As a cost effective, fast, efficient way to ship goods, freight transportation by road is one of the most popular freight transport options. While there are a number of advantages of road freight, it’s a complex sector that’s full of moving parts. Find out more about road freight transportation and explore how it may benefit your business.
What is Freight Transport by Road?
Road Freight Definition
Simply put, freight transportation by road is the transport of goods by use of motor vehicles such as trucks and vans through a road network. Road freight networks can span entire continents, allowing goods to be transported internationally.
Types of Road Freight Transportation Services
Full Truckload (FTL)
FTL shipments are single shipments that fill an entire truck. Shippers who are moving large, heavy, or high risk loads benefit from FTL shipping as it allows for faster, more cost effective delivery of large haulage volumes. It also eliminates the need to move goods between trucks, minimising the risk of damage.
Less-than-Truckload (LTL)
On the other hand, less-than-truckload shipments combine multiple shipments from several shippers in one truckload. This is a more budget friendly option for smaller shippers as they only need to pay for the space they need, rather than an entire truck.
Specialised Freight
Goods that have more particular handling requirements often require specialised freight. Irregular sizes, delicate goods, or hazardous materials are shipped using freight services that account for their unique shipping needs—these can include anything from temperature controlled trailers to hazmat permits.
Drop and Hook
Drop and hook shipping involves dropping off a loaded trailer at a specified location and immediately hooking up to a new loaded trailer. This is a quick process and eliminates the need for moving goods between trailers.
Key Considerations When Choosing Road Freight
The different types of road freight transport are each suited to different shipping needs and constraints—road freight transport doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. There are a few factors that should be considered when choosing the right type of road freight.
Size and Weight of Shipments
Consider the size and weight of the cargo you’re shipping. Large loads typically require FTL shipping as they will fill an entire truckload, while smaller loads are better suited for LTL shipping. However, if goods are particularly heavy, even if they are part of a smaller load, they may need specialised shipping.
Cost vs. Speed
Cost and speed of delivery are two crucial factors to consider when choosing road freight transport. For instance, LTL shipping is typically more cost effective, but is better suited for non-urgent deliveries. On the other hand, FTL shipping, while more expensive, allows for much faster delivery.
Unique shipping requirements
Goods that are temperature liable, fragile, hazardous, overweight, irregularly shaped, perishable, or in any other way out of the ordinary will likely require specialised shipping to ensure they arrive at their destination without damage. Freight providers can consult with shippers to advise the best way to ship irregular goods.
What are the Advantages of Road Freight?
Flexibility and Accessibility
Freight transportation by road is generally more accessible and flexible than other freight modes. Because it isn’t reliant on fixed schedules, road freight can better adapt to unforeseen circumstances or particular route or timing requirements. Road freight networks can also reach locations that other networks can’t, like rural and remote areas.
Cost Effectiveness
Road transport is one of the most cost effective modes of freight, largely due to the ability to pack several smaller loads into one vehicle. The different types of road freight offer pricing flexibility, allowing shippers to find a solution that suits their budget. To understand how their budget is being used and how they can reduce shipping costs, shippers can perform a freight cost analysis.
Control and Monitoring
Road freight allows for end-to-end tracking, giving shippers full visibility throughout their goods’ journeys. This gives shippers peace of mind that their goods are safe and on track, while providing them with insights into the freight process.
Legal and Regulatory Aspects
Safety is paramount in the road freight industry. The sector is ruled by several strict regulations to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.
Key Regulations Governing Road Freight
Vehicle Standards
There are a number of standards that heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are held to in order to meet emissions and safety standards. Regular maintenance and roadworthy inspections must be carried out, and loads must be secured in vehicles properly to ensure safety.
Driver Hours and Safety Regulations
Road freight drivers are required to adhere to a strict limit of driving hours and mandated rest periods. Driving hours and rest periods are tracked using tachographs, and are in place to protect against driver fatigue.
Importance of Compliance
These standards are in place to ensure drivers, loads, and other motorists on the road remain safe. Drivers and freight providers who are found to be non-compliant face hefty fines.
Challenges and Concerns in Road Freight
Currently, one of the primary concerns in road freight transportation is sustainability. Motor vehicles are one of the biggest contributors to pollution and carbon emissions, and both shippers and consumers are increasingly loyal to organisations that prioritise environmental action. Here at Amazon Freight, we’ve committed to The Climate Pledge, which will mean our operations will be net zero by 2040. We’ve invested in intermodal shipping and renewable energy to help us progress towards our goal.
Discover Leading Freight Transportation by Road Services with Amazon Freight
Our mission is to support shippers deliver excellent customer service with timely and efficient logistics solutions. To do this, we’re regularly looking at ways to optimise operations, especially through the power of data.
From machine learning capabilities, GPS tracking and route optimisation, we take strong measures to create accurate forecasts that can help our customers deliver results in real-time and respond to disruptions.
Get in touch today at freight-uk-interest@amazon.com to find out more about how we can help. Or, simply get started by creating your free shipper account and receive an instant quote.
