Why Haulage Companies Use Lorries

Posted: Jun 06, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

With the price of petrol being as high as it is and the low mileage of Lorries, one might wonder why haulage companies don't use small regular vans for at least part of their business. Why do haulage companies go to the expense of buying Lorries for jobs that could be handled by vans?

Basically, there are two answers: expediency and efficiency. In many cases a van could make deliveries but when there are a dozen deliveries due in a short period of time north of a company's base of operation the logistics can become complicated. If a van has the space for two deliveries then 6 vans must be dispatched or one lorry. Six vans mean six drivers will be required; so in terms of employment costs one lorry is cheaper than six vans. But that doesn't mean the overall costs would be lower.

Using the above scenario of a dozen deliveries, what if the deliveries are all in the same direction but hundreds of miles apart? Hauling companies try to avoid "deadheading," a term used to identify returning without a load. The fuel used in hauling a load is figured into the price charged to the customer however the fuel used returning to the base of operations is not. Road haulage on the return trip is necessary to defray costs. But just because the out-going load will fit into a van doesn't mean available loads for the return trip will fit. Now in addition to extra drivers the road haulage company would have to pay for empty vans returning.

Abnormal loads would always have to be handled by Lorries. Some abnormal loads would be too big to fit in a van, others might be small enough but too heavy for the van's suspension. Some extra wide loads aren't hauled inside the lorry's trailer, but instead are pulled by the cab; vans wouldn't have the power to pull these sorts of loads. Some loads are so heavy that they can only be hauled at night when traffic is less, because of weight so immense that local authorities will only allow the lorry to cross a bridge that is otherwise devoid of traffic.

By having vehicles capable of hauling a variety of loads the haulage company is in a better position to keep their drivers busy and the vehicles moving. In the haulage business money is only made when the wheels are turning. Because of insurance and lorry payments, lack of freight to haul doesn't just prevent a company from making money; it causes companies to lose money. Heavy haulage Lorries is the only way to haul abnormal size loads and extra heavy loads plus they have the load capacity to do the work of many vans.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/why-haulage-companies-use-lorries-4867528.html

    Article Tags:

    haulage

    ,

    freight

    ,

    services

    Freight services may be used for the transportation of heavy equipment and other large things such as houses or buses.

    By: Freight Forwaderl Business> Customer Servicel Sep 27, 2010

    International air freight services are not only safe and secure, but also cost effective if taken the assistance of reputed and known shipment companies.

    By: Article Managerl Business> Customer Servicel Dec 09, 2010

    International air freight services UK ensure to export and import goods to domestic as well as international destinations within least possible time and at cost effective rates.

    By: Article Managerl Business> Customer Servicel Oct 06, 2010

    International freight services help corporate houses as well as individuals to send their items, documents and other products any corner of the world.

    By: Article Managerl Business> Customer Servicel Dec 09, 2010

    International freight services offered by a reputed and known courier company are cost effective and quick. The company handles products with care to maintain quality.

    By: Vikas Shannonl Business> Customer Servicel Oct 29, 2010

    International air freight services are available at affordable rates if searched a reputed and established courier company. To search a company, take the assistance of the internet.

    By: Vikas Shannonl Business> Customer Servicel Oct 29, 2010
    March Summers

    International vehicle transports service providers offer facilities for shipping you vehicle across to the new country. These vehicle transport companies have the legal authority, the right infrastructure and a wide network to carry out their operations.

    By: March Summersl Automotivel May 28, 2012

    Thinking about cars brings to mind parts like the engine, brakes and radiators as these are indispensible for proper functioning of the vehicle. But there is another important part which deserves mention and that is the windshield. Irrespective of whether it is bought online or from local auto glass shops, a windshield is manufactured from a special glass which is different from the normal sheets.

    By: dylanrossl Automotivel May 25, 2012

    Imagine the day when you finally have your very own car after years of commuting, working and saving for it.

    By: angelicaemmanuell Automotivel May 25, 2012

    Are you thinking of buying a fancy car like a Pontiac or a Porsche? Do you have an old car you want to get rid off while at it?

    By: angelicaemmanuell Automotivel May 25, 2012

    Compact crossover sport utility vehicles, also known as small crossover SUVs, combine the attributes of compact cars and larger sport utility vehicles.

    By: angelicaemmanuell Automotivel May 25, 2012

    To change the pitch of a guitar a capo is used to clamp down on the strings around the neck of the guitar on the different frets. Each fret on the guitar neck is a half-step. By using the guitar capo each half step will sound higher than normal. Changing the key of a song is far easier using a guitar capo.

    By: barry summersl Arts & Entertainment> Musicl Apr 23, 2012

    People choose to have cosmetic surgery abroad for many different reasons. They also decide to have their surgery abroad for their own reasons as well. The main reason is to find a good surgeon at a lower price. The goal is to get high quality care without breaking the bank.

    By: barry summersl Travell Apr 20, 2012

    The decision to undergo plastic surgery is not one that should be taken lightly, and quite often people struggle with the decision for a long amount of time, which makes sense.

    By: barry summersl Travell Apr 20, 2012

    Plastic surgery can be an expensive decision; especially if you consider that many times cosmetic procedures simply won't be covered by your insurance. One solution that many people consider is getting plastic surgery abroad, which can save a great deal of money, but which also comes with risks that a patient needs to be aware of before deciding to go through with any procedures he or she simply isn't sure about.

    By: barry summersl Travell Apr 20, 2012

    Many people are choosing to improve their appearances. This can be beneficial to a person's whole outlook on life ahead. People do tend to judge others based upon outward looks.

    By: barry summersl Travell Apr 20, 2012

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast