Why Are So Many Trucks Broken Down on Roads?

In Britain, you may have noticed an increase in the number of trucks broken down on the roads. However, the situation is not as straightforward as it seems. Not all trucks that are stranded on the side of the road are truly broken down. There are several factors at play, and understanding the complexities of truck transportation can provide valuable insights. Let's delve into the process flow of a typical haulage truck and explore the reasons behind these breakdowns.

Understanding the Process Flow of Truck Transportation

Truck transportation involves a series of steps that can be complex and challenging, leading to the occasional breakdown. Here is a detailed explanation of the process:

Step 1: Booking and Acceptance

The transportation booking office or brokers receive an order for the transport of goods from point A to point B. Sometimes, the request might directly come to the fleet owner. The despatcher then quotes and, if accepted, the truck's journey begins.

Step 2: Loading and Queuing

Trucks are first taken to the loading point where goods are loaded. Vehicles waiting for loading form a queue, often parked on service lanes. The actual loading can take 1 to 2 days due to the queuing system. Once loaded, the truck heads towards the national highways.

Step 3: Journey and Fatigue Management

Assuming the distance between point A and point B is approximately 3,000 kilometers, the driver cannot cover this distance in a single leg without breaks. On average, a truck can run 1,000 kilometers per day before driver fatigue sets in. A rest of 8 hours is necessary after every 1,000 kilometers. This is why you see a chain of trucks parked at laybys along the road. Effective fatigue management is crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of the trucking process.

Step 4: Maintenance and Surprises

For a fully loaded 16-ton truck, a maintenance check is required after every 10,000 kilometers. This includes tire checks, oil checks, and underbody inspections. Drivers are responsible for these checks, and sometimes, unexpected issues like a flat tire can occur. These incidents add to the overall downtime.

Step 5: Checkpoints and Delays

In addition to regular maintenance, trucks must navigate check points and border crossings, which can lead to further delays. This includes border inspections and customs checks, often involving waiting times that can significantly impact the flow of traffic.

Step 6: Unloading and Queueing

Upon reaching the destination, the goods must be unloaded, following another queuing system. Customer unavailability during unloading may also stall the truck, leading to further breakdowns and delays on the road.

From these points, it becomes evident that a goods carrier's journey is not as smooth as a train ride. It faces numerous challenges, checkpoints, and complexities that contribute to the occasional breakdown and delay on the road.

Conclusion

Truck transportation is a critical component of a country's industrial system. Understanding the intricacies of the process flow can help stakeholders appreciate the challenges faced by haulage companies and the importance of efficient logistics management. By addressing these issues, we can improve the overall efficiency and reliability of the trucking industry.