Want to transport goods across the UK? Or maybe across Europe? Unless it is a collection / delivery from a terminal type (air)port? This service is made for you!
DocShipper specializes in door-to-door services. Although the majority of transport is done via alternative methods such as plane or boat, road freight is essential for the upstream (collection) and downstream (delivery) stages of the logistics process.
This is what we are going to discuss in this page which describes our services: LTL, FTL ... Do your concepts still seem vague to you? Not for long, happy reading!
Table of Contents
Why use road freight?
Road freight is one of the most (if not the most) used methods of transporting goods around the world. Sometimes because road freight is quite simply the only option for a transport, for example this is the case when talking about short-distance transport. It should also be noted that this method of transport is essential since it makes it possible to make the link between the origin/destination and the various terminals, whether they are ports, airports or train stations.
Road freight - An essential method of transport
As mentioned in the introduction, transport by truck is essential. Whatever the origin, destination, main method of transport ... You will need road freight service to start or finalize operations!
Advantages of road freight
- Usefulness: Truck transport is an essential part of the logistics process, as it links the origin, the destination and the various terminals (ports, airports and stations).
- Profitability: It is a method of transport which is particularly competitive.
- Speed: This method of transport is fast since there is no terminal delay, which saves several days.
- Suitable for short distances: Truck transport is simply the cheapest and fastest for a short distance, so why look for another solution ?!
- Perfect for transporting perishable goods (fruits and vegetables).
- Location of goods easy to trace.
- Flexible service: With flexible schedules and coverage that matches the road network, this transportation method is extremely flexible to suit your needs.
- Rural service: Whether it is to serve small or large towns, this method of transport has no real limit except the road itself.
Road transport methods
When we talk about road freight, we must distinguish between 2 modes: FTL (Full Truckload) and LTL (Less Than Truckload). As the name suggests, this means you have the option to reserve an entire truck (FTL) or share space with other shippers (LTL). This is what we will see in this part!
FTL - Full TruckLoad shipping: The dedicated truck
An FTL solution differs from an LTL solution in the sense that you are going to reserve the space of an entire truck. Moreover, we can compare this method to that of an FCL (Full Container Load) where you reserve a full container for your transport. As you might have guessed, opting for an FTL solution allows you to ship large volumes. In general, we recommend this option when you can fill half the truck.
Here are some concrete examples in which you will opt for this option:
- High-added value products
- Large volume transport
- Origin/destination in isolated places
Advantages of FTL transport
- Perfect for large volumes: The space in the truck is exclusively for you, which reduces risk, makes operations more flexible and faster.
- Secure for fragile cargoes: A single shipper, so no risk of being subjected to poorly managed packaging from other shippers.
- A truck from A to Z: By opting for this solution, the truck will travel from A to Z without changing hands or container, a way of minimizing the risks.
- Faster than LTL: Since the shipment goes from one point to another without going through drop-off points for other shippers.
Disadvantages of FTL transport
- Cost of shipping: Naturally, this method will be more expensive, especially if you have a low volume.
- Difficult to find a driver: When we talk about FTL, we are talking about an exclusive truck, and therefore a dedicated driver. You must therefore find a driver who will be able to manage the route according to your needs.
LTL - Less Than TruckLoad: Groupage by truck
As we mentioned above, the LTL is the fact of sharing a truck with several shippers. Just like the FCL with the full container, this method can be considered as an LCL (Groupage maritime). This flexible method notably allows you to ship much smaller volumes, ranging from the small parcel to a semi-full truck (if more than that, you can opt for a full truck - FTL).
This method has one main interest: costs. By sharing the truck, you will naturally pay much less than a full FTL truck.
Advantages of LTL transport
- Economical: You don't have enough volume to fill a truck. This option will be perfect to match your budget!
- Flexibility: No particular obligations in terms of weight or volume, the smallest parcel can be shipped.
- Deadline: With unfailing flexibility, this method can be implemented quickly with a transport itself that will also be.
Disadvantages of LTL transport
- Uncontrollable delays: While not being a flexible and competitive solution, this method can also cause delays because of other shippers.
- Increased risk: When talking about LTL, it involves more handling since your goods are loaded with other cargoes and therefore an increase in risk.
DocShipper Advice: These two methods of road transport can be useful to you. It is necessary to know how to choose the one that best suits your needs and your goods. For this, I advise you to contact one of our experts at DocShipper just here. They are qualified and will answer you within 24 hours. For more information about DocShipper and our services, you can visit our official website.
FAQ | Road freight in UK
🚚 How is road freight useful?
Whatever happens, transport by truck will be essential since it will be the link between origin / arrival as well as terminals such as ports, airports and train stations.
🚛 Does DocShipper provide cross border transport services?
Of course, this is also a very common option. It is generally faster and above all less expensive to transport between the United Kingdom and the mainland (especially France) by truck.
⌛ What are the transit times by road freight?
Here are the transit times for cargo from the UK to the mainland: France (2 days), Belgium (3 days), Luxembourg (3 days), Germany (4 days) and Spain (4 days). Of course, this figure is not to be taken at face value, since the deadlines will also depend on the exact origin / arrival.
🧾 How do I get a truck transport quote?
It's very simple, just contact us! Do not hesitate to contact us by mail, phone, live chat, WhatsApp or simply via our online form. You just have to give the basic information like origin, arrival, volume and weight of the cargo, and we will provide you with a quotation quickly.
DocShipper info: Do you like our article today? For your business interest, you may like the following useful articles :
DocShipper Advise : We help you with the entire sourcing process so don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
- Having trouble finding the appropriate product? Enjoy our sourcing services, we directly find the right suppliers for you!
- You don't trust your supplier? Ask our experts to do quality control to guarantee the condition of your goods!
- Do you need help with the logistics? Our international freight department supports you with door to door services!
- You don't want to handle distribution? Our 3PL department will handle the storage, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery!
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