Characteristic of Road Freight (Motor Carrier)

The nature of road transportation of goods depends on the distance the goods are transported by road, the weight and volume of the individual shipment, 

and the type of goods transported. For short distances and light, small shipments a van or truck may be used. For large shipments even if less than a full truckload a truck 

is more appropriate. there are two types of road freight ; 

that are for-hire and private motor carrier . For-hire motor carrier is consist 

of contract carrier, common carrier and exempt carrier . 

There several characteristic of road freight that influence the road transportation.

Accessibility. Highway carriers enjoy the best accessibility of all the transportation modes. This is especially true where transportation is limited to pick up and delivery with other modes.

Speed or Transit Time. For shipments under 500 miles, the truck can deliver the freight in less time than other modes. While other modes can be faster, they are also restricted by less frequent schedules and limited access.

Small Carrying Capacity. Trucks are often greatly disadvantaged by the total weight 

of the cargo and the vehicle. However, the smaller shipping size of the

 motor carrier provides shippers and their customers with the benefits of 

lower inventory levels and inventory carrying costs.

Flexibility. Trucks have the advantage that they can be loaded and on their way faster than most of the other modes. With rail and ship, for example, larger volumes of cargo or numbers of vehicles must be loaded before the actual transportation of the cargo can start. But, the number of highways that trucks have available provide for faster and more efficient routes when there is pressure from other competitors.

Frequency. Because of smaller shipments, trucks can provide the shipper with more frequent shipments that can reduce inventory for the consignee, thus reducing total supply chain costs overall.