Radius Warehouse and Logistics is here to provide you with all the information you need when it comes to the multiple areas of logistics that we provide, from sea, to air, to road freight solutions. Operating from the South West of England for over 20 years, or experience, and service is here for anyone who needs it.
What is a road freight?
Road freight is a term for the process of transporting cargo via motor vehicles on roads. You can see examples of road freight in many forms in your everyday life.
For example, you ordered some furniture for delivery, and eventually it usually arrives via a truck. That truck was carrying the cargo, (your delivery) from its point of origin, whether that is a depot, warehouse, a showroom or from a cargo ship, along the roads, all the way to your front door.
Depending on the size and amount of cargo being transported, vans and trucks of all sizes can be employed. But that example is just a brief glimpse into the scope of road freight.
Maybe you own an import export business with cargo being delivered to and from Europe, road freight is the solution that literally gets you from point A, to point B.
What are the benefits of using road freight transport?
It is the best solution for short to medium distance journeys.
This is a given as vehicles are the primary transport on the road, as we haven’t quite mastered delivery via drone just yet! But for logistics that spans nationwide, road freight is a trusted and established solution.
Greater adaptability for transport times.
Unless road works are in place, roads are open 24/7, meaning the journey is only extended by the drivers, refuelling and taking scheduled breaks.
The most easily traceable option with GPS/ fleet management software.
You can not only keep track of the journey of the cargo, but also stay ahead of the curve in real time with live traffic and weather updates that may affect the journey.
A more streamlined journey through customs if the journey spans countries.
There is generally less paperwork involved when transporting cargo via road, meaning you won’t be spending longer in customs.
Can be cheaper than sea or air freight.
Sometimes the cost of transporting the same cargo via sea or air may cost more, simply due to the additional processes that take place on each type of transport.
What does road freight transport?
Road freight can transport almost anything from commercial goods to fresh produce and furniture, the range is extensive and only affected by what your chosen road freight transport services carry as part of the service they provide.
Is there anything road freight can’t transport?
This actually depends on a few factors. Let’s take dangerous goods for example. First of all, what is classed as dangerous goods? Here are a few examples.
- Explosives
- Flammables
- Fuming Acids
- Pesticides
- Paints
- Solvents
To transport them, you need the permission of government authorities and other relevant parties. In addition to the driver partaking in an ADR test.
Road freight solutions for small businesses
Radius Warehouse and Logistics is an established provider of road freight transport. Over the years, our comprehensive network of partners has helped to elevate our service to provide fast, reliable, competitive and quality trailer service nationally and beyond.
Our experience allows us to offer you a tailor made service to meet your specific requirements, ranging from full or part loads, dedicated vehicles and more.
In addition, for your peace of mind, the consignments we handle are checked daily whilst being monitored through the whole transport process.
Here are some of the benefits you can experience as a client that uses our services…
- A dependable & dedicated service supported by a vast amount of experience, technology, and expertise.
- Daily Departures to European countries such as Italy, Spain, France, Holland, and more.
- Extensive surface through Europe, Scandinavia, and Ireland.
- Express/Next day delivery on some cargo.
- A fleet of vans and trucks of all sizes.
- An option for a road courier service for smaller items.
We also provide ancillary services, which are services that relate to cargo inspection, preparation of customs documentation, storage of transported good, or goods to be transported.
Our ancillary services cover…
- Documentation services.
- Nationwide collection and delivery in the United Kingdom.
- Express deliveries in the UK and globally.
Can I transport cargo via road freight myself?
It is possible to do this, once you have all of the training and qualifications necessary, especially if your intention is to drive a HGV. However, it is not recommended if you…
- Are not used to long distance travel, which includes living in a HGV.
- You don’t have the qualifications to drive a HGV.
- You have never driven abroad.
- You have never transported cargo.
- Have health issues that can contribute to DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) or other issues that could affect their driving and thereby the safety of themselves and others.
A good road freight service vs a bad road freight service
Like with any service, you can easily ascertain the quality of one by the practices they take, or neglect. Road freight services are no different. Here are some pointers that can indicate the difference between a good and bad road freight service.
A good road freight service…
- Regularly schedules maintenance for their transport fleet wherever appropriate.
- Inspects their vehicles regularly
- Does not let their vehicles drive if there are potential hazards. For example, tires with worn down tread on the tires, issues with mechanisms in and around the truck itself.
- Makes sure their drivers follow the legally required compliance as it relates to required breaks and rest times.
- Provides guidance to their driver wherever necessary and possible regarding things that may affect the length or safety of the journey.
- Keeps track of their fleet and subsequent cargo from start to finish.
A bad road freight service…
- Does not inspect their vehicles.
- Does not schedule maintenance for their vehicles as often as they should.
- Focuses on the speed of the cargo delivery rather than the safety and health compliance required of the driver.
- Unable to keep track of their fleet in transit.
- Unable to update their driver or maintain any communication regarding potential hazards such as bad weather, accidents or alterations in their route.
The benefits of regularly maintaining road freight vehicles
For you as our client, making sure our vehicles are regularly maintained serve the benefit of completing your delivery in the most efficient time, with no losses. For a logistics company, the benefits of a regularly maintaining vehicles include…
- Reduced chance of breakdown
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Reduction in possible accidents/malfunctions
- Increased longevity of the vehicle, which equates to saving money in the long-term.
- Not failing maintenance checks and other required or requested inspections.
- Avoids possible fines or other forms of reprimand for failure to comply with the required level of maintenance
Enquire for road freight solutions today
We at Radius Warehouse and Logistics Services encourage you to get in contact with us to see how our services can benefit you. Alternatively, you can get a quote from us directly, or visit our help and advice page for anything further you may need help with.
We hope that our blog has successfully highlighted the key elements you need to know when it comes to road freight solutions for small businesses.
With over 20 years of experience as an independent freight forwarder, you can expect quality service from us. In addition to being a member of BIFA, and trading under the standard trading terms of BIFA, We are also staffed by a dedicated core of enthusiastic and efficient professionals.
Our staff’s many years of experience in this industry welcomes your enquiries and hope you can join our loyal and superb client base.
