Trucking represents an indispensable factor in most domestic or international shipments. It is considered an important link in the intermodal transport chain, since it has the facility to link the port or railway station with the final destination.
The role of trucking varies depending on the region. For example, in areas such as Russia where there is not much population and the rail system is very well established, trucks are used more for local deliveries and rail for long-distance trips. Similarly, in Mexico, international trade is facilitated by rail routes that connect directly to the United States and Canada, allowing for safer service without modal interchange.
On the other hand, in areas such as Europe, where railways have not adapted to the needs of the freight sector, trucks are more useful. In fact, the road transport infrastructure is easily accessible from all member states of the European Union.
Types of trucks in land transport:
The most popular vehicle in land transportation is the truck, which can be classified according to its characteristics. The transportation of goods is done with two (2) types of trucks: Articulated and rigid (full truck).
The articulated trail ers have the traction unit separated from the trailer, which makes them more versatile, because it allows the trailer to be unhitched and left in the hold while loading the cargo at the terminal or at the producer's facilities, or to be left at customs for inspection.
Rigids are classified into trucks and vans. They have the traction - engine - and the load unit assembled in the same structure, in other words, it is a "one piece" vehicle.
- Truck: This is a motor vehicle that due to its large size, capacity and strength is used to transport medium-sized cargo.
- Tractor-trailer: These are vehicles designed to support and tow semi-trailers and trailers. They are used to transport large amounts of cargo and are used to transport containers.
- Articulated truck: They are those that are formed by at least two (2) rigid structures, joined by an articulation point.
As we saw in our article on the types of ships in maritime transport, the design of trucks is also specialized according to the cargo to be moved. These are the characteristics of some of the most used trucks in land transport.
- Refrigerated truck: This is a specialized truck for transporting perishable products. They are designed with a special device that regulates the interior temperature.
- Tanker truck: It is a truck specialized in transporting liquids, gases and chemicals. They can transport petroleum, corrosives, as well as food products such as beer, wine, liquors and some powder products such as flour and cement. It has a capacity of 25,000 to 30,000 liters.
- Hopper truck: It is designed to transport products that will not be damaged over time. The sides and back are fenced with a railing and protected from the weather by tarpaulins or waterproof tents.
- Low bed truck: It is a truck that pulls a platform to move heavy construction machinery or equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, etc.
- Cage truck: This is a truck designed with a metal cage and is used for transporting livestock.
- Vehicle carrier truck: This type of truck has a platform that is used to move vehicles. It has a mechanism to load and unload, in a fast and agile way, the cars.
Advantages and disadvantages of land transport:
As mentioned earlier, trucking is the only mode of transportation that offers door-to-door service. Another advantage is its versatility, as it allows faster arrival at shippers' and receivers' facilities than any of the other types of transportation. Also, truck departures and arrivals between a given origin and destination can be fixed with relative accuracy.
On the other hand, some of the disadvantages are the long distances, traffic congestion, which in several countries has become a big problem, the conditions of the roads and the insecurity of the goods. The latter refers to the land piracy that has become one of the most common problems in the transport of goods by road.
If you want to learn more about how to protect your goods in road transport, click here.
