International Forwarding Association Blog » Road Transport in Europe
Road Transport in Europe
Freight forwarders must stay updated on scheduled road maintenance because of several destabilizing factors that disrupt normal driving conditions. Challenges such as narrowed lanes, sudden stops, unclear temporary signage, visual distractions, and changed traffic patterns each contribute to the complexities of navigating construction zones for freight drivers. Narrow Lanes During road maintenance, lanes often shrink from the standard width of 3 to 3.7 meters down to 2.7 meters to accommodate workers and machinery along the roadside. This narrowing squeezes vehicles into tighter spaces which poses a challenge for freight trucks. These trucks have larger blind spots at the sides,… Read more
International freight forwarding ensures that specialized cargo is delivered safely and efficiently to support various special events. These range from trade shows, academic conferences, and film productions to high-value auctions, musical festivals, and major sporting competitions. Exhibitions Tade shows, expos, and conferences require the transportation of varied cargo, including exhibit boots and stands, shelving and counters for product displays, and machinery for live demonstrations. Additionally, freight forwarders may transport touchscreen kiosks, demo stations, product samples for hands-on demonstrations or giveaways, and early versions or prototypes of upcoming products. Symposia For academic conferences and research symposia, the cargo typically… Read more
Navigating the challenges of poor road infrastructure presents hurdles for cargo transportation across various regions in Europe. Key issues include inadequate road signage, a scarcity of alternative routes, and the frequent absence of essential services, each contributing to increased risks and operational costs for freight forwarders. Poor Road Signage Inadequate road signage can pose significant dangers for cargo trucks, as it may lead them into unsuitable or hazardous conditions and result in potential accidents. The Lecco bridge collapse in Italy in 2016 is a point in question. Despite visible damages and structural concerns reported to the authorities, the bridge… Read more
Transporting forestry products involves navigating a variety of challenges to ensure the safety and integrity of goods. Effective transportation in Europe requires careful selection of vehicles, moisture and temperature control, pest and disease management, and strategic route planning to avoid physical obstacles. Types of Vehicles The choice of vehicles depends largely on the type of product being moved. Flatbed trucks, characterized by their open sides and absence of a roof, are particularly well-suited for carrying logs and lumber, which do not require protection from precipitation, sunlight, or debris. Additionally, the accessibility of flatbed trucks enables the use of forklifts… Read more
Navigating the complexities of freight forwarding requires an understanding of how to strategically set prices to remain competitive while ensuring profitability. From cost-plus and value-based to tiered and subscription-based pricing, each strategy enables forwarders to align service offerings with market demands and customer expectations. Cost-Plus Pricing This is a straightforward strategy where a markup is added to the cost of providing the service to ensure profitability. This approach guarantees that all costs, including operational and overhead expenses, are covered and a profit margin is achieved. It provides transparency and simplicity in pricing but requires careful calculation so that the… Read more
Securing road cargo involves a blend of sophisticated technology and expert strategies. Measures like enhanced locking systems, geofencing and advanced surveillance are key to protecting goods across diverse transit routes. Enhanced Locking Systems Enhanced locking systems stand as the first line of defense against theft. These systems include high-strength padlocks, electronic locking mechanisms, and seal locks that are tamper-evident. By implementing such robust solutions, EU freight forwarders help prevent opportunistic thefts and ensure timely delivery, as there are fewer interruptions due to security breaches. Geofencing Geofencing works by triggering an alert whenever a freight vehicle enters or leaves… Read more
Toll systems exert a significant influence on the logistics and road freight sector in Europe, often shaping the route selection, operational overheads, and even the vehicle choices of freight forwarders. Understanding these toll systems and their subsequent implications is essential for efficient freight operations. Time-Based Vignettes Time-based vignettes are stickers that vehicles display to grant them access to the roads for a set period, typically available for daily, monthly, or yearly durations. Countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Bulgaria predominantly use this system. For freight forwarders, this straightforward system can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it… Read more
Regardless of the sector you operate in, delivering your products to clients safely, in good condition, and on time is key to your reputation and bottom line. Yet, with a range of equipment and modes to consider, choosing the best option is not always easy. From power-only, refrigerated, and dry vans to straight trucks and cargo vans, here is a quick guide to help you decide on the type of equipment you may need. Refrigerated Trailers This piece of equipment is used for refrigeration transport of perishable goods like pharmaceuticals, dairy, and fresh produce. Refrigerated trailers or reefers are… Read more
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