Routing decisions are an important part of freight movements, affecting everything from the cost of delivering a load to when it will arrive. It might seem like the shortest distance between two points is the best option, but that isn’t always the case. Everything from the mode of transit to what you’re actually shipping can determine the optimal route.
Whether you rely on an outside provider to move your freight or go more hands-on with your route planning, we’ll uncover some of the factors that can determine the best path.
#1 Freight characteristics
Certain types of freight require carriers to take specific routes or avoid others, especially if cargo is sensitive to high altitudes or extreme temperatures. For example, take potato chips. When trucks climb into higher elevations along mountain highways, air pressure changes make the air trapped inside sealed bags push outward. That means those snacks could burst.
The same principles apply to products in tubes or jars, such as cosmetics, that can expand or rupture as air pressure changes, causing leaks. For these types of products, a lower-altitude route can help protect them during transit.
Other types of freight can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, even if they don’t need to be kept refrigerated or frozen. Electronics and cosmetics are just two products that do best when trailers avoid traveling on extremely hot or cold routes, which means those loads may do best avoiding routes in certain parts of the country when possible.
#2 Time sensitivity
How quickly freight needs to be delivered is one of the top factors that can affect routing decisions, and options on timing typically start with choosing between full-truckload—FTL—or less-than-truckload, known as LTL. The biggest difference between the two options is FTL gives you access to the whole trailer while LTL gives you a portion of it (read this article for a deeper breakdown between the two).
Opting for FTL can give you more control over the load and reduce the number of stops and handoffs needed, creating a more direct route that shaves time off of delivery windows. LTL, on the other hand, is a great option for cost efficiency, but it often involves multiple terminals and transfers, which can increase transit times.
#3 Pickup and destination locations
Geography is an integral part of routing decisions, and some routes may be more reliable than others. The American Transportation Research Institute’s “Top Truck Bottleneck” report identifies the 100 most congested intersections and freight corridors in the U.S. annually. The 2025 report shows the average speed during peak hours in bottleneck locations is around 34 miles per hour. Routing around these known congestion hotspots during peak times can save valuable hours.
Even routes that aren’t typically congested can get hit with an occasional traffic jam. HAQM has deployed optimization algorithms and machine learning to help predict disruptions across a particular route and more accurately plan for issues throughout the journey.
Weather can also be an issue that impacts efficiency and safety on specific lanes or routes. Sometimes, it can be faster to route around areas with extreme weather, even if it means adding miles. For example, winter storms make northern routes unpredictable, while hurricane season can slow freight movements along the Gulf Coast. Factoring seasonal trends into route planning is crucial.
A backup plan
Even the best-planned routes can encounter unexpected disruptions. Building contingency plans such as having pre-approved alternative routes or establishing a relationship with a broker to access additional capacity help reduce the risk of delays.
The benefit of experience
Given the many variables that go into routing decisions, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but relying on technology and experience can help determine the best route for each load.
At HAQM Freight, we give you access to advanced routing technology as well as expertise. Our network, 70,000+ trailers, and real-time visibility, help keep your loads moving safely and efficiently. You can try it now by creating an account and starting getting quotes for your loads immediately.
