Where ground transportation fits into modern supply chains
The transportation method you use to move freight can make all the difference in how your supply chain performs. For many businesses, ground transportation offers the right balance of cost, speed and flexibility. And because it works for a wide range of freight types — from standard palletized goods to oversized, high-value and temperature-sensitive shipments — it’s a practical choice in a lot of situations.
That said, it may not be the best fit for every shipment. Knowing when to use it can help you make more informed shipping decisions.
What is ground freight shipping?
Ground freight shipping, sometimes called land freight shipping, refers to moving goods over land using trucks, rail or a combination of both. It’s a critical part of domestic logistics and plays a key role in international shipping by connecting freight to ports and airports.
Types of ground shipping services
Full truckload (FTL)
Full truckload shipping is ideal for large shipments that can fill an entire trailer or freight that requires exclusive use of the equipment. Because freight moves directly from origin to destination with minimal handling, FTL helps reduce risk and improve transit times.
ArcBest offers access to a wide range of equipment, including dry vans, flatbeds and refrigerated trailers, making it easier to move specialized or high-volume freight with confidence.
New to FTL? Check out this guide to how it works.
Less-than-truckload (LTL)
Less-than-truckload shipping uses a hub and spoke model to move your freight through a network from origin to destination. LTL is often best for freight that is too large for parcel shipping but does not require a full trailer.
ArcBest provides LTL services through our LTL carrier ABF Freight and our LTL brokerage network.
Learn more in this LTL shipping overview.
Intermodal shipping
Intermodal transportation combines truck and rail to move freight efficiently over long distances. Containers are transferred between modes without handling the cargo itself, which helps improve security and reduce damage. Learn if intermodal shipping is right for you.
Specialized options
Not every shipment fits neatly into a standard ground service, which is where specialized options come into play. For example, ground expedite shipping is used when speed and control matter, while final-mile services support deliveries that need coordination, special access or precise placement.
ArcBest offers a full suite of solutions to customize how your ground freight is handled and delivered.
How to decide if it’s right for your freight
No single transportation option works for every shipment. The right choice often depends on how much time you have, how far freight needs to travel and how much flexibility you have.
Ground shipping works well for many shipments, but other options may become a better fit when speed or distance outweigh flexibility. For example, air freight is typically used for urgent shipments where delays are not an option or when ground transportation just isn’t fast enough.
In practice, most supply chains use a combination of options. Ground often serves as the foundation for day‑to‑day freight movement, while air is used to manage urgency and distance.
Modernizing your ground shipping strategy
As demand shifts, capacity tightens and disruptions emerge with less warning, shippers need a ground transportation strategy that can adjust without significantly impacting cost or service.
Modernizing your approach starts with a few practical shifts in how ground transportation is planned and managed.
Design a flexible network
Rather than optimizing every lane for ideal conditions, focus on flexibility. That means understanding when full truckload, less‑than‑truckload or intermodal makes the most sense and having clear backup options when plans change. Shippers that account for variability upfront are better prepared to adjust.
Explore the tradeoffs of different transportation modes to get started.
Match service levels with business priorities
Expedited or other specialized ground services should be reserved for freight that affects revenue, production or customer commitments. This helps control costs while protecting the shipments that matter most.
Strengthen relationships with logistics partners
Shippers that maintain consistent volume, communicate changes early and work closely with trusted partners are more likely to secure reliable service when networks tighten. Strong relationships create flexibility that is hard to buy at the last minute.
Stress‑test plans before peak season
Consider questions like “What if capacity tightens suddenly?” or “What if a lane becomes unavailable?” to help identify gaps and adjust strategies before pressure builds. Evaluating how your network would perform during peak season demand makes it easier to protect service levels and limit downstream impact.
Plan your next shipment with ArcBest
As supply chains continue to evolve, having the right ground shipping strategy in place makes all the difference. ArcBest partners with shippers to deliver flexible solutions, visibility, and support that help keep freight moving efficiently. If you’re ready to strengthen your ground shipping strategy and reduce disruption, we’re here to help.