| SIC Codes: | 4213 4212 |
| NAICS Codes: | 484220 484230 |
Companies in this industry provide long-distance transportation by truck of freight that often has atypical shapes, weights, or sizes and may require specialized equipment such as flatbeds, tankers, car carriers, or refrigerated trailers. Major companies include New Prime, CR England, Quality Distribution, and Allied Systems, along with units of general freight trucking companies like JB Hunt and Schneider National.
Demand is driven by consumer spending and manufacturing output. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations. Large companies have advantages in account relationships, bulk fuel purchasing, fleet size, and access to drivers. Small operations can compete effectively by providing quick turnaround or specializing in a particular industry. The specialized trucking industry is fragmented: the 50 largest firms account for less than 35 percent of industry revenue.
Specialized freight includes bulk liquid and gases (17 percent of industry revenue); climate controlled box and pallet goods (17 percent); automobiles (13 percent); and dry bulk goods (12 percent). Other services include transportation of goods such as farm and forest products, sand and gravel, hazardous and nonhazardous waste, and recyclable materials, along with towing services for mobile homes. Specialized trucking operators often deliver cross-country and may cross international borders.