Co-Loaded vs. Dedicated Trucks: What's the Difference?
Sharing a truck saves money; having one to yourself saves time. Here's how to weigh the two.
Published 2026-03-12 · 5 min read · Logistics
How a co-loaded shipment works
A co-loaded truck carries multiple customers' shipments at once, making several stops to pick up and deliver along a shared route. This is a common and legitimate way to move smaller shipments cost-effectively, since the cost of running the truck is spread across multiple customers rather than one.
How a dedicated truck works
A dedicated truck carries a single shipment from pickup to delivery with no other customers' belongings aboard and no intermediate stops for anyone else's load. This generally means a faster, more predictable delivery timeline, at a price point that reflects the truck being used exclusively for your move.
The tradeoffs between the two
Co-loading tends to cost less for smaller shipments but comes with a wider delivery window, since your items may sit while the truck completes other pickups or deliveries along its route. Dedicated service costs more but trades that uncertainty for speed and a tighter, more predictable timeline — a worthwhile tradeoff for larger shipments or time-sensitive moves.
How to decide which fits your move
Consider your shipment size, your flexibility on delivery timing, and your budget. A small shipment with a flexible delivery date is often well served by co-loaded service, while a large household or office move, or one on a tight timeline, tends to benefit more from a dedicated trailer. Ask your mover to walk through both options for your specific route and inventory.
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