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Trucks move apparel the last mile.

Trucking Companies Directory for the Clothing Industry

Find trucking companies and learn how truckload, LTL and drayage move apparel from ports and factories to warehouses and stores.

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Trucking Company Directory

Apparel Search is building a worldwide directory for buyers and sellers in the transport and logistics industry. Here you will find trucking companies and general trucking resources, including major truck stops, diesel fuel prices, state and federal DOT information, weather and news.

The Role of Trucking in Fashion Logistics

The fashion industry relies on trucks for nearly every domestic leg: moving containers from port to warehouse (drayage), delivering to distribution centers, replenishing stores and fulfilling e-commerce orders. Trucking freight services transport clothing, accessories and other fashion-related materials from production to destination, and they must do it quickly, safely and cost-effectively.

Types of Trucking Service for Apparel

ServiceDescriptionApparel use
FTL (Full Truckload)One shipper uses the entire trailer.Large store or DC replenishment; direct factory-to-DC loads.
LTL (Less than Truckload)Shipments share trailer space and are priced by weight, class and distance.Wholesale orders and smaller replenishments.
DrayageShort-haul moves of containers between port or rail ramp and warehouse.Getting imported cartons from the port to the DC.
Garments on hanger (GOH)Trailers with hanging rails for pre-hung garments.Retail-ready delivery without re-pressing.
Expedited / hot shotDedicated, time-critical delivery.Recovering a late store launch or event.

See the semi-trailer definition for equipment basics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between FTL and LTL for clothing shipments?

Full truckload dedicates a trailer to your goods and suits large volumes. LTL shares space with other shippers and is priced by weight, freight class and distance, which suits smaller wholesale orders.

What is drayage?

Drayage is the short trucking move between a port or rail terminal and a nearby warehouse or distribution center. For imported apparel it is usually the first leg after the container is unloaded.

How many pallets fit on a standard trailer?

A 53-foot trailer typically holds about 26 standard pallets single-stacked, depending on pallet size and loading pattern. See our pallet size guide.

Can trucks carry garments on hangers?

Yes. GOH trailers and hanging rails keep garments pressed and retail-ready, which is common for dresses, suits and outerwear.