Freight transport

Freight transport is a set of activities related to the movement of various types of cargo using appropriate means, among which we can name airplanes, ships, railroads, or cars. Logistics is the process of planning, executing, and controlling the flow of goods while maintaining the maximum level of efficiency, economy, productivity, reliability, and safety. There are many types of freight transport, which are very diverse. It is worth knowing in detail each group, focusing not only on the definition of the concept itself but also on the benefits. Carriage of goods allows its movement between different places, and in its process involves people employed in shipping companies, which in their work is based on a good organization of supply chains and the selection of appropriate means, so that the services provided will meet all expectations and needs of customers. Their satisfaction is influenced by the price of transporting goods, speed of execution, timeliness, and attention to the condition of transported cargo.

Types of cargo transportation

Most of the activities start with transportation, as it happens due to the need to deliver cargo from one point to another. Therefore, the transportation of goods is divided into several types. It is useful to know their details and differences.

• Car transport

Car transport is the transportation of goods using automobiles. Among its advantages can be mentioned first of all the possibility of delivering the cargo directly to the designated destination. However, cars have low loading capacity, which increases the cost of transport, also due to high fuel prices and vehicle depreciation costs.

• Road transport

The road transport of goods is characterized by the transportation of goods along designated routes. This type of transport uses trucks equipped with special trailers, tarpaulins, tanks, or refrigerated trucks. This is a very popular type of transport all over the world.

• Air transport

Air cargo transport is by far the fastest-growing branch of the industry, which uses planes that can cover very long distances in a short time. This mode of transport is considered to be the safest and is also the most important in intercontinental and especially transatlantic communication. An interesting fact is that airplanes can carry up to 120 tons of goods.

• Railroad transport

The railroad transport of goods is a land transport that allows carrying a large amount of cargo economically. It uses railroad means of transport that move along designated routes, more specifically tracks between cities. Numerous railroad connections and routes also allow for the international transport of goods.

• Sea transport

Sea transport, also known as water transport, is very economical, especially for intercontinental communication. However, it is associated with relatively long transit times and the need to use road or air transport, as goods transported by sea have to be reloaded upon arrival at the ports. Ocean freight enables the transportation of any cargo, in various states of aggregation, and of any weight or size, which is made possible by the diversity of the sea fleet and the size of ships. Depending on the cargo, there are container ships, bulk carriers, general cargo ships, and tankers.

International shipping 

International shipping of goods occurs when the place of shipment is within one country and the final destination is outside that country. It is a very popular branch of transport because its range covers the whole world.

Oversize transport  

Oversize cargo transport refers to transport in which the load exceeds the size and weight allowed by law. For example, in Poland it is the case when the load height exceeds 4 metres, width is greater than 2.5 metres and length exceeds 16.5 metres.

Functions of transport

Transport has many functions, which are divided into primary and secondary functions. Primary functions can include the carriage of goods themselves and any activities associated with their handling. Secondary functions, on the other hand, include primarily securing the roads, organizing the logistics for safety, and being responsible for the employees and the goods transported. For the organization itself to run smoothly, it is necessary to carry out an efficient transfer of goods according to strict rules. In this regard, it is important to determine the amount of cargo to be transported, the individual delivery points, the available means of transport, and optimal loading, to choose the shortest and also the best delivery route and to economically combine several delivery points in the entire transport chain.

Who provides and participates in freight transportation services?

Different entities are involved in the transportation of goods, and each of them is responsible for different activities. Among them, we can mention the consignor, which is the company that sends the goods, and the consignee, which, according to the contract, is the participant that receives the goods. On the other hand, between shippers and receivers, there is a whole transport network in which shippers, carriers, and intermediaries can be distinguished. The shippers are responsible for the loading of the goods, and the main task of the carriers is to transport the goods themselves according to the contract and to complete all logistics activities. Intermediaries, on the other hand, are in the business of connecting counterparties in commercial transactions to sign transport contracts. In addition, brokers organize transport and ensure its proper execution under the conditions specified by the customer.

Transport costs - what factors affect them?

Many factors influence transport costs. Among them are the distance of transport, cargo susceptibility, and the type of chosen branch and means of transport. Additionally, the degree of its utilization and the amount of transport work, as well as the scale of conducted activities are also important. Ultimately, all costs associated with the transportation of goods are dictated by the carriers, who pay attention to, among other things, freight rates, the minimum weight of cargo, the equipment necessary for loading and unloading, packaging, and creation of cargo units, as well as the possibility of any damage during the carriage.