Truck transport involves moving goods from one location to another by motor vehicle. Trucks vary in size, power, and configuration, but they generally feature a body-on-frame construction. As such, the payload portion of the truck is separate from the cabin. In this way, truck transport is ideal for moving large amounts of cargo from one location to another.
Cargo carried by trucks
Trucks are the backbone of trade in Europe, carrying more truck transport than 70% of all freight carried on roads in the EU. According to the European classification system, trucks are motor vehicles with at least four wheels and a mass of 3.5 tonnes or more. They are divided into two types: single-unit trucks and combination trucks. Single-unit trucks are used for domestic deliveries, while combination trucks are more suitable for long-haul journeys.
In the Netherlands, 191 million tonnes of goods were transported by truck in 2016. The percentage of Dutch trucks in cross-border transits decreased, but trucks from central and eastern European countries carried more cargo in 2016 than trucks registered in the Netherlands.
Payload transported by trucks
Payload transported by trucks is a key metric for the transportation industry. This measurement is used to understand and forecast freight volumes by mode and commodity. A common method is the Freight Analysis Framework, which calculates the annual flows of a commodity, and then filters those flows by truck mode to determine the number of truck trips for each commodity. Truck Payload Factors (TPF) convert flows of a commodity into the number of truck trips required to transport that commodity.
The amount of payload that a truck can transport varies depending on its weight and the type of vehicle. A small station wagon could not handle a load of long wooden boards, and a heavy-duty truck may not be needed for a few bags of groceries.
Cost of truck transport
The price of truck transport varies, depending on the size and type of the truck and the distance. For example, a truck that is 350 miles long would cost $490 to ship. However, the price will decrease as the distance increases. For a trip of 500 miles, the cost will drop to $1.60 per mile. Other factors that influence the cost of truck transport include the type of truck and its size, weight, height, and modifications. Also, the time of delivery may affect the price.
In addition to its cost, truck transport has several benefits. First, it is faster than other modes of transportation. Compared to train and air, truck transport is faster and more environmentally friendly. This is because truck transport has a lower CO2 footprint than other modes of transport.
Regulations governing truck transport
Regulations governing truck transport are necessary in order to avoid truck accidents. The dangers that truck drivers face are often attributed to improper maintenance, and failing to do so can result in a tire blowout or brake failure, which may lead to a driver’s loss of control. This article describes how new regulations could benefit drivers and carriers alike.
The trucking industry is highly regulated and new regulations often take effect every year. These regulations are set by federal agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, certain states have passed regulations that apply to truckers.
Employment outlook for truck drivers
Recent census data suggests that employment of truck drivers is likely to rise by up to 40,000 by mid-2020, counteracting the trend of accelerated retirements from over-the-road positions. The influx of new truck drivers is expected to offset the loss of over-the-road drivers in spring 2019.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of truck drivers will increase by 11% between 2012 and 2022. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Rising demand for goods and services will keep truck drivers in high demand. However, trucking companies have reported challenges in hiring and retaining employees. While some industries may be switching to rail transportation to cut costs, the majority of goods will need to be transported by truck.