What is On-Demand Capacity?

On-demand capacity provides trucking services on an as-needed basis, without long-term contracts or volume commitments. It’s the freight equivalent of “on-call” resources—available when you need them, scalable to match your requirements, and flexible enough to handle unpredictable demand.

How It Differs from Other Services

vs. Dedicated Lanes: Dedicated lanes require volume commitments and long-term contracts. On-demand capacity has no minimums or commitments—use it when you need it, skip it when you don’t.

vs. Spot Market: Traditional spot market freight means competing for capacity with unpredictable rates and service levels. Quality Wheels’ on-demand capacity provides priority access to reliable carriers at pre-negotiated rate structures.

vs. Contract Freight: Contract freight typically requires minimum volumes, regular frequency, and term commitments. On-demand capacity provides flexibility without obligations.

The advantage: On-demand capacity combines the flexibility of spot market with the reliability of contracted services.

When You Need On-Demand Capacity

Seasonal Volume Surges

The Challenge: Retail holiday peaks, agricultural harvest seasons, back-to-school surges, or industry-specific seasonality creates 2-5x normal shipping volume for 6-12 weeks per year.

The Solution: On-demand capacity scales up during peak periods without paying for unused capacity during slow periods.

Example scenarios:

• Retailers during November-December holiday surge
• Agricultural operations during spring planting or fall harvest
• Consumer goods companies during back-to-school season
• HVAC manufacturers during summer air conditioning season
• Tax preparation companies during January-April
• Construction suppliers during spring-summer building season

Promotional Events & Product Launches

The Challenge: Marketing campaigns, product launches, or promotional events create temporary demand spikes that exceed baseline capacity.

The Solution: Ramp up capacity for the specific event duration, then scale back down afterward.

Example scenarios:

• Black Friday / Cyber Monday inventory positioning
• New product launches with advertising campaigns
• Trade shows requiring product delivery to venues
• Promotional events (Buy One Get One, flash sales, etc.)
• Special edition or limited-time offerings

Unexpected Demand Fluctuations

The Challenge: Business isn’t always predictable. Customer orders surge unexpectedly, competitors’ stockouts drive demand to you, or viral social media creates sudden product popularity.

The Solution: On-demand capacity responds quickly to unexpected opportunities without leaving you scrambling for trucks.

Example scenarios:

• Social media viral product moment
• Competitor stockout driving customers to your products
• Weather events creating demand surges (snow shovels, generators, etc.)
• News events driving category demand
• Unforecasted customer orders

Capacity Gaps & Carrier Failures

The Challenge: Your primary carrier fails to show up, experiences equipment breakdown, or can’t cover all your freight on a busy day.

The Solution: On-demand capacity provides backup when primary carriers fall short.

Example scenarios:

• Regular carrier can’t provide truck due to equipment issues
• Dedicated lane carrier has driver shortage on specific day
• Volume exceeds contracted capacity limits
• Last-minute orders requiring additional trucks

Growth & Expansion

The Challenge: Your business is growing, but you’re not ready to commit to additional dedicated capacity or expand your carrier base permanently until volume stabilizes.

The Solution: Use on-demand capacity to handle growth while evaluating whether it’s sustained enough to justify dedicated resources.

Example scenarios:

• New customer accounts requiring temporary capacity boost
• Geographic expansion into new markets
• Product line expansion creating additional shipping needs
• Testing new distribution channels before full commitment

Contingency & Disaster Recovery

The Challenge: Natural disasters, facility closures, equipment failures, or supply chain disruptions require rapid logistics adjustments.

The Solution: On-demand capacity provides flexible transportation to reroute, expedite, or adjust shipping plans quickly.

Example scenarios:

• Warehouse fire requiring rerouting through alternative facility
• Weather events closing regular routes or facilities
• Equipment failures at customer locations requiring alternate delivery sites
• Supply chain disruptions necessitating new sourcing locations

Quality Wheels On-Demand Capacity Advantages

100% Tender Acceptance

Our 100% tender acceptance rate means when you request on-demand capacity, you get a “yes.” No capacity surprises. No “sorry, we can’t help you.” Just reliable service when you need it most.

98.2% On-Time Delivery

On-demand doesn’t mean compromised service. Our 98.2% on-time delivery rate extends to on-demand capacity, ensuring your surge freight arrives on schedule just like dedicated shipments.

Pre-Qualified Carrier Network

Quality Wheels maintains relationships with hundreds of pre-vetted carriers who meet our strict performance and safety standards. When you need on-demand capacity, you’re not getting random spot market carriers—you’re getting vetted professionals.

Our carrier qualification standards:

• Minimum safety rating (FMCSA Satisfactory or better)
• Insurance verification ($1M+ cargo, $1M+ liability)
• Equipment standards and maintenance records
• Performance history and on-time delivery metrics
• Communication capabilities and technology integration
• Background checks and compliance verification

Predictable Pricing Structure

No rate surprise games. While on-demand capacity pricing adjusts based on market conditions, Quality Wheels provides:

• Transparent rate quotes upfront
• Explanation of pricing factors
• Historical rate data for comparison
• Volume-based discounts when applicable
• No hidden fees or surprise charges

Same Technology & Visibility

On-demand capacity shipments receive the same technology platform and visibility as dedicated freight:

• Real-time GPS tracking
• Guaranteed Shipment Visibility platform access
• Proactive updates and communication
• Electronic POD delivery
• Performance reporting and analytics

Rapid Response Time

Speed matters when you need capacity:

• Quote response within 1-4 hours for standard requests
• Immediate response for urgent/same-day needs (call 847-457-0990)
• Equipment assignment typically within 24 hours for standard pickup
• Expedited equipment available in 2-8 hours when needed

On-Demand Capacity Service Models

Surge Capacity on Retainer

Best for: Businesses with predictable peak seasons needing guaranteed surge capacity.

How it works:

• Pre-negotiate rates and capacity levels for peak periods
• Commit to estimated volume range (not guaranteed minimum)
• Get priority access to capacity during peak season
• Pay retainer fee or slightly higher base rates for guarantee

Benefits:

• Guaranteed capacity during tight market periods
• Better rates than pure spot market
• Pre-planned logistics for known peaks
• Reduces stress during busiest times

Flex Capacity Add-On

Best for: Customers with existing Dedicated Lanes needing occasional overflow.

How it works:

• Baseline dedicated capacity for regular needs
• On-demand capacity for volume exceeding baseline
• Blended pricing (dedicated rates for baseline, premium for flex)
• Seamless integration—same processes and systems

Benefits:

• Optimize costs (pay for regular capacity at dedicated rates, overflow at market rates)
• Single carrier relationship for both dedicated and flex
• Consistent service standards across all freight
• Simplified coordination

Spot On-Demand

Best for: Infrequent or unpredictable capacity needs with no pattern.

How it works:

• Request capacity as needed with no advance commitment
• Quoted at prevailing market rates
• Equipment sourced from Quality Wheels or vetted carrier network
• Standard lead time (24-72 hours typical)

Benefits:

• No commitment or minimums
• Access to capacity when needed
• Quality Wheels service standards
• No contract complexity

Emergency On-Demand

Best for: Urgent, immediate capacity needs (carrier failure, emergency orders, etc.).

How it works:

• Call our emergency line for immediate response
• Equipment dispatched ASAP (2-8 hours typical)
• Premium pricing for immediate service
• 24/7 availability including weekends/holidays

Benefits:

• Solves immediate crisis situations
• Prevents production shutdowns or customer disappointments
• Faster than sourcing spot market yourself
• Reliable equipment and drivers

Industries Using On-Demand Capacity

Retail & E-Commerce

Why they need it:

• Holiday peaks (Black Friday through Christmas)
• Back-to-school surges
• Promotional events and flash sales
• New store openings requiring inventory staging

Typical usage:

• 50-200% capacity increase November-December
• Surge capacity for 2-week promotional events
• Overflow when sales exceed forecasts

Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)

Why they need it:

• Promotional displays requiring extra shipments
• New product launches with marketing campaigns
• Seasonal flavors or special editions
• Retailer ordering pattern fluctuations

Typical usage:

• Product launch capacity for 4-8 weeks
• Promotional support for retail partners
• Unexpected reorders from successful campaigns

Manufacturing

Why they need it:

• Production volume fluctuations
• Customer order surges
• Raw material sourcing from new suppliers
• Equipment relocation or facility moves

Typical usage:

• Overflow when production exceeds forecasts
• One-time project freight
• Ramp-up during new customer onboarding

Food & Beverage

Why they need it:

• Seasonal products (holiday foods, summer beverages)
• Weather-driven demand surges
• Special event catering and distribution
• Promotional displays for retailers

Typical usage:

• Seasonal peaks (20-100% over baseline)
• Weather event response (cold weather = soup surge)
• Event-driven demand (Super Bowl snacks, etc.)

Agriculture & Farming

Why they need it:

• Harvest season equipment and supply delivery
• Seasonal peak for seed, fertilizer, and chemicals
• Time-sensitive planting and harvesting windows
• Weather-dependent logistics needs

Typical usage:

• Spring planting: 3x capacity for 6-8 weeks
• Fall harvest: 4x capacity for 8-12 weeks
• Emergency delivery during narrow weather windows

Building Materials & Construction

Why they need it:

• Seasonal construction peaks (spring/summer)
• Large project freight needs
• Weather-dependent delivery requirements
• Emergency material delivery for project delays

Typical usage:

• Summer peak: 50-150% over winter baseline
• Project-specific capacity for 2-8 weeks
• Emergency deliveries when weather delays clear

Technology for On-Demand Capacity

AI-Driven Capacity Prediction

Our AI-Driven & API-Integrated Logistics platform helps optimize on-demand capacity:

Predictive analytics:

• Historical pattern analysis to forecast your capacity needs
• Market condition monitoring to predict tight capacity periods
• Proactive capacity sourcing before you request it
• Rate forecasting to help you plan budgets

Smart matching:

• Automated matching of your freight with available capacity
• Carrier selection based on performance history and specialization
• Route optimization for fastest, most cost-effective service
• Equipment type matching to your freight requirements

Real-Time Capacity Marketplace

Quality Wheels’ on-demand capacity leverages a network of vetted carriers:

• Real-time equipment availability across our network
• Instant rate quotes based on current market conditions
• Automated booking and confirmation
• Capacity visibility for planning and forecasting

System Integration

Connect your systems for seamless on-demand capacity requests:

TMS Integration: Request capacity directly from your TMS—no manual quoting process needed.

API Connectivity: Programmatic capacity requests and booking via API for high-volume users.

EDI: Standard electronic data interchange for automated tendering and tracking.

Email/Portal: Simple web portal or email requests for occasional users.

Pricing & Cost Management

On-Demand Pricing Factors

On-demand capacity pricing varies based on:

Market Conditions:

• Current capacity tightness in specific lanes
• Seasonal demand patterns
• Fuel prices and general market rates

Lead Time:

• More notice = better rates (5-7 days notice typically 10-20% lower than same-day)
• Rush/emergency capacity commands premium pricing
• Planned surge capacity (with advance warning) gets preferential rates

Volume:

• Higher volumes enable better rates (10+ loads = volume discount)
• Repeat on-demand usage builds pricing history
• Bundled freight to same region reduces rates

Freight Characteristics:

• Standard dry van freight: Baseline rates
• Specialized equipment (flatbed, reefer): Higher rates
• Oversize/overweight: Premium rates
• Hazmat or high-value: Additional charges

Cost Comparison Models

Scenario 1: Dedicated + On-Demand Hybrid

Retailer with baseline 20 loads/week and Q4 peak of 40 loads/week:

• Option A (All Dedicated): Pay for 40 truck capacity year-round = $2.4M/year
• Option B (20 Dedicated + 20 On-Demand for 12 weeks): $1.2M dedicated + $350K on-demand = $1.55M/year
• Savings: $850K/year (35% reduction)

Scenario 2: All On-Demand vs. Dedicated

Manufacturer with consistent 10 loads/week year-round:

• Option A (All On-Demand): $750K/year at market rates
• Option B (Dedicated): $600K/year with contract rates
• Cost difference: $150K more for on-demand, but provides complete flexibility

When on-demand makes sense despite higher per-load costs:

• Unpredictable volumes
• Growing business without established patterns
• Testing new markets/customers
• Seasonal businesses with 4-6 month shipping season

Getting Started with On-Demand Capacity

Step 1: Needs Assessment

Identify your capacity patterns:

• When do you typically need additional capacity?
• What’s your surge volume compared to baseline?
• How much advance notice can you typically provide?
• What equipment types do you need?

Step 2: Service Model Selection

Choose the right approach:

• Surge capacity on retainer for predictable peaks
• Flex add-on if you have existing dedicated lanes
• Spot on-demand for unpredictable needs
• Emergency service for backup when primary carriers fail

Step 3: System Setup

Technology integration options:

• Portal access for manual booking
• TMS integration for automated requests
• API connectivity for programmatic booking
• Email/phone for simple occasional use

Step 4: Carrier Onboarding

Facility setup:

• Provide facility information (addresses, hours, dock procedures)
• Set up contacts and communication preferences
• Review any special requirements or protocols
• Configure tracking and visibility preferences

Step 5: First Shipment & Optimization

Launch and improve:

• Process first on-demand shipment
• Gather feedback on experience
• Refine processes and communication
• Analyze performance and costs
• Adjust service model if needed

Combining Services for Optimal Results

Dedicated Lanes + On-Demand Capacity

The perfect hybrid:

• Use Dedicated Lanes for baseline, regular volume
• Add on-demand capacity for peaks and overflow
• Optimize total transportation costs
• Ensure capacity availability during critical periods

On-Demand + Supply Chain Consulting

Strategic optimization:

• Supply Chain Consultations helps identify optimal dedicated vs. on-demand mix
• Forecast capacity needs more accurately
• Develop contingency plans for disruptions
• Negotiate best rates through volume aggregation

Multiple Service Levels

Tailor service to freight priority:

• Standard transit for most on-demand capacity
• Expedited service for time-critical surge freight
• Drop trailer service for flexible loading during peaks
• Mix and match based on specific shipment requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can you provide on-demand capacity? Standard lead time is 24-48 hours. Emergency capacity available in 2-8 hours. Best practice: provide 3-5 days notice when possible for better rates and equipment selection.

Is there a minimum number of loads or commitment? No minimums or commitments for pure on-demand capacity. Use it when you need it, skip when you don’t.

How much more expensive is on-demand vs. dedicated? Typically 10-30% premium over equivalent dedicated rates, depending on market conditions and lead time. Emergency same-day capacity can be 50-100%+ premium.

Can I get preferential rates if I use on-demand capacity regularly? Yes! Frequent on-demand users get volume-based pricing and priority access to capacity during tight market conditions.

What if I need capacity but you’re sold out? Our 100% tender acceptance commitment extends to on-demand capacity for customers who provide reasonable notice. We maintain extensive carrier relationships to source capacity even in tight markets.

Do I get the same service quality as dedicated freight? Absolutely. Same 98.2% on-time delivery standards, same technology platform, same customer service. The only difference is the contractual arrangement.

Can I convert on-demand lanes to dedicated if volume becomes regular? Yes! We regularly work with customers to transition high-volume on-demand lanes to dedicated service with better rates and guaranteed capacity.

Flexible Capacity Without the Commitment

Stop worrying about surge demand, seasonal peaks, and unexpected capacity needs. Quality Wheels’ on-demand capacity provides the trucks you need, when you need them, with the same reliability and service quality you’d expect from dedicated freight.

Get started with on-demand capacity:

📞 Call: (847) 457-0990 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Inquire: Request On-Demand Capacity 📍 Location: 2328 Hammond Drive Suite A, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Capacity when you need it. Flexibility when you don’t.

Ready to Get Started?

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