Terms of Road Transport
Road transport is considered to be the backbone of global trade, and understanding the terminology used for professionals operating in this sector is of paramount importance. We aim to provide detailed information about the terms, concepts and jargons commonly used in the field of road transport. Beyond complexity, grasping this terminology enables industry professionals, logistics managers, and business partners to communicate effectively and deliver their services more efficiently.
Importance of Terminology
Each sector has its own language, and road transport is no exception to this rule. The terminology is used in a wide range from contracts to day-to-day operations, from customer service to negotiation strategies. Not only will it explain the terms of road transport, but it will also give readers insight into how to use those terms and apply that information in situations they encounter. Our goal is to create a basic resource for those who are new to the sector and to provide an application point for professionals who are experts in their fields.
Tools and Equipment
The trucks are: The Heart of Freight Transportation
Trucks, which are the main carriers of road logistics, are vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons and with at least two axles. There are various chassis models (dorse) of these vehicles designed to carry loads. In the transport sector, trucks are classified according to the number of tonnage and axles, which determines the charging and authorization processes.
The tow trucks: Powerful Partners of Semi-Trailers
Tow trucks are special motor vehicles that do not carry loads but focus on pulling semi-trailers or trailers. These vehicles, which have at least two axles and fifth wheel equipment, differ from the tow trucks used to tow defective vehicles.
The fifth wheel: The Key to Secure Connection
The fifth wheel, located on the chassis of the tow trucks, is an important part that allows the semi-trailers to be safely connected to the tow truck. This rotary mechanism is also known as the ⁇ pull table ⁇ .
The axles are: Determinant of Carrying Capacity
The axles placed transversely under the vehicles are the shafts that enable the wheels to rotate and carry the load of the vehicle. It determines many elements such as the number and distance of axles, carrying capacity, transit documents and fees in road transportation.
The semi-trailers: Versatile Heroes of Carrying
Semi-trailers or ⁇ dorseler ⁇ are load-bearing vehicles towed by tow trucks and designed according to the characteristics of the load. These vehicles with at least one axle are connected to the tow truck via a connection called a king pin. There are varieties such as rolls, garments, silos, tankers and container carriers.
Container Chassis Semi-trailers: Safe Carriers of Containers
Designed to transport containers, these semi-trailers consist of capped chassis designed to suit container sizes. They are connected to the tow trucks, allowing them to transport containers safely.
Refrigerated semi-trailers: Lock Carriers of Cold Chain
These vehicles, which are specially produced for the transportation of food, medicine and heat sensitive substances, have insulated walls and coolant units. They provide the cold chain by maintaining the appropriate temperature ranges according to the heat sensitivity of the loads.
Transport Units and Dimensions
The containers are: Revolutionary Actors of Transportation
Designed to withstand atmospheric conditions, containers are divided into various classes in sizes of 20 and 40 feet. The introduction of containers has revolutionized the transport industry. Products can be loaded into containers and transported to all parts of the world by land, sea and railway.
The Gabaris are: Measurements of Safe Navigation
The measures determined for the safe movement of vehicles on highways, loaded or unloaded, are called gabari. These measures limit the dimensions and carrying capacity of vehicles.
The freight is: Cost of Transportation Service
Logistics companies name the fee they demand from their customers for their services in the process of delivering a good to the final buyer ⁇ navlun ⁇ . It is determined by freight, transport distance, load characteristics and service quality.
Units of Measurement and Calculations
The EU is: Standard Unit of Container Volume
The ⁇ Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit ⁇ (TEU) used in transportation is a unit of measurement corresponding to a container size of 20 feet. For example, a 40-foot container is equal to 2 TEU ⁇ . Ports and logistics centres express their handling volumes in TEU.
Example of dialogue:
Berna: In 2020, Mersin Port reached a handling volume of 1 million TEU ⁇ .
The mirage is: Imagine, if all of them were 40 ⁇ containers, 1.000.000/2 = 500.000 containers are handled per year.
Mert is: Imagine if all of them consisted of 20 ⁇ containers.
How many containers are handled per year in Mersin Port according to Mert ⁇ in account?
In the relevant case, Mersin Port's handling volume of 1 million TEU ⁇ in 2020 is discussed. If all containers were 40 feet long, 500,000 containers would be handled annually. But if all containers were 20 feet, the number of containers handled would reach 10 million.
This example shows that the TEU unit is used to express container volume in a standard way, and the handling volume can vary according to different container sizes.
Importance of Terminology in Transportation Processes
The terminology used in road transport creates a common language among all stakeholders of the sector and facilitates communication. Using the right terms ensures that transportation activities are carried out more efficiently, safely and consciously.
Logistics professionals should understand and correctly use basic terms such as vehicle types, equipment, units of measurement and carrying capacities. In this way, they can better meet customer expectations, increase operational efficiency and establish a healthier communication with business partners in the sector.
As a result, road transport terminology is an indispensable part of the logistics sector and contributes to the smooth running of transport processes.
