There are many different types of haulage, each suitable for transporting different types of cargo. In this blog, we will focus specifically on container haulage on roads as it is efficient and secure. There is a range of different goods that can be transported quickly and easily using this method, and there is minimal risk of damage or theft.
What is haulage and what are the different types
Haulage is the process of transporting goods from one place to another, usually over long distances like from ports to inland factories or warehouses. There are many different types of haulage, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of haulage is road haulage, which uses trucks or trailers to transport goods on public roads. This is the most efficient way to transport goods over long distances, as it doesn't require the use of expensive infrastructures like railways or pipelines. However, road haulage is also the most vulnerable to delays and disruptions, as it is reliant on good weather, good road conditions and minimal traffic.
Read our related blog about container haulage here.
General Haulage - General haulage is the most common form of haulage and is used by most industries to transport large amounts of goods. General haulage companies like A.Plessas Transport are experts at providing vehicles to transport containers from ports to factories throughout the UK. General haulage is primarily used by retail, healthcare, agriculture and more, and usually consists of safe-to-transport items.
Plant Haulage - Used to transport pant machinery, specialist vehicles are fitted with the necessary safety features, like winches, to accommodate heavy-duty machinery and vehicles. For example, cranes, dumpers, diggers and excavators are all good examples of machinery that is commonly transported via plant haulage.
Hazardous Haulage - Is used to transport dangerous or hazardous materials or substances like explosives, chemicals or gas. Hazardous haulage is a specialist type of haulage as it requires companies and vehicles to meet legal requirements in order to transport dangerous and hazardous goods. It is also important that vehicles are specially modified to handle dangerous or hazardous materials.
Heavy Haulage - Heavy haulage is primarily used to transport larger or heavier loads safely on public roads. There are different levels of heavy haulage depending on the weight band that the vehicle is carrying. Each level of heavy haulage has different levels that must be met such as the speed limit.
Vehicle Haulage - Vehicle haulage is of course used to carefully and safely transport vehicles from one location to another. Usually, vehicle haulage is used to transport vehicles from the manufacturing location to a showroom around the country. Vehicles used for vehicle haulage are specially modified to accommodate for a range of vehicles to be loaded on a lorry.
Fragile Load Haulage - When delicate or fragile goods need to be transported, fragile load haulage is perfect. Breakable objects and goods such as glass, delicate electronics, screens or other expensive materials are all common items that are transported by fragile load haulage. Companies that specialise in fragile goods transportation are often trained in safe driving and have professional equipment to aid in the transportation of breakable goods and ensure the safety of their cargo during transportation.
Parcel Delivery Haulage - Parcel delivery is a service that is often forgotten about, but is used by companies to transport large amounts of parcels and packages in bulk. Parcel delivery haulage is essential for next-day delivery businesses and is a vital part of international companies like Amazon.
Abnormal Load Haulage - This category of haulage is generally used for all other objects or items that don't fit into any other categories. If objects don't fit into heavy, plant, vehicle or waste disposal, then the goods would be considered abnormal. Abnormal load companies usually have a fleet of different vehicles - and escort vehicles that are available to deal with the different types of objects that may need transportation, such as static caravans which would be considered an abnormal load.
What can be transported in haulage containers
There really aren't many limitations as far as what can be transported in haulage containers, though the limitation falls on the type of goods being transported required and as such, the training of the driver and the safety features that are put in place on the vehicles that will be transporting the goods.
For example, chemicals or explosives can be transported but must be transported by a specialist company with the relevant training and vehicles.
Read more about the different signs that are found on lorries and find out what they mean here.
The benefits of using haulage services
There are a few different types of haulage that are used to transport various objects and goods. The most common types of haulage are plant, hazardous, heavy and vehicle haulage. Each type of haulage has its own specific requirements and limitations that must be met in order to transport goods safely.
The benefits of using haulage services are many. Haulage companies have the training and experience to transport a wide variety of goods safely. They also have the necessary equipment to ensure that the goods are transported without damage. In addition, haulage services can save businesses time and money by transporting goods in bulk.
When choosing a haulage company, it is important to choose one that is experienced and has a good reputation. It is also important to make sure that the company has the appropriate insurance in place in case of any accidents.
If you are looking to transport containers from popular container seaports in the UK, contact A.Plessas Transport today.
