What is Road Haulage?
Road haulage refers to the transportation of goods via road networks using vehicles such as lorries, vans, and trucks. Helping to facilitate the efficient movement of goods from manufacturers to distributors, retailers, and consumers.
In the UK, road haulage plays a pivotal role, accounting for over 80% of all domestic freight movements, according to the Road Haulage Association (RHA).
From delivering fresh produce to supermarkets to transporting heavy construction materials, road haulage ensures businesses can meet their supply and demand needs with reliability and speed.
Types of Road Haulage Services
The road haulage sector offers diverse services tailored to different cargo requirements:
Full Truckload (FTL)
Businesses with large shipments can utilise the entire capacity of a vehicle. FTL is cost-efficient for high-volume cargo and provides added security, as the goods remain sealed throughout the journey.
For example, a standard HGV in the UK can transport up to 44 tonnes of goods, making it ideal for large-scale operations.
Less than Truckload (LTL)
For smaller shipments, LTL allows businesses to share container or vehicle space with other shippers.
This option reduces costs while maintaining access to road freight services, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Specialised Haulage
Some goods require tailored solutions, such as refrigerated vehicles for perishable goods, flatbeds for oversized cargo, or tankers for liquids.
The UK food industry, valued at over £120 billion annually, heavily relies on refrigerated haulage to maintain freshness.
Courier and Parcel Delivery
Smaller vehicles handle e-commerce orders and urgent packages.
This service is essential for sectors like online retail, where rapid delivery is a competitive advantage.
The Role of Road Haulage in the UK Economy
Road haulage is a lifeline for the UK economy. It supports industries such as manufacturing, retail, and agriculture by ensuring goods are transported efficiently.
With over 2.5 million people employed directly or indirectly in the logistics sector, road haulage contributes significantly to employment and economic growth.
UK ports, such as Felixstowe and Dover, rely on road haulage for seamless onward distribution of imported goods.
Similarly, construction projects depend on reliable transport for materials like steel, timber, and aggregates, further demonstrating the sector’s importance.
How Much Freight is Moved by Road in the UK?
Road haulage dominates domestic freight transport in the UK, handling over 81% of all inland goods movements.
According to data from the Department for Transport (DfT), 1.39 billion tonnes of freight were transported by road in 2022 alone.
This represents the vast majority of goods moved across the country, demonstrating the sector’s essential role in the supply chain.
Key Freight Categories Moved by Road:
- Food and Beverages: The UK food sector depends heavily on road haulage for daily deliveries to supermarkets, restaurants, and retailers.
- Construction Materials: Aggregates, steel, timber, and cement are transported efficiently to support infrastructure projects nationwide.
- Consumer Goods: E-commerce growth has led to an increase in road haulage for delivering electronics, clothing, and home goods.
Advantages of Road Haulage
Road haulage offers unique benefits that make it an indispensable part of modern logistics:
- Flexibility: With an extensive road network covering over 240,000 miles, road haulage provides door-to-door delivery, reaching urban centres, rural areas, and remote locations.
- Speed: Compared to other modes of transport, road haulage is faster for short and medium distances. This makes it ideal for businesses requiring quick replenishment of stock or time-sensitive deliveries.
- Cost-Effectiveness: For domestic and regional shipments, road haulage offers a more economical solution compared to air or rail freight.
- Versatility: Whether transporting fresh produce, high-value electronics, or industrial machinery, road haulage accommodates a wide range of goods.
How to Calculate Chargeable Weight for Road Freight
Chargeable weight can be based on either the actual weight or the volumetric weight, depending on which is greater.
Actual Weight:
The actual weight refers to the physical weight of the cargo measured in kilograms (kg) or tonnes (t).
Volumetric Weight Calculation:
Volumetric weight considers the space the cargo occupies in the vehicle, calculated using the formula:
Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) × 250 = Volumetric Weight (kg)
(Note: The factor of 250 is commonly used for road freight.)
Example: For a shipment with dimensions 2 m × 1.5 m × 1 m:
2 × 1.5 × 1 × 250 = 750 kg volumetric weight
Determining the Chargeable Weight:
Compare the actual weight and volumetric weight of the shipment. The higher value becomes the chargeable weight.
For instance:
If the actual weight is 600 kg but the volumetric weight is 750 kg, the chargeable weight will be 750 kg.
Conversely, if the actual weight exceeds the volumetric weight, the higher actual weight is charged.
Challenges of Road Haulage
While road haulage offers many benefits, the industry faces several challenges:
- Driver Shortages: The UK has been experiencing a shortage of qualified HGV drivers, with an estimated 60,000–70,000 vacancies as of 2023. This shortage can disrupt supply chains and lead to delays.
- Traffic Congestion: Congestion on major roads, such as the M25 and M6, is a persistent issue, impacting delivery schedules and increasing fuel consumption.
- Environmental Concerns: Road haulage is a significant contributor to CO₂ emissions. However, the industry is addressing this through initiatives like low-emission vehicles and better route optimisation.
- Rising Costs: Fluctuating fuel prices, insurance, and regulatory compliance increase operational expenses for hauliers.
When to Choose Road Haulage?
Road haulage is the best choice for businesses in a variety of scenarios:
- Domestic and Regional Deliveries: Its ability to reach remote locations makes it the most direct and efficient option within the UK.
- Time-Sensitive Goods: For industries like retail or healthcare, where timely deliveries are critical, road haulage ensures quick transit.
- Specialised Transport Requirements: For goods that require specific handling, such as temperature-controlled or fragile items, road haulage provides tailored solutions.
How Precision Cargo Can Help
At Precision Cargo, we understand the complexities of road haulage and offer bespoke solutions to meet your needs.
Our team of experts ensures seamless delivery, from small courier shipments to full truckloads.
We leverage the latest technologies for tracking and route optimisation, ensuring your goods arrive on time and in perfect condition.
With our extensive network and commitment to reliability, Precision Cargo is the ideal partner for your road haulage requirements.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business thrive.
