Full-Truckload Freight Shipping Services
Dedicated Truck Capacity for Your Shipment
For more than 45 years, Mercer Transportation has handled full truckload shipments for businesses across all industries in the United States. Our full truckload service gives you a dedicated truck and a single point of contact from pickup to delivery, with no shared space and no detours along the way. With access to flatbeds, dry vans, step-decks, and over 30,000 brokered carriers, we have the right equipment for your load no matter the size, weight, or destination.
Industry-Leading Full Truckload Carrier
When your freight needs to arrive safely and on time, you need an FTL carrier with the network, equipment, and experience to deliver. Since 1977, Mercer Transportation has done exactly that for thousands of shippers across the United States. Here’s what sets us apart:
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250,000+Shipments moved each year
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3,100+Clients of all sizes served
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100+Local Independent Agents
- Logistics solutions
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- U.S. and Canada coverage
- 98% on-time delivery
Areas of Operation
FTL Shipping to all 50 States
Mercer has a network of independent agents and owner-operator drivers all across the country. We provide FTL services to all 50 states, full coverage into Canada, and border service to Mexico. No matter where your shipment is headed, we have an agent and a truck to handle it.
Full Truckload Freight Shipping Services
Faster Delivery, Fewer Stops
With full truckload shipping, your freight is the only cargo on the truck. There are no shared stops and minimal handling between pickup and delivery. For high-volume or time-sensitive supply chain needs, FTL shipping is the most direct way to move a single shipment from point A to point B.
Customized Transportation Solutions
Boxed pallets, oversized machinery, HVAC units, and temperature-sensitive items each need a specific trailer type. Our team matches you with the right trailer based on your shipment's size, weight, and handling needs, so your cargo travels under the right conditions.
Large Carrier Network
Mercer's owner-operator fleet is backed by our freight brokerage department, which gives us access to more than 30,000 vetted carriers nationwide. That extra capacity means we can find a truck for your shipment even during peak season, capacity crunches, or in tight markets.
Flatbed Trailers
Our fleet includes 1,300 flatbed trailers, making us one of the largest flatbed carriers in the U.S. Flatbeds are built to haul oversized cargo, construction materials, steel, lumber, pipe, and machinery that won’t fit inside an enclosed trailer.
Dry Van Trailers
We operate 850 dry van trailers for boxed and palletized freight that needs protection from outdoor elements. A standard 53-foot dry van holds up to 26 standard pallets and roughly 45,000 pounds, making it the workhorse trailer for retail goods, packaged products, and general freight.
Step-Decks
Also called drop-deck trailers, step-decks have a lower deck that allows for taller loads exceeding the height limits of a standard flatbed. They’re a good fit for cargo that’s too tall for a flatbed but doesn’t require height permits, including farm equipment, large tanks, and tall machinery.
24/7 Freight Tracking with MercerTrac
MercerTrac is our shipment tracking platform, included at no extra cost on every load. You’ll get real-time updates on your freight’s location, status, and ETA from pickup through final delivery.
One Agent From Start to Finish
Every Mercer customer gets a local independent agent as their single point of contact for the life of the shipment. Your agent handles quotes, contracts, paperwork, scheduling, and day-to-day questions, so you don’t have to bounce between departments.
What Our Clients Say
Full-Truckload Freight FAQ
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What is full truckload shipping?
Full truckload shipping (FTL) is a freight service where one shipper’s cargo is dedicated to an entire trailer for the duration of the move. The truck drives directly from origin to destination with no other pickups or drop-offs, which results in faster delivery and minimal handling compared to LTL shipping.
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When should I choose FTL over LTL shipping?
Choose full truckload over LTL when you have 10 or more pallets, freight weighing 15,000 pounds or more, oversized loads, time-sensitive cargo, or fragile items that can’t handle multiple transfers. LTL is the better fit for smaller shipments where cost savings matter more than speed.
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How many pallets fit in a Dry van full truckload?
A standard 53-foot dry van trailer holds 26 standard 48″x40″ pallets on the floor, or up to 52 pallets when freight can be double-stacked. Maximum weight is roughly 45,000 pounds, so your final pallet count depends on how much each pallet weighs.
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How much does full truckload shipping cost?
Full truckload pricing is based on lane (origin and destination), trailer type, mileage, fuel surcharges, weight, and current market conditions. Mercer offers competitive rates with competitive pricing on every lane.
Contact your local agent with your shipment details and we’ll send you a custom full truckload freight quote.
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What types of freight does Mercer haul?
Mercer drivers haul almost anything that fits in a truck, including:
- Construction materials (steel, lumber, pipe, concrete products)
- Industrial and manufacturing equipment
- Consumer goods and retail merchandise
- Automotive parts and vehicles
- Agricultural products
- HVAC units and large appliances
- Paper products
- Hazardous materials (with proper certifications)
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Can you ship oversized or overweight loads?
Yes. Mercer is one of the largest flatbed carriers in the U.S. and we regularly haul oversized loads, heavy machinery, and project freight. Our team handles permits, route planning, and pilot car coordination for loads that exceed standard size or weight limits.
Learn more about our equipment hauling services.
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How do I track my truckload shipment?
Every Mercer load is tracked through MercerTrac, our 24/7 visibility platform. You’ll get real-time updates on location, status, and ETA from the moment your truck is dispatched. Tracking is free with every full truckload shipping service we provide, and your local agent is always available for direct updates.
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How fast can you pick up and deliver a full truckload?
Pickup and delivery times depend on lane, equipment availability, and current capacity. With 100+ local agents and access to 30,000+ carriers through our freight broker network, we can usually arrange same-day or next-day pickup on most U.S. lanes. For tight deadlines, ask your agent about expedited and dedicated truck options.