Road or Rail Freight Transport
Fact, over 1.5 billion tons of materials and goods are transported by rail freight transport? One of the biggest discussions that have arisen since the COVID-19 pandemic is which mode of transportation is the most reliable?
The world became used to one-day shipping and quick delivery options. Now, the global supply shortage has sent many manufacturers searching for other options. The road vs. rail freight transport debate has ensued as ports become jam-packed.
If you have an interest in learning more about the difference between these two transportation options, then keep reading on.
Transportation Options
When it comes to transporting goods, there are four main options out there: road, rail, sea, and air. The global supply chain has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many container ports are either shut down or lagging behind the skyrocketing demand for goods.
Shipping from other countries to America typically requires transport by sea or air. Road and rail freight transportation become the easiest and most reliable methods but both have their pros and cons.
Road Transportation
Road transportation is great for short and quick methods of transporting various goods. Typically, large trucks work at delivering packages and products across various parts of the country in a timely manner.
Rail Freight Transportation
For longer transportations, rail freight is the option to go with. Not only can it be more reliable than other methods of transport, but it is also a greener option.
Road or Rail Freight Transportation
So – which one has the upper edge? Rail freight transport provides less weight and cargo restrictions. This is great news for manufacturers transporting heavy goods and materials.
Additionally, all of the cargo can be carried in one trip. You also avoid different state regulations versus carrying the same goods by road. Currently, it is one of the fastest modes of transportation since the COVID-19 pandemic affected air and sea vessels.
It is also easier to track deliveries by rail since they can run on set schedules and have GPS attached to them. Two of the big distinguishing factors between road and rail transport are where you are delivering goods or cargo and how short the distance is.