Three major types of trucking companies are private, common, and contract.

Private carriers are company owned, and carry only their own products.

Common carriers
provide trucking services to customers on an as needed basis.

Contract carriers
sign contracts with buyers or sellers and operate in a manner similar to private carriers.

Trucks can transport various products in different environments. Trucks can provide appropriate environments for every product they transport. For example, canned food can be shipped in a truck with an enclosed trailer, cattle require a trailer with open air vents, and fresh food requires refrigeration.