or storage, you will want to make sure that you have the proper style trailer to accommodate your freight. A few quick reminders when searching:
- Do you need a food-grade trailer? If so, they need to be either plated or have logistic post-lined walls with non-plywood material between each post. Having smooth walls keeps items from being snagged or contaminated. Also, an aluminum roof is a benefit, as well.
- Does your customer prefer a swing door or roll-up door? Swing doors are great for road trailers, as they allow more room for product. Roll-up doors are great to be placed at a dock, especially for storage. This allows the customer to be able to access what is on the trailer whenever needed.
- What about a flatbed trailer? There is a great deal of new home construction in the Southeast. A flatbed is great for lumber, construction supplies, and equipment that do not have to be covered and are larger in size.
Whatever your trailer needs may be in this change of times, contact us today and let us help you with all your trailer needs.
