The American Truck logo
The American Truck

Freight Resources

Guides to help you ship smarter

Straightforward references on how freight actually works — definitions, side-by-side comparisons, and market benchmarks — so you can make faster, better shipping decisions.

ReferenceFreight & Logistics GlossaryPlain-English definitions of 20+ freight terms — from drayage and detention to freight class and BOLs.ComparisonFTL vs LTLFTL books a whole trailer for large or urgent loads; LTL shares space for smaller freight. Compare cost, speed, and damage risk to choose.ComparisonDrayage vs IntermodalDrayage is the short truck move of a container; intermodal is the full rail-plus-truck journey. See how they differ and work together.ComparisonExpedited vs Standard FreightExpedited freight is a dedicated, direct, time-critical move; standard freight is the routine, lower-cost option. Compare cost, speed, and use.