Glossary of road transport terms
The road transport and logistics industry is the lifeblood of the global economy, playing a key role in the daily operations of businesses and societies. Every day, millions of tons of goods move along roads, reaching recipients around the world. Understanding the terminology related to this sector is essential for navigating the complex world of transportation and logistics. Below, we present the most important terms that will help you better understand the processes in the transport industry and effectively manage the supply chain. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, this guide will help you find your way in the dynamic world of road transport.
The logistics and transport glossary is an essential tool for anyone dealing with the transport and logistics industry on a daily basis. Learning and understanding specialized terms such as freight, telematics, or cabotage facilitates efficient communication and management of processes related to the transportation of goods. With our glossary, you will quickly find your way in the complex world of logistics, improve cooperation with contractors, and optimize transport operations.
Road transport refers to the movement of goods and passengers using vehicles that travel on public roads. It includes both domestic and international transport.
Logistics is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient flow and storage of goods, services, and information from the point of origin to the point of consumption. In the context of road transport, logistics encompasses supply chain management, route optimization, and fleet management.
A supply chain is a network of organizations, people, activities, and resources involved in the production, processing, and delivery of products from suppliers to end customers. Every stage of the supply chain, from raw material procurement to the delivery of finished goods, is crucial to the smooth operation of transport processes.
Freight is the fee charged for transporting cargo. The term refers both to the transportation process itself and the associated costs. Freight can be calculated based on the weight of the cargo, its volume, the transport distance, or the type of goods.
ADR is the international agreement concerning the transport of dangerous goods by road. It defines the rules for transporting hazardous materials, such as chemicals or flammable substances, to ensure safety on roads.
GPS is a satellite system that allows real-time location tracking of vehicles. In the road transport industry, GPS is used to track fleets, optimize routes, and improve delivery efficiency.
Telematics is technology that combines telecommunications and IT, used in fleet management. Telematics enables the monitoring of vehicle conditions, fuel consumption, and driver behavior, contributing to cost optimization and increased safety.
Cabotage refers to the transport of goods or passengers within a single country by a carrier from another country. Cabotage rules are uniform within the European Union according to European regulations and serve to protect local transport markets.
Driver’s working hours are regulations regarding the number of hours a professional driver can spend behind the wheel and the required rest periods. These rules aim to improve road safety by preventing driver fatigue.
A carrier is a company or individual that provides transport services for other entities. Carriers can specialize in various types of transport, such as bulk goods, refrigerated transport, oversized cargo, or passenger transport.
CMR is an international convention governing the transport of goods by road between European countries. The CMR document serves as proof of the transport contract and contains essential information about the cargo, sender, and recipient.
A fleet refers to a collection of vehicles managed by a transport company. Effective fleet management includes monitoring the technical condition of vehicles, planning maintenance, and optimizing routes, which improves operational efficiency.
A tachograph is a device that records a driver’s working hours, vehicle speed, and distances traveled. Tachographs are used in trucks and buses to ensure compliance with regulations on driving and rest times.
Cross-docking is a logistics technique where goods are received from one vehicle and immediately transferred to another without long-term storage. This reduces delivery times and storage costs.
Familiarity with these terms is crucial for effective operation in the road transport and logistics industry. Understanding them enables better planning and optimization of transport processes, minimizing errors, and increasing operational efficiency.
- Share:
- Email ↗
- Facebook ↗
- LinkedIn ↗