Are you in charge of shipping for your company or small business? Maybe you have the option to ship by road but aren’t certain if it’s the best option.  The Department of Transportation reported that 60.5 billion dollars worth of freight was moved by trucks in 2020 alone. So it’s safe to say this type of shipping is reliable and not likely to go away any time soon.   Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of shipping by road and much of the information you’ll need to make an informed decision.

What is Road Shipping?

Have you ever been on a two-lane road and had to pass a semi in the right lane? These trucks make up the core of your road transportation system. Road shipping is a form of freight movement that involves 18-wheelers and sometimes other vehicles like vans and cars.  Rail, ship, and plane freight transport work for taking products over long distances, like airport to airport. But trucks are unique in their ability to deliver products to specific locations in cities and neighborhoods.

Pros of Shipping by Road

Shipping by truck offers a huge amount of space compared to other methods. Most trailers are 53 feet long, 13 feet high, and at least 8 feet wide. That’s a lot of cubic feet to fill!  Truck transport also tends to be the least expensive option, which means you can stay within your budget. Even if you occasionally use other forms of transportation, road shipping can save on shipping costs.  With available truck drivers and trucking companies, shipping by road couldn’t be easier.

Drawbacks of Shipping by Road

There are some drawbacks to shipping by road.  While there aren’t too many, it helps to know these shipping tips so you can decide what’s right for your company.  Trucks contribute to air pollution, so that’s something to keep in mind. If your company is eco-friendly, you may want to look for ways to offset your carbon footprint and make up for this aspect of your transportation.  Diesel fuel can be very expensive, which is going to add to your overall costs. Also, your trucks may get stuck in traffic jams which will add to your shipping/travel time.  If your truck route covers a large geographical area, expect bad weather to affect your shipping from time to time. It’s a fact of over-the-road shipping, but if you plan for it you’ll be able to continue managing your business efficiently.

How to Pick the Best Shipping Method

Now that we’ve explained shipping through this summary of pros and cons, it’s time to pick the best shipping method for your company. Try a few and see what works best for you.  If you have questions about road shipping or other logistics concerns, please get in touch with us! We’ll be happy to assist in any way we can and look forward to speaking with you soon.