Road transport cargo refers to
the movement of goods over road networks using various types of vehicles, such as trucks, tempos, and vans. This mode of transport is a fundamental part of the logistics and supply chain industry, enabling the delivery of goods from manufacturers to warehouses and ultimately to consumers.
Types of road cargo services
Road transport companies in India and elsewhere offer several types of services to meet different customer needs:
- Full Truckload (FTL): In this service, a single shipment fills an entire truck. It is ideal for large, high-volume, or time-sensitive goods that need to travel directly from origin to destination without intermediate stops.
- Less-than-Truckload (LTL): For smaller shipments that do not require a full truck, an LTL service consolidates goods from multiple customers into one vehicle. This is a cost-effective option, though transit times may be slightly longer due to multiple stops.
- Specialized freight: This is used for cargo with unique requirements, including hazardous materials, perishable goods needing refrigeration, or oversized items. It uses specialized vehicles and equipment to ensure safe and compliant transport.
- Courier and parcel delivery: For smaller, often faster deliveries, companies use smaller vehicles like vans, tempos, and two-wheelers for local and intercity transport.
- On-demand transport: Companies like Porter offer app-based services for booking mini-trucks, tempos, and two-wheelers for immediate, local goods movement.
Advantages of road transport
- Cost-effectiveness: For short to medium distances, road transport is often more economical than air or sea freight.
- Flexibility: It offers greater route flexibility than rail or sea transport, allowing for adjustments as needed.
- Accessibility: With comprehensive road networks, trucks can provide door-to-door delivery, reaching remote areas not served by other transport modes.
- Versatility: Road transport can accommodate a wide range of cargo types, from general goods to temperature-sensitive or oversized items.
- Real-time tracking: Many modern road freight services provide GPS tracking, giving customers real-time visibility into their shipments.
Leading road cargo companies in India
India’s logistics market includes many players, from large corporations to smaller regional operators. Some of the prominent road transport companies include:
- Delhivery: A major tech-driven logistics provider offering end-to-end supply chain services, including full and part truckload freight across India.
- Blue Dart Express: Known for express air and surface logistics, with extensive network coverage across the country.
- TCI Express: Recognized for its bulk shipping and road logistics services with a large fleet and advanced tracking.
- Gati: A reliable provider of express distribution and cargo services with a strong nationwide presence.
- DHL Global Forwarding: Offers both Less-than-Truck Load (LTL) and Full-Truck Load (FTL) shipments with international connections.
- Porter: An on-demand service offering quick and hassle-free booking of mini-trucks and other small vehicles for local deliveries.
Factors influencing cost and service
The cost and service quality of road cargo depend on several factors, including:
- Distance: The length of the transport route directly impacts costs.
- Cargo weight and volume: Charges can be based on either the actual weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is higher.
- Type of cargo: Specialized goods, such as hazardous or perishable items, require specific handling and vehicles, which increases costs.
- Speed and urgency: Expedited services, like express parcel delivery, will cost more than standard delivery.
- Additional services: Costs can increase with add-ons like insurance, customs clearance, or special handling.
