The haulage industry helps millions of businesses in the UK run smoothly. It transports many types of goods across the country. Haulage services allow businesses to move stock from factories to outlets, dispose of waste, transport machinery, and more.
What is Haulage?
Haulage is the process of transporting goods via roads. Businesses contract road haulage services through a haulier. They supply the appropriate vehicles and licensed drivers for the job. This offers a more cost-effective option than sourcing dedicated vehicles and staff to deliver a business’ goods.
Hauliers can offer different services, such as same-day or next-day delivery, depending on your transport requirements. Haulage time means the amount of time a delivery is expecting to take.
The cost of haulage services varies based on the following:
- Goods being delivered
- Travel distance
- Service required
- Number/size of vehicles required
- Number/type of personnel required
- Fuel
- VED
- Maintenance and vehicle repair
- Insurance
Types of Haulage
Vehicle haulage comes in a range of forms to suit the requirements of the goods being hauled. Some different types of haulage options are:
General haulage
General haulage refers to normal, everyday goods and products that is regularly transported up and down the country each day. Print, manufacturing and retail goods like clothing, electronics and household items are general haulage.
Refrigerated delivery
Refrigerated vehicles are used to transport food and drink, certain medications, or flower arrangements. Some of these types of goods spoil if not kept cold. Specialised refrigerated lorries have transported live animals like penguins.
Container transport
When items are shipped around the world, they are kept in containers. Container haulage involves transporting these containers to and from shipping ports.
Hazardous freight haulage
If dangerous materials like explosives, toxic gases, flammable liquids or radioactive substances need to be transported, they require adapted vehicles and specially trained drivers.
Plant haulage
Transporting large construction machinery, need a specialised vehicle capable of handling a heavy load. Construction cranes, tipping dumpers or excavators use this type of service.
Heavy haulage
For especially heavy products like agriculture or construction equipment, a trained driver and speed-limited vehicle is used.
Waste haulage
To safely and legally dispose of large amounts of liquid or solid waste, a waste licence is required.
Vehicle haulage
To transport vehicles such as cars or motorbikes, a specialised vehicle is required. Commercial customers often use this service.
Abnormal loads
For other goods, such as bridge sections or wind turbines, that require a specific type of vehicle. Certain licenses or speed-limited vehicles may be necessary.
Learn more about MI Transport’s services and contact our team on 03335 775100 or email info@mitransportltd.co.uk.
