ROAD FREIGHT
Road Freight is the movement of goods from one place to another by road. Road transport also requires very little investment and roads are cheaper to build, operate and maintain than railways. Different types of trucks meet the needs of different industries to transport goods across the world.
Road transport (also known as land transport) has several advantages in the logistics and transportation industry:
HIGH FLEXIBILITY:
Road transport can go directly to the destination, without being restricted by fixed routes of transportation modes such as railways and aviation, and is suitable for short-distance and medium- and long-distance transportation. It can also flexibly adjust the route to avoid traffic congestion or respond to emergencies.
DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE:
Road transport provides “door-to-door” service, which reduces loading and unloading links, reduces the risk of cargo damage, and improves transportation efficiency.
RELATIVELY LOW COST:
Compared with air transport, road transport is more economical, especially for short-distance transport. It does not require complex infrastructure and has lower maintenance costs.
RELATIVELY LOW COST:
Compared with air transport, road transport is more economical, especially for short-distance transport. It does not require complex infrastructure and has lower maintenance costs.
ADAPTABILITY:
Road transport is suitable for all types of cargo, including fragile goods, dangerous goods, refrigerated goods, etc. Trucks can be customized according to cargo needs, such as equipped with refrigeration equipment or special loading devices.
SPEED:
For short-distance transport, road transport is usually the fastest mode and can respond quickly to customer needs, especially in time-sensitive situations.
ACCESSIBILITY:
The road transport network is extensive and can reach almost any inhabited place, enabling the transport of goods to remote areas that are inaccessible to other modes of transport.
HIGH FREQUENCY:
Due to the flexibility of road transport, the transportation frequency is high, which is particularly suitable for businesses that require frequent small-batch transportation.
CHINA-EUROPE HIGHWAY FREIGHT TIME
The time it takes to ship by road to Europe depends on some factors, such as the origin, destination, shipping route, cargo type, and clearance. Below is an approximate time range for shipping by road from China to major regions in Europe:
China to Central Europe
Road shipping to Eastern European countries (such as Russia and Hungary) usually takes 13-18 days. Compared with Central Europe, the distance is slightly closer, and the customs clearance and transshipment process is relatively simple.
China to Eastern Europe
Road shipping to Eastern European countries (such as Russia and Hungary) usually takes 13-18 days. Compared with Central Europe, the distance is slightly closer, and the customs clearance and transshipment process is relatively simple.
China to Western Europe
Road shipping to Western European countries (such as France, the Netherlands, Belgium, etc.) usually takes a little longer, about 23-27 days, because it needs to pass through more countries and borders.
INTERNATIONAL ROAD FREIGHT RATES
Road shipping price affected by many factors, including the following key aspects:
Transportation distance:
The number of kilometers transported is the main factor that determines the price. The longer the distance, the higher the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, driver fees, etc., leading to an increase in transportation costs.
Type of cargo:
The nature of the cargo has a significant impact on the price. For example, fragile, dangerous, or refrigerated cargo often requires special handling and equipment, which increases the cost of shipping.
Cargo weight and volume:
The weight and volume of the cargo determine the type and number of vehicles needed for transportation. Overweight or oversized cargo may require special permits or special vehicles, which can increase transportation costs.
Fuel price:
Fuel price is an important factor affecting road transport costs. Fuel price fluctuations directly affect transport costs, especially in long-distance transport.
Tariffs and taxes:
International road freight involves cross-border transportation. Tariffs, import taxes, value-added tax and other taxes will affect the total transportation cost.
Tolls and bridge fees:
In some countries or regions, road transport requires the payment of tolls, bridge tolls or tunnel tolls, which will also be included in the total transportation cost.
Border and customs formalities:
International shipments involve border checks and customs clearance procedures, which may add additional costs such as customs clearance fees, document processing fees, and delay fees.
Shipping time requirements:
If customer has urgent transportation needs and requires expedited or fast delivery, the price may increase.
Seasonality:
During certain seasons or holidays, increased demand for transportation or adverse weather conditions may lead to higher transportation costs.
Insurance costs:
In order to reduce potential risks during transportation, many shippers will choose to purchase transportation insurance, and insurance costs are also part of the transportation costs.
Availability of vehicles and drivers:
During peak transportation periods, the supply and demand of vehicles and drivers may cause price fluctuations. Driver shortages or difficulties in dispatching vehicles
will increase costs.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ROAD TRANSPORT DIMENSIONS
The size requirements for international road transport vary by country, region and specific type of transport vehicle, but there are generally several basic standards and restrictions:
Vehicle size restrictions
Vehicle length:
Generally no more than 16.5 m (54 ft) to 18.75 m (61.5 ft). This includes the combined length of the truck and trailer. Vehicle width: Usually limited to 2.55 m (8.37 ft). If the goods need to be refrigerated, the width of the refrigerated vehicle with insulation may be extended to 2.60 m (8.53 ft).
Vehicle height:
Most countries limit this to 4 meters (13.12 feet), but some allow taller vehicles. Extra-high loads may require special permission.
Cargo size requirements
Standard pallet size: 1200mm × 800mm (Euro pallet), North America is 1200mm × 1000mm. Palletized cargo loading usually requires a certain safety distance in the truck.Container size: common sizes are 20 feet (6.1 meters) and 40 feet (12.2 meters). The height of the container is generally 8.5 feet (2.59 meters) or 9.5 feet (2.89 meters, high cabinet).
Oversized cargo
If the size or weight of the cargo exceeds the standard allowances, it is usually considered “oversized cargo”. Transporting this type of cargo requires special transportation arrangements and permits, which may include: Special vehicles: such as low loader trailers or extended trailers.
Route planning:
Avoid low bridges, narrow roads or other impassable sections of the road.
Escort Service：
In some areas, oversized cargo transportation may require an escort vehicle to ensure safety.
Weight Limit：
Single axle load limit: There is usually a limit on the maximum load weight per axle, which depends on the load capacity of the road and the type of vehicle. It is usually between 8 and 12 tons.Gross weight limit: The gross weight of the truck (including cargo, fuel, driver, etc.) usually does not exceed 40 to 44 tons, but in some countries or under certain conditions, a higher gross weight is allowed.
Laws and standards：
Different countries and regions may have their own laws and standards, which specify detailed regulations on vehicle dimensions, cargo dimensions, weight, etc. For example, the European Union has uniform regulations, but individual member states may have slight differences. Before shipping, it is important to understand and comply with the specific regulations of the destination country.
GB INTL FREIGHT
CHINA’S LEADING AND EXPERIENCED FREIGHT FORWARDING TEAM
