Ever wondered what it takes to move the massive amount of freight needed by the Department of Defense (DOD) to keep things running smoothly?
Well, it's not just about throwing things onto trucks or planes and hoping for the best. In fact, there's a whole lot of teamwork involved. So, why exactly does it have to be a team effort to move DOD freight?
One of the biggest complaints Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) gets from potential DOD drivers is that the freight requires a team to move it. They want to make the big bucks DOD drivers make (understandably so), but they don’t want to join a team (which is completely understandable — team driving takes a certain kind of person).
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of DOD logistics and unpack why teamwork isn't just a nice-to-have — it's absolutely essential. From ensuring troops get what they need when they need it, to navigating complex supply chains, teamwork is the secret sauce that keeps everything moving.
So, grab a seat and join us as we peel back the curtain on DOD freight movement. We'll break down why teamwork is the name of the game and how it keeps our national defense humming along.
Get ready for some real-world examples and insights, because when it comes to DOD logistics, it's all about teamwork. Let's break down the top four reasons it’s moved by a team.
Reason #1: The DOD Needs the Freight Quickly
DOD freight is often high-demand freight that needs to be delivered quickly. A load may need to travel across the country in a day or two.
If you’re traveling from coast to coast, for example, and moving freight from New York City to Los Angeles, it’s just under 3,000 miles and just over a 40-hour drive. DOD freight that must be moved quickly simply can’t be moved by one driver.
With Hours of Service (HOS) regulations in place, one driver alone couldn’t handle that task so quickly. Drivers are legally allowed to work 14 hours per day, but at most, only 11 of those hours can be drive time — after which they’d need to take a mandated 10-hour break.
By the time a solo driver would make it across the country, a team would already have delivered the freight and be halfway to delivering their next load.
A run that would take at least four days for a solo driver may only take a team just under two days.
Teams can move constantly. While one drives, the other is in the sleeper taking their 10-hour mandated break. Once their hours are up for the day, they switch. Because of this, teams can move freight much more efficiently than solo drivers; that’s why it’s crucial teams move high-priority DOD freight.
DOD shippers will even go as far as to check the truck to ensure there are two drivers in the cab.
Reason #2: The Freight Needs to be Monitored Constantly
You know how I just mentioned that one driver can be in the driver’s seat while the other hangs out sleeping in the bunk? While that’s certainly true, if the truck stops for any reason and one driver gets out, the second driver needs to be out of the bunk, alert, and monitoring the freight. One driver must always be within 25 feet of the truck.
DOD drivers must undergo an intense process to receive security clearance to even move this type of high-security freight. That should clue you in as to how important DOD freight is. It’s important enough to require constant supervision.
If one driver has to stop and use the restroom or grab a snack to fuel up, the second driver needs to get out and monitor the truck and trailer. Taking every precaution is of the utmost importance.
This is the kind of stuff solo drivers would never even think about.
Reason #3: The Freight is Tracked Constantly
DOD freight is treated with extreme caution. The truck’s movements are constantly being tracked by the DOD through a device in the truck and on the trailer. When the truck stops, the team needs to notify their driver manager and send a DTTS (Defense Transportation Tracking System) message in a timely fashion.
Van trailers even have sensors on them to monitor when the door opens. As mentioned above, the truck is also equipped with a panic button for extra safety.
There are limits on how many times (and for how long) the truck can stop while moving freight from one destination to another.
It only makes sense, then, that this freight is moved by a team. It’s better to have two people monitoring the freight and ensuring everything goes smoothly than one.
Reason #4: Two Drivers Are Better Than One
Some tasks are better completed by two drivers rather than one — especially when working with sensitive freight that needs to move quickly.
DOD drivers moving flatbed freight are responsible for chaining, strapping, and securing freight to the trailer. With two drivers working simultaneously, this process goes a lot faster and allows the team to get on the road quicker. Two drivers can simultaneously perform pre- and post-trip inspections to ensure the truck is roadworthy.
Two drivers can also work together to secure permits and plan routes more efficiently, including calling ahead to truck stops to make sure they can stop there, finding safe places to park, and avoiding routes with features the truck can’t traverse (like tunnels).
Sometimes, hauling freight for the military can be a waiting game. You might be sitting around waiting for a load for days, but when one pops up you have to act immediately. With two people, this task becomes a lot more manageable and ensures one driver is always ready to go.
Tips for Moving Military Freight Like a Pro
Teamwork is essential for moving DOD freight efficiently. Teams enable quick deliveries, ensure constant monitoring and security, adhere to tracking requirements, and expedite logistical tasks.
By working together, drivers can meet the demands of DOD logistics effectively, supporting national defense operations seamlessly.
Having the right partner on your team is crucial. If you don’t already have one, here’s how to find a partner suitable to you.
These tips will help you move military freight with ease.