Road freight transport is one of the most widely used shipping options worldwide. In this article we will discuss the different types of vehicles used in road transport, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Types of vehicles for road transport
There are several types of vehicles used in road freight transport, which can be classified according to their structure, the type of containment of the goods and their weight:
-Rigid trucks: their structure is in one piece, and the driver’s cab is attached to the goods transport trailer, with no possibility of separation.
-Articulated trucks: they are divided into two separate parts: the driver’s cab and the trailer where the goods are transported.
-Open platform trucks: they carry the goods fully or partially uncovered, and are usually used for transporting construction materials.
-Closed container trucks: these have only a rear opening for loading the goods. They are often used for easily loaded goods, such as parcels.
-Tarpaulin trucks (tauliner): have their sides and roof covered by tarpaulins that can be put on and taken off.
-Tanker trucks: used for transporting liquid goods, gas or chemicals.
-Hopper or tipper trucks: they have a tilting trailer in order to tip the goods.
-Refrigerated trucks: these allow goods to be kept refrigerated, either by generating cold or by insulating them from the outside temperature.
-Car carriers: these are designed to move vehicles such as cars or motorbikes on the road, and can be open or closed.
-Cage trucks: these are designed for transporting animals. They have openings on the sides to allow air circulation.
Classifications can also be made according to the weight of the trucks, such as N1, N2 and N3, according to their Maximum Authorised Mass (MMA).
Advantages and disadvantages of road transport
Although road transport is one of the main means of transporting goods, it also has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
It works for short and medium distance shipments, making it an economical and fast alternative.
It facilitates door-to-door transport, due to the possibility of making the load at the supplier company and taking it directly to the warehouse of the destination company.
It allows the transfer of practically any type of load with safety guarantees.
It adapts to timetables and transport routes, allowing optimisation of delivery times.
Disadvantages:
It is not an option for long-distance international shipments. It is only possible to do so to neighbouring countries or in combination with maritime transport.
The load volume is limited to 12,000 kg MMA,
In conclusion, the only limitation of this transport is the destination and the load limit. The most popular option for improving land transport is to combine it with maritime transport. Currently, land freight transport is the most economical in comparison with the others. In addition, most transport companies, such as Alianza Logistics, are moving towards a more sustainable line of transport.
• It adapts to transport schedules and routes, allowing optimization in delivery times.
Disadvantages:
• It is not an option for international shipments over long distances. It is only possible to do so to neighboring countries.
• The cargo volume is limited to 12,000 kg of MMA.
In conclusion, the only limitation of this transportation is its destination and the load limit. The most popular option for improving land transportation is to combine it with maritime transportation. Currently, land freight transportation is the most economical compared to the rest. In addition, most transport companies, such as Alianza Logistics, are moving towards a more sustainable transportation line.
