If you are new to logistics and freight forwarding, it helps to know what kinds of lorries are available so that you can get the best value for your money. One of the best ways to coordinate transport is to find hauliers through a freight exchange company that features a wide database of drivers who are looking for loads to carry. This service is great for drivers and producers alike as it provides a way for both to obtain a steady flow of job opportunities.
Archive for March, 2011
Which Lorry for Hauling and Transporting Your Goods
For all loads, you will first want to consider the size and weight capacity of the lorry that you will end up using for your transportation. The following are just a few examples of the types of containers and vehicles you might find on an online freight exchange system.
Curtainsider: These are often popular with large loads because of the convenient ability to access cargo from a side door. If you find a truck that uses a curtainsider trailer, make sure to get the size specifications so that you know whether the curtain openings will be able to accommodate your largest items.
Thermo: These units are sometimes referred to as “reefer” units. The best types can maintain temperatures ranging between -25°C to +25°C, but make sure that a trucking company you plan to do business with does indeed have a reefer trailer that will be able to accommodate the right temperatures for your refrigerated or frozen goods.
Box: These trailers are perhaps the most flexible and the widest in range as far as size is concerned. Smaller box trucks, for example, are typically used for deliveries within the same town, such as transporting furniture from a store to customers’ homes.
Flatbed: The flatbed lorry features a flat, open surface with no sides or roof to transport heavy goods. It is a great option for loads that do not require much protection from the elements (construction materials, for example).
Intermodal containers: more commonly referred to as a shipping container, these multi-purpose containers are responsible for transporting many bulk goods between countries. They can be refrigerated to accommodate perishable goods, or they can feature open tops to allow for more cargo space. Because of their solid construction, they can be relied on for transporting valuable goods from place to place.
The best way for any goods-based business to grow is to expand the consumer base. It always helps to have a resource to tap into where you can find lorries and shipping containers on standby to transport your goods. This is a great alternative to buying your own lorries or starting up a strict contract with a company that runs its own.
For further information on available road haulage companies for international transport requirements, view the internet based logintrans platform and join their European wide resource.
Low-Emissions Vehicles for Those Who Hesitate to Take the Plunge with Hybrids and EVs
Although green cars appear to be the way of the future, not everyone is ready to take the plunge toward an all-electric or hybrid vehicle. If you are one of these drivers, whether it is due to budget constraints or anxiety surrounding the relatively unknown, there are many new cars on the market that are still low-emissions and economical even with petrol engines.
First, it helps to know what carbon emissions levels are and how they are measured. Emissions standards are in place to determine safe and unsafe levels of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere by a vehicle. When looking at a car, you will want to pay attention to the emissions rating, which is measured as grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre driven (listed as g/km). Most cars will fall within the 100-200 g/km range, while the most efficient cars are between 86 g/km and 100 g/km. Very high-emissions vehicles might operate at 300-450 g/km.
The following three vehicle examples are just a few of many that feature low emissions levels: the Kia Picanto, the MINI Cooper, and the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso.
Inexpensive
The Kia Picanto is just about the cheapest you can go while still investing in a vehicle that boasts decent emissions figures. Starting at only £7,195, the Picanto is a supermini from the Korean car manufacturer that is available in 1.0-litre and 1.1-litre powertrains. Both of these options have emissions figures of 114 g/km.

Sporty
For those drivers aiming for a sporty and trendy look while hoping to remain true to environmental consciousness, the MINI Cooper is an ideal choice. The MINI Cooper boasts the best efficiency figures of any car in the BMW family. With an emissions level of just 104 g/km, this car combines appearance and economy into one neat package.
MPV
Drivers who need just a little more space might be interested to know that the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 eHDi, a diesel-powered MPV, has a relatively low emissions rating of 119 g/km, putting it in the lowest road tax bracket. Compare this to the Vauxhall Zafira, which features an emissions level of 204 g/km, placing it into the highest road tax bracket.
The above car makes and models are just a few of the many low-emissions vehicles that are available to UK drivers. With growing concerns over road taxes and rising petrol prices, it is no wonder that motorists are doing what they can to make their money go as far as possible, and trading in their used cars and upgrading to a nearly new car is becoming the chosen path of least fiscal pain. For a free used car valuation, visit BuyaCar online.