Discover the differences between dedicated and fractional transport and choose the best option for your company’s deliveries!
When it comes to moving goods, it’s important to consider much more than just loading the vehicle . After all, filling up the car and heading to customers’ addresses is just one part of the logistics process.
Efficient travel requires strategic planning, taking into account factors such as time and cost, which can directly impact your business decisions.
To balance economy and quality, there are two types of transport that you need to understand: dedicated cargo and fractional cargo.
Keep reading and discover the advantages and disadvantages of each one to make the right choice!
What is dedicated and fractional transport?
Freight transportation involves much more than simply loading a vehicle with products and sending them to their destination. Whether with dedicated or fractional cargo, this process involves strategic planning and the analysis of numerous aspects.
Two essential points in this context are cost and time, which impact both those who hire the service and those who carry out the transport. These elements help define the best strategies to ensure faster and more economical deliveries.
An import and export company works to optimize costs and deadlines, offering different solutions to meet the needs of each client, for example.
Therefore, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of dedicated cargo and fractional cargo to choose the ideal option for your organization.
Dedicated transport
Some companies need a unique logistics solution, which requires a customized approach to meet their specific demands.
In dedicated cargo transportation, the customer has the option of using the entire vehicle space or opting for an exclusive delivery service, in which the collection is carried out and the cargo goes directly to the destination, without the need to occupy the entire vehicle capacity.
This model is fully customized, as it exclusively meets the needs of a single client.
It is ideal for emergency loads, often carried out by air or multimodal transport, with delivery times that, in some cases, can be less than 24 hours.
To carry out this type of transport, any mode of transport can be used. It is possible to use specific options from road, air and other modes, depending on the client’s need and urgency.
Fractional transport
Fractional cargo transportation was developed to serve companies with smaller demands, allowing for a more economical solution.
In this model, it is not necessary to move vehicles with large capacity without them being completely full, which should avoid financial losses.
As the name suggests, “fractional” means that different products, from different senders, are collected and stored until all available space in the vehicle is filled.
This way, both the customer and the company reduce shipping costs.
However, this type of transport requires efficient logistical planning , as the delivery time may be slightly longer.
For those looking for a more affordable option and are willing to wait a little longer, fractional cargo is the ideal choice.
The vehicles used in this modality vary according to the size of the goods.
It is not necessary to use large vehicles unless the volume requires it. Options include trucks, vans, trailers, trailers, among others. There is a wide variety of possibilities.
What is the difference between dedicated and fractional transport?
In transport logistics, the choice between dedicated cargo and fractional cargo depends on the volume of goods, delivery time and cost.
Check out the difference between them:
- Dedicated cargo transport: the vehicle is used exclusively for a single load, ideal for large volumes or products that require exclusive transport, such as fragile or high-value items. It is faster and safer, as it goes directly from the point of origin to the destination, without intermediate stops;
- Less than truckload shipping: Vehicle space is shared with other shippers’ loads. This is a cost-effective option for small and medium-sized businesses, but it can take longer as there are multiple stops for pickup and delivery. Additionally, the extra handling increases the risk of damage.
The choice must take into account the organization’s needs: if the priority is agility and safety, dedicated transport is the best option; for those seeking savings and flexibility, fractional cargo is more suitable.
Dedicated and fractional transport: what are the advantages of each type?
Choosing the ideal type of transportation for your company can make all the difference in efficiency and logistics costs. Below, see the advantages of each method to decide which one best suits your needs:
Benefits of dedicated transport
Dedicated transport offers several advantages, especially for companies that require more direct and personalized deliveries . Here are some of the main ones:
- Speed: direct deliveries, without intermediate stops, reducing transport time;
- Logistics control: routes and schedules can be planned according to the company’s needs;
- Greater security: lower risk of damage, loss or theft due to exclusive transport;
- Flexibility: ideal for loads of any size, with full or partial use of the vehicle;
- Customization: services are tailored to specific requirements, such as temperature or special handling;
- Indirect savings: reduced costs due to delays and damages, offsetting the greater investment;
- Suitable for special loads: perfect for fragile, valuable items or items that require special care.
Negative points of dedicated transport
However, dedicated cargo transportation can have some disadvantages, the main one being the high cost of freight.
However, it is up to the customer to decide whether to prioritize speed of delivery, even with a higher price. The essential thing is to make this option available to meet the different needs of consumers.
Benefits of fractional transport
Fractional transport is ideal for businesses that have smaller loads, insufficient to fill a full vehicle. See its benefits:
- Cost reduction: costs are shared between several senders, which makes the service more affordable, especially for small businesses;
- Flexibility: allows shipments as needed, without the need to take up all the space on a truck;
- Shipping frequency: allows for frequent shipments, ideal for companies that need to maintain a continuous flow of products without accumulating stock.
Negative points of fractional transport
Since fractional cargo involves transporting products from different shippers, it is not suitable for items of large weight or volume. Furthermore, it is not recommended for loads that require personalized service.
Another negative point is that deliveries tend to be slower, as the vehicle transports goods to several locations, which makes logistics take longer until the delivery is completed.
How do I choose the best type of transport for my company?
The decision between dedicated or fractional transport must consider several essential factors, such as:
- The volume of the load;
- Delivery times;
- The nature of the products transported;
- The available budget;
- The necessary flexibility;
- The safety and protection of goods.
It all depends on your company’s specific needs. However, it is worth remembering that there are more practical and cost-effective alternatives than purchasing your own fleet, such as outsourcing transportation.
In this scenario, Dux Logistics is the ideal partner to offer tailored logistics solutions for your business.
Dedicated and fractional transport is with Dux Logistics
Now that we’ve covered dedicated and fractional transportation, it’s important to emphasize that we make it happen in each specific sector! With Dux, you have control over the means of transportation and logistics in an efficient and practical way.
With offices and warehouses in Brazil, the United States and France, as well as storage operations around the world, such as import customs clearance , Dux grows and consolidates itself based on one goal: taking a step forward, every day.
Need a custom strategy?
Talk to our experts, after all, our solutions are customizable and meet your company’s logistical demands from end to end!