Close-range cargo transportation operations with trucks are a crucial part of the supply chain, especially in urban areas. These operations involve transporting goods over a short distance, typically within the city, using small trucks or vans. In this article, we'll explore the benefits and challenges of close-range cargo transportation operations with trucks and the future of urban freight transportation.

Benefits of Close Distance Cargo Transportation Operations with Trucks:

Time is of the essence in urban areas and prompt delivery is essential for businesses to meet their customers' demands. Close-range cargo transportation operations with trucks, which are becoming increasingly important in the e-commerce sector, allow same-day or next-day delivery.

Close-range cargo transportation operations with trucks can also reduce traffic congestion and air pollution by reducing the number of larger trucks on the road. These smaller vehicles can navigate narrow streets and busy areas more easily than larger trucks, making them ideal for urban areas. Another advantage is the cost-effectiveness of using smaller trucks. Large trucks are expensive to maintain and can be difficult to maneuver in urban areas. Using smaller trucks for close-range cargo transportation can reduce costs and improve profitability for businesses.

Challenges of Close-Range Cargo Transport Operations with Trucks:

One of the main challenges of close haulage operations with trucks is traffic congestion. Congestion is a major problem in urban areas, and smaller trucks can still contribute to traffic congestion. Additionally, parking can be difficult as busy areas have limited parking spaces.

Whatsapp location services are still the most effective digital tool for picking up and dropping off cargo in urban transportation. Generally, the operation is carried out by a chief driver and the secretariat attached to him, and by routing the loads to the nearest vehicle.

The closest vehicle locations are taken from the vehicle tracking systems, and in each transport routing, it is obligatory to look at the screen from the moment the load arrives until the delivery time. With the increase in the number of vehicles in the process, inspection, and control becomes more difficult, and as a result, abuse and inefficiency increase.

With COREDINAT Transport, from the moment the cargo arrives, the vehicles closest to the cargo area are sorted by distance and capacity, with artificial intelligence-supported location services, and immediately drop in front of the operator. The operator guides to the most suitable vehicle. Without the need for a phone call with the vehicle driver, the address information where the cargo will be picked up and dropped off is transmitted to the driver integrated into the map, and if the driver remains in the cargo area more than the calculated one, the operator receives a notification. In scenarios where a load holding penalty is applied (cement etc.), holding penalties can be automatically cut.

Pricing in city transportation varies according to distance and tonnage. In the pricing of the cargo, the distance is instantly known thanks to COREDINAT Transport and the price is automatically displayed on the screen. Thus, losses caused by possible calculation errors can be prevented.

Another challenge is the impact on the environment. While smaller trucks can reduce air pollution, they still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. There is a need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options, such as electric or hybrid trucks.

The Future of Close-Range Cargo Transportation Operations with Trucks:

The future of close-haul cargo transportation operations with trucks will likely include more sustainable and environmentally friendly options such as electric or hybrid trucks. There is also potential for autonomous trucks that can improve efficiency and safety.

Thanks to digitalization with COREDINAT Transport, the kilometers covered by vehicles are reduced, the number of loads they take daily increases, unprofitable activities such as talking on the phone for hours in office operations and address directions are prevented, and the costs arising from human error can be reduced to a minimum.

Thanks to digital and automated notifications, customers can know when their cargo is picked up and left without pressing any button and can follow the load on the instant map. With a completely transparent operation, costs are reduced by up to 35%. This cost reduction is possible by making fewer roads, carrying the same number of loads with fewer vehicles, and needing fewer drivers.