Trucking, or truck shipping, is one of the most common distribution methods in business supply chains.

Industries ranging from e-commerce and manufacturing to retail and FMCG frequently choose this option because it’s considered flexible, efficient, and capable of reaching various regions, including areas inaccessible to other modes of transportation.

If you’re considering trucking, there are several things you need to understand so that the distribution process remains safe, on time, and aligned with modern logistics standards.

The Advantages of Trucking

Trucking offers several advantages compared to other modes of transportation, including:

• Route flexibility: Trucks can reach urban centers and remote areas that are not accessible by sea or air routes.

• Cost efficiency: For large-volume domestic shipments, trucking is usually more economical.

• Door-to-door shipping: Many trucking services offer direct delivery to the customer’s location without requiring a mode change.

• Various capacity options: There are many truck types with varying capacities, enabling shipments tailored to specific needs.

With these advantages, it is no surprise that trucking has become the backbone of national logistics transportation, especially for land-based distribution.

Key Factors to Consider Before Shipping Goods

Before shipping goods by truck, companies should consider several factors to ensure the process runs safely and smoothly, including:

1. Type of goods and handling requirements

Not all goods can be handled in the same way. Fragile items, electronics, frozen goods, and hazardous materials (hazmat) require specific packaging and handling standards.

1. Estimated shipping time and distance

The longer the route, the more important it is to choose reliable services, fleets, and logistics companies.

1. Packaging and labeling

Goods must be properly packaged to prevent damage during transit. It’s crucial to add labels such as fragile, handle with care, or this side up.

1. Document preparation

For B2B shipments, the following documents are required: Delivery Orders (DO), invoices, and packing lists.

1. Types of shipping trucks

In shipping, various truck types are used depending on the goods category and shipping capacity. Some examples include:

• CDE / CDD Trucks. 2–4 ton capacity for light goods and urban distribution.
• Fuso Trucks. 6–8 ton capacity for medium-scale shipments.
• Wing-Body Trucks. 10–20 ton capacity for shipping pallets or large packaging.
• Box Trucks. Various capacities, suitable for safer and enclosed shipments.
• Trailer / Low-bed. Above 20 tons capacity for project cargo or heavy equipment

Choosing the right truck type will significantly affect costs and handling.

The Challenges in Truck Shipping

Similar to other transportation modes, truck shipping faces several challenges, including:

• Unpredictable road and weather conditions
• Risk of damage due to improper packaging
• Delays caused by traffic congestion or vehicle restrictions
• Limited real-time tracking or route monitoring.

To overcome these, it’s best to use a professional trucking service that has strong management and the latest monitoring technology.

SELOG Trucking Solutions for Your Business

If you’re seeking reliable trucking services, SELOG—one of the business units of PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA) and part of the Astra Group—offers a trusted solution.

With long-standing experience, a well-maintained fleet, advanced tracking systems, and skilled professionals, SELOG is ready to become your logistic partner that supports smooth shipments for all your business needs.

SELOG offers core trucking services designed to serve a wide range of delivery requirements, including:

• Last Mile Delivery for direct shipments to customers
• Long Haul services for intercity or inter-island distribution
• Less Than Truckload (LTL) solutions for smaller shipment volumes

SELOG has an extensive fleet that includes blind vans, CDE trucks, and wing-body (commonly known as “wingbox”) trucks, supported by Astra Fleet Management Solution (AstraFMS), a digital system that enables real-time fleet mobility monitoring.

In addition to Trucking, SELOG provides other comprehensive logistics services, such as Shipping, Freight Forwarding, Warehousing, and Project Cargo.

For more information about SELOG’s services, visit www.selog.astra.co.id or contact (021) 26605333.

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