2022 is turning out to be the summer of discontent. After enduring numerous rail strikes, port workers will now follow suit until the end of August. Have you thought about the advantages of using Road Freight?
The walkout at the UK’s largest container port, Felixstowe, is set to cause chaos. The Unite union has reported that a strike will bring the Suffolk harbour facility to a standstill, causing “major logistical problems” for sea freight.
Considering Felixstowe is responsible for 48% of the containers brought into the UK, the backlog created by the eight-day stoppage will take ages to clear.
You’re stuck if you’ve already got shipments in transit on the sea. But if you’re about to export, it’s time to forget sea freight and switch to road freight.
The advantages of road freight
When you look at the UK and Europe, the road network offers an immense transport infrastructure that’s not dependent on ports, airports, or train stations. Therefore, it is a highly efficient way of moving goods between locations.
It’s also:
Cost-effective
Road freight is very cost-effective. This mainly comes down to the fact that loading and unloading are relatively inexpensive compared to other modes of transport and the existing infrastructure.
Personal service
The ability to offer a door-to-door service is a major plus. Cargo can be collected from one location and taken to its destination without needing another form of transport or reloading.
Flexibility
Moving goods by road offers excellent flexibility because delivery times and routes can easily be adapted to suit supplier or customer needs. Plus, because roads are the only widespread transportation route, drivers can choose which route to take depending on traffic conditions, time restrictions and additional customer requirements.
Lower risk
When goods are transported by road, they require significantly less handling than with other forms of transport. Plus, with the driver in charge of the journey, goods enjoy a safer and more secure journey – let’s face it, they are unlikely to encounter the ups and downs of a stormy sea.
Fast delivery
With less time needed for handling and loading freight and impressive road infrastructure, road freight also tends to offer faster delivery.
Is road freight right for you?
Even discounting the potential port disruption, road freight is the most attractive way to transport goods for many companies, mainly because of its cost efficiency and flexibility.
If your concern is sustainability, technology is constantly evolving, and the development of ecologically friendly vehicles will create a greener form of road freight in the future.
Smart Directions provide a bespoke logistics service, ensuring their clients maintain excellent levels of customer service at all times. Call the team on 01442 507 240 to find out more.