Why do so many companies choose road transport?

It is estimated that as much as 80% of Polish exports are carried out by road transport. Why is this solution so popular?

First, some specifics. Transport is responsible for 1/4 of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. According to the European Environment Agency, as much as 70% of CO2 in transport is generated by its road version. Does this mean that road transport is obsolete and its share in the global economy will decrease? None of these things!

Road transport is currently the third largest industry in the Polish economy. Moreover, despite the fact that we drive more and more environmentally friendly cars, the share of road transport in total carbon dioxide emissions in the European Union is now higher than it was in 1990 (as opposed to, for example, industry, where this share has decreased).

WHY IS ROAD TRANSPORT SO POPULAR?

The popularity of road transport results from several factors. Of course, a very attractive ratio of transport time to its price plays a huge role here. Trucks can quickly transport cargo across the continent, while maintaining low rates. No wonder so many companies don’t even try to look for other solutions.

Another great strength of road transport is its flexibility. We can use it without much effort, regardless of the scale of our business. The transport of several containers and one pallet of goods will not be a problem. We will find carriers on the market who will quickly and cheaply organise the transport of exactly the load we need.

The availability of road infrastructure is also noteworthy. In many places, rail or inland waterway transport could compete with road transport… if only we had a comprehensive infrastructure. In practice, while in the case of large, constant streams of cargo, other transport solutions often turn out to be even more profitable than sending a truck, in the case of ad hoc transport, nothing can usually win over a truck.

After all, roads are built for both freight and passenger transport, so they usually go everywhere. Railway lines or canals/navigable rivers – unfortunately not necessarily. There are many indications that the coming years will not bring a breakthrough here – at least in Poland.

HOW TO REDUCE ROAD TRANSPORT EMISSIONS?

The fact that we believe that road transport is the future of transport does not mean that we do not want to reduce its emissions. On the contrary! If in the coming years one should not expect a revolution and transfer of transport to rail or water, then technical progress in road transport itself becomes even more important.

Last year, we announced our ambitious plans. As part of the LogisTech Green Investments project, we are working on launching test routes for electric trucks between logistics hubs in the following regions by 2025: Warsaw – Berlin (600 km), Stuttgart-Berlin (650 km), Stuttgart – Zurich (250 km) and Stuttgart – Innsbruck (350 km).

We are aware of how great a challenge this is… and how important its implementation can be for the development of our industry. Want to become part of this project? Write to us and learn the details of LogisTech Green Investments.