Whilst it is hard to predict the outcomes of all these changes,
Easy Communications
in economic terms i.e. as sources of wealth, employment and in
Due to the communications tools at the disposal of many drivers,
terms of support given to other economic activities, we can be
companies now can keep track of exactly the conditions in which
positive that European road will continue to provide a significant
they are subjected to. This is incredibly helpful in terms of how
piece of the UK’s economic structure.
customers receive information on their product. If somebody now calls regarding a delay, due to the communications
This can be backed up with significant investments in road
revolution, companies can now advise them exactly why there
development throughout the country. We cannot escape
is a delay, along with an expected time of arrival, resulting in less
the universal nature the road freight industry offers for
customer complaints.
infrastructure, and here at FORWARDER, we will be showing you the advantages and disadvantages to the current aspects of
Perfect for Perishable
the road freight industry.
Perishable goods make up a great deal of the road haulage. Due to the transfers between ocean and air freight, road is the
Cost Effective
best distribution method for products such as pharmaceutical.
Whilst air and sea distribution are the only alternative for
Trailers are easily adapted to create the perfect atmosphere for
some companies, road freight throughout Europe is one of the
an assortment of perishable goods, and with the usually quick
most cost-effective ways for smaller companies to transport
turnaround of deliveries, many companies dealing with perishable
goods. New safety regulations have meant that vehicles stay
will continue to use road freight as their best form of transport.
on the road for longer, making the use, and lifespan, of the vehicles more eff icient for drivers and companies. New
Traffic, Breakdowns, Weather and Regulations
safety design can be more easily assimilated into new car
Whilst, as we can see, there are a plethora of reasons to use
manufacturing costs at the original design stage rather than
road freight, which instils confidence in the sector, there are
during subsequent stages of production, meaning something
disadvantages which would be remiss of me not to mention.
small, like Day Time Running Lights, can reduce the cost of
Traffic delays, adverse weather, unforeseen breakdowns and
your road freight in the long run.
regulations at ports or tolls are always going to slow down the process of road freight. However, with the many advantages
Tracking
to European Road, we can expect to see the sector grow and
Advancements in tracking and visibility for freight forwarders
prosper over the next 12 months.
has developed at an incredible rate over the last decade. Tracker technology will be compulsory in 2018 and fitted as standard in every model for distribution. These tracking devices can do
Matt Dailly, Editor, FORWARDER magazine
such things as alert the emergency services in the event of an accident, cutting down on road deaths and helping delays of products on the road.
FORWARDER magazine
March 2018
73