Delivery speed is often one of the most important factors when shipping goods. Often, a customer needs delivery "yesterday," which is usually the result of important aspects being overlooked by logistics chain participants. LATCARRIER informs customers about such nuances and, most importantly, takes them into account during the planning process.
Factors Affecting Delivery Speed by Road Transport
The speed of road transport delivery depends on many factors, including technical, organizational, natural, and legal aspects.
The primary factor is the distance, which affects travel time: the farther the destination, the longer the delivery. The route is also crucial: the presence of highways, bypass roads, and road quality all influence travel speed. Highways allow higher speeds, while narrow country roads, congested city streets, and areas with poor coverage can significantly slow the process.
Weather conditions, such as snow, rain, and ice, can slow movement and even cause road closures. Legal factors also matter. Customs procedures require time for documentation, especially when crossing borders. In some countries, there are restrictions on freight vehicle movement during weekends and nights. Driver working hours are regulated, particularly in the EU, where there are strict labor and rest regulations for drivers.
Traffic congestion, including traffic jams, roadwork, or accidents, can significantly delay transportation.
The type of cargo is also important: perishable goods require expedited delivery and temperature control, hazardous goods are transported under strict safety standards, and oversized cargo requires special permits, escorts, and vehicles.
The organization of logistics, including loading and unloading speed and clear communication between contractors, affects overall delivery times. Coordination between the carrier, customer, and warehouses is vital for timely deliveries. Organizational aspects and communication often cause problems even when other conditions are ideal.
The primary factor is the distance, which affects travel time: the farther the destination, the longer the delivery. The route is also crucial: the presence of highways, bypass roads, and road quality all influence travel speed. Highways allow higher speeds, while narrow country roads, congested city streets, and areas with poor coverage can significantly slow the process.
Weather conditions, such as snow, rain, and ice, can slow movement and even cause road closures. Legal factors also matter. Customs procedures require time for documentation, especially when crossing borders. In some countries, there are restrictions on freight vehicle movement during weekends and nights. Driver working hours are regulated, particularly in the EU, where there are strict labor and rest regulations for drivers.
Traffic congestion, including traffic jams, roadwork, or accidents, can significantly delay transportation.
The type of cargo is also important: perishable goods require expedited delivery and temperature control, hazardous goods are transported under strict safety standards, and oversized cargo requires special permits, escorts, and vehicles.
The organization of logistics, including loading and unloading speed and clear communication between contractors, affects overall delivery times. Coordination between the carrier, customer, and warehouses is vital for timely deliveries. Organizational aspects and communication often cause problems even when other conditions are ideal.
Types of Road Transport Delivery
Several main types of road transport can be identified based on urgency, cargo type, and route.
Direct Shipments or Door-to-Door Delivery: The cargo is sent directly from the sender to the recipient without intermediate transshipment, making this method the fastest and most reliable. This is commonly used for urgent or fragile cargo, as it minimizes travel time and reduces the risk of damage. These shipments can be done using any vehicle, from a small cargo van to a truck with a semi-trailer.
Consolidated Cargo (LTL): The truck is loaded with goods from multiple customers, following a route with several delivery points. This is a cost-effective option, but it requires additional time for consolidation and unloading. It reduces transport costs by sharing expenses among cargo owners, but delays can occur while waiting for full load.
Full Truck Load (FTL): The entire truck is used to transport one cargo without additional stops. This is the fastest and most reliable method for large shipments since delays are minimized. In logistics, full load refers to 24 tons and 90 cubic meters. However, different types of vehicles have specific limitations. For instance, a refrigerated truck may carry only 22 tons, and a road train (truck with a trailer) can hold up to 120 cubic meters, though it is less common.
Express Delivery: This uses small cargo vans or trucks, sometimes with two drivers working in shifts. This method minimizes stops and speeds up transport, making it ideal for urgent shipments like documents, spare parts, or medications. Two drivers often work on refrigerated trucks with 22-ton loads to speed up the delivery of perishable goods such as food, fruits, or flowers.
Multimodal Transport: Combines road transport with other modes, such as air, rail, or sea transport. This method speeds up delivery over long distances and increases the efficiency of logistics chains.
Direct Shipments or Door-to-Door Delivery: The cargo is sent directly from the sender to the recipient without intermediate transshipment, making this method the fastest and most reliable. This is commonly used for urgent or fragile cargo, as it minimizes travel time and reduces the risk of damage. These shipments can be done using any vehicle, from a small cargo van to a truck with a semi-trailer.
Consolidated Cargo (LTL): The truck is loaded with goods from multiple customers, following a route with several delivery points. This is a cost-effective option, but it requires additional time for consolidation and unloading. It reduces transport costs by sharing expenses among cargo owners, but delays can occur while waiting for full load.
Full Truck Load (FTL): The entire truck is used to transport one cargo without additional stops. This is the fastest and most reliable method for large shipments since delays are minimized. In logistics, full load refers to 24 tons and 90 cubic meters. However, different types of vehicles have specific limitations. For instance, a refrigerated truck may carry only 22 tons, and a road train (truck with a trailer) can hold up to 120 cubic meters, though it is less common.
Express Delivery: This uses small cargo vans or trucks, sometimes with two drivers working in shifts. This method minimizes stops and speeds up transport, making it ideal for urgent shipments like documents, spare parts, or medications. Two drivers often work on refrigerated trucks with 22-ton loads to speed up the delivery of perishable goods such as food, fruits, or flowers.
Multimodal Transport: Combines road transport with other modes, such as air, rail, or sea transport. This method speeds up delivery over long distances and increases the efficiency of logistics chains.
The Fastest Types of Road Delivery
Express Delivery: Dedicated transport with minimal stops. For vans and trucks under 3.5 tons, there are no strict labor and rest regulations, so if the cargo size and weight allow for it, this is the fastest option.
FTL (Full Truck Load): A dedicated truck without waiting for additional cargo. This method applies to trucks with semi-trailers and refrigerated trailers. With two drivers, it is the second-fastest delivery method, and for goods over 1.5 tons, it is the fastest.
Multimodal Courier Deliveries: While not strictly road transport, it is important to mention courier services using air transport for urgent documents and small shipments delivered directly to the client. Global courier companies such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS offer these services.
FTL (Full Truck Load): A dedicated truck without waiting for additional cargo. This method applies to trucks with semi-trailers and refrigerated trailers. With two drivers, it is the second-fastest delivery method, and for goods over 1.5 tons, it is the fastest.
Multimodal Courier Deliveries: While not strictly road transport, it is important to mention courier services using air transport for urgent documents and small shipments delivered directly to the client. Global courier companies such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS offer these services.
What to Do and How to Act When Speed is a Priority?
LATCARRIER understands that each customer has unique needs and their own definition of "fast." That’s why we approach each order individually, carefully analyzing all delivery options. We take into account the urgency, budget, cargo characteristics, and route to offer the optimal balance between speed and cost. In every case, we will review all possible solutions and provide the best option that suits you, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and convenience at every stage of delivery.
