What Is Road Freight and How to Choose the Right Service for Your Business?

If you’re a business owner or logistics manager wondering how to move goods reliably, cost - effectively, and on time, road freight is likely your answer. Simply put, road freight is the transportation of goods via trucks, vans, or other commercial vehicles on public roads. It’s the backbone of local, regional, and even cross - border supply chains—handling over 70% of last - mile deliveries globally, according to the International Road Transport Union (IRU). Unlike rail or sea freight, it offers unmatched flexibility for door - to - door service, making it ideal for small to medium - sized shipments or time - sensitive cargo.

Not all road freight is the same—choosing the right type depends on your cargo size, timeline, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

FTL means your shipment occupies an entire truck. This is best for large quantities (typically over 15,000 pounds or 10+ pallets) or fragile goods that need exclusive use of the vehicle. For example, a furniture manufacturer shipping 50 sofas to a retail store would use FTL—they avoid sharing space with other cargo, reducing damage risk and cutting transit time by 20 - 30% compared to shared loads, based on industry data.

LTL is for smaller shipments (under 15,000 pounds or 6 pallets) that share truck space with other businesses’ cargo. It’s cost - effective because you only pay for the space you use. A local bakery sending 2 pallets of pastries to a regional distributor might use LTL—they save up to 40% on costs versus FTL, though transit times are slightly longer (1 - 3 extra days) due to multiple pickups and drop - offs.

This is a premium road freight service for urgent cargo, like medical supplies or time - sensitive documents. Couriers like FedEx or local delivery firms use small vans or trucks to ensure delivery within hours. For instance, a hospital needing emergency MRI machine parts could use same - day road freight—while it costs 2 - 3x more than standard LTL, it guarantees delivery within 4 - 6 hours, which rail or sea freight can’t match.

Selecting the wrong provider can lead to delayed shipments, damaged goods, or unexpected costs. Focus on these 4 critical factors:

Always check a provider’s safety rating (use databases like the U.S. FMCSA’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System or the EU’s IRU safety portal). A good provider should have a crash rate below the industry average (0.5 crashes per 100,000 miles for U.S. carriers) and offer cargo insurance of at least \(100,000 per shipment. For example, if you’re shipping electronics worth \)50,000, a provider with $250,000 insurance will cover losses if the cargo is stolen or damaged.

Ask for the provider’s on - time delivery rate—top carriers maintain 95%+ reliability. If you need goods delivered in 3 days, avoid providers who average 4 - 5 days for that route. A case in point: a clothing retailer preparing for a holiday sale hired a carrier with 98% on - time delivery to ship inventory. The goods arrived 1 day early, giving the store time to stock shelves before the sale started.

Beware of hidden fees (e.g., fuel surcharges, tolls, or residential delivery fees). A reputable provider will give you a detailed quote that includes all costs upfront. For example, a quote for shipping 5 pallets from Chicago to New York might break down as: \(800 for freight, \)50 for fuel, \(30 for tolls, and \)20 for residential delivery—total \(900. Avoid providers who only say “\)800” and add $100 in fees later.

Road freight can be expensive, but these strategies will help you save money without sacrificing quality:

Even with a great provider, road freight has challenges—here’s how to overcome them:

Severe weather (snow, hurricanes) or heavy traffic can delay shipments. Solution: Work with providers who offer real - time tracking (via GPS or mobile apps) and have backup routes. For example, a trucking company delivering goods from Dallas to Houston during a rainstorm used a secondary highway to avoid flooded roads, arriving only 30 minutes late instead of 2 hours.

The global truck driver shortage (estimated at 1.2 million drivers worldwide by the IRU) can lead to delayed shipments. Solution: Prioritize providers who invest in driver retention (e.g., competitive pay, safe working hours). A U.S. carrier that pays drivers \(70,000/year (above the industry average of \)62,000) has a 30% lower turnover rate, ensuring consistent service.

Cross - border road freight requires paperwork (e.g., customs declarations, permits) and compliance with local laws (e.g., weight limits, emission standards). Solution: Hire providers with experience in cross - border shipping. For example, a Canadian company shipping goods to the U.S. used a carrier that handles all customs paperwork—avoiding delays due to missing documents.

It depends on your needs. Road freight is faster (1 - 7 days vs. 7 - 30 days for sea/rail) and more flexible for door - to - door service, but it’s more expensive for large, non - urgent shipments. Sea freight is cheaper for international cargo, while rail is better for heavy goods over long distances.

Costs vary by distance, cargo size, and service type. In the U.S., LTL freight averages \(1.50 - \)3 per pound, while FTL averages \(2 - \)4 per mile. For example, shipping 1,000 pounds 500 miles via LTL might cost \(750 - \)1,500, while FTL for the same distance could cost \(1,000 - \)2,000.

Hazardous materials (e.g., explosives, radioactive substances) require special permits and carriers. Some oversized goods (e.g., 100+ foot machinery) may need escorts or road closures, making road freight impractical. Always check with your provider for restrictions.

Nearly all modern carriers offer real - time tracking via a website or mobile app. You’ll receive a tracking number once your shipment is picked up—enter it to see the truck’s location, estimated delivery time, and any delays.

First, document the damage with photos and a written report. Then, file a claim with your carrier’s insurance department—include the tracking number, invoice, and proof of damage. Most carriers resolve claims within 2 - 4 weeks if all paperwork is complete.