The phrase line haul in logistics refers to the transportation of commodities by any method of conveyance by land, air, or water between two defined locations. Cities, ports, and even warehouses can serve as stations. Line haul services also necessitate fixed departure and arrival times. The more calculable the transport offer is for the demanders, the more appealing scheduled transportation activities become. While the routes are set, the commodities transported can range in size and weight, from little documents to big pallets.

Freight is collected by courier companies from a designated depot. Freight with common destinations is grouped in trailers at this depot for (long-distance) transportation to a sorting facility (hub) or one or more other types of depot (e.g. distribution facilities). Sorting plants sort and reassemble items from various origins for further delivery to their destination.