Trucking vs. Haulage — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 26, 2024
Trucking involves the transport of goods via road, focusing on shorter distances within a country, while haulage can include longer, international routes.
Difference Between Trucking and Haulage
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Trucking is primarily associated with the transportation of goods over relatively short distances, often within the same country or region. It's a term widely used in North America to describe road freight transport services. Whereas, haulage refers to the movement of goods by road or rail, including international transport between countries. This term is more commonly used in the UK and Europe.
Trucking companies often operate on a for-hire or dedicated basis, providing flexible services for a wide range of goods. On the other hand, haulage services may include contract-based operations, focusing on long-term agreements for the transport of goods over longer distances.
In trucking, the emphasis is on speed and the ability to deliver directly to multiple locations, making it ideal for just-in-time delivery services. Whereas haulage is more suited for the transportation of heavy or bulk goods over long distances, where direct delivery speed is less critical.
Trucking is often characterized by the use of a variety of vehicles to suit different types of cargo, from small vans to large semi-trucks. Meanwhile, haulage operations might utilize specialized vehicles and equipment, such as heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and container trains, to transport large volumes or heavy items efficiently.
While trucking services are crucial for last-mile delivery, ensuring products reach their final destination promptly, haulage is key in the supply chain, often responsible for the initial stages of transport from manufacturers to distribution centers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Short-distance transport within a country
Long-distance, often international transport
Terminology Commonly Used In
North America
UK and Europe
Service Type
For-hire or dedicated, flexible
Often contract-based, long-term
Emphasis
Speed and direct delivery to multiple locations
Transportation of heavy/bulk goods over long distances
Vehicle Types
Variety, from small vans to large semi-trucks
Specialized vehicles and equipment, like HGVs and container trains
Role in Supply Chain
Crucial for last-mile delivery
Often responsible for initial transport stages
Compare with Definitions
Trucking
The activity of transporting goods by truck over short to medium distances.
The company expanded its trucking operations across the Midwest.
Haulage
The business of transporting goods by road or railway.
The haulage company specializes in transporting hazardous materials.
Trucking
A service provided by companies that specialize in road freight transport.
Our business relies on efficient trucking services for delivery.
Haulage
A service involving the movement of heavy or bulky goods.
International haulage requires meticulous planning and coordination.
Trucking
The logistical process of planning and executing the transport of goods by truck.
Good trucking management can significantly reduce shipping costs.
Haulage
The industry that deals with the long-distance transport of goods.
Innovations in haulage are improving efficiency in the supply chain.
Trucking
The industry surrounding the transportation of goods by road vehicles.
He has been working in the trucking industry for over a decade.
Haulage
Refers to the contractual transport of goods, often on a large scale.
Their haulage operations span across several countries.
Trucking
Refers to the use of trucks for the commercial transport of goods.
Trucking remains a vital part of our supply chain strategy.
Haulage
The process of planning and carrying out the transportation of goods over long distances.
Efficient haulage strategies are key to reducing transit times.
Trucking
Any of various heavy motor vehicles designed for carrying or pulling loads.
Haulage
Haulage is the business of transporting goods by road or rail between suppliers and large consumer outlets, factories, warehouses, or depots. This includes everything humans might wish to move in bulk - from vegetables and other foodstuffs, to clothes, ore, coal, and other supplies.
Trucking
A hand truck.
Haulage
The commercial transport of goods
Road haulage
Trucking
A wheeled platform, sometimes equipped with a motor, for conveying loads in a warehouse or freight yard.
Haulage
The act or process of hauling.
Trucking
A set of bookshelves mounted on four wheels or casters, used in libraries.
Haulage
A charge made for hauling.
Trucking
One of the swiveling frames of wheels under each end of a railroad car or trolley car.
Haulage
The act of hauling.
Trucking
Either of the frames housing a pair of wheels on a skateboard or landboard.
Haulage
The business of transporting goods.
Trucking
(Nautical) A small piece of wood placed at the top of a mast or flagpole, usually having holes through which halyards can be passed.
Haulage
The charge levied for hauling or pulling a ship or boat.
Trucking
Chiefly British A railroad freight car without a top.
Haulage
Act of hauling; as, the haulage of cars by an engine; charge for hauling.
Trucking
The trading of goods or services without the exchange of money; barter.
Haulage
The act of drawing or hauling something;
The haul up the hill went very slowly
Trucking
Articles of commerce; trade goods.
Trucking
Garden produce raised for the market.
Trucking
(Informal) Worthless goods; stuff or rubbish
"I was mooning over some old papers, or letters, or ribbons, or some such truck" (Edna Ferber).
Trucking
(Informal) Dealings; business
We'll have no further truck with them.
Trucking
To transport by truck.
Trucking
To carry goods by truck.
Trucking
To drive a truck.
Trucking
(Slang) To move or travel in a steady but easy manner.
Trucking
To have dealings or commerce; traffic
They were trucking with smugglers.
Trucking
To exchange; barter.
Trucking
To peddle.
Trucking
Trading, bartering.
Trucking
(US) the conveyance of freight by trucks.
Trucking
(broadcasting) Lateral movement of the camera.
Trucking
Moving quickly
Trucking
Walking
Trucking
Present participle of truck
Trucking
The business of conveying goods on trucks.
Trucking
The activity of transporting goods by truck
Common Curiosities
What is trucking?
Trucking is the transportation of goods by truck, typically over short to medium distances within the same country.
Can both trucking and haulage involve the transport of heavy goods?
Yes, but haulage often specializes in the transport of heavier and bulkier goods over longer distances.
How do trucking and haulage differ in terms of distance?
Trucking usually covers shorter, domestic routes, whereas haulage can encompass longer, international routes.
What is haulage?
Haulage refers to the business of transporting goods by road or rail, including long-distance and international transport.
Do trucking companies offer international shipping?
While some trucking companies may offer international services, haulage is more commonly associated with international transport.
What is last-mile delivery, and how does it relate to trucking?
Last-mile delivery refers to the final step of the delivery process to the customer's doorstep, primarily facilitated by trucking services.
How do innovations impact trucking and haulage industries?
Innovations in both sectors aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability in the transportation of goods.
Are trucking and haulage used in the same regions?
Trucking is a term more commonly used in North America, while haulage is frequently used in the UK and Europe.
What types of goods are typically transported by trucking services?
Trucking can transport a wide range of goods, from perishables to consumer products, tailored to quick and direct delivery needs.
What is the role of haulage in the supply chain?
Haulage plays a critical role in the initial stages of the supply chain, transporting goods from manufacturers to distribution centers.
Can small businesses benefit from trucking and haulage services?
Yes, both services provide scalable solutions for transporting goods, supporting small businesses in expanding their reach.
Is trucking faster than haulage?
Trucking often focuses on speed and flexibility for direct delivery, making it generally faster, especially for last-mile deliveries.
How do vehicle types differ between trucking and haulage?
Trucking utilizes a variety of vehicles for different cargo types, while haulage often uses specialized vehicles for bulk or heavy goods.
Are trucking and haulage services flexible in terms of contract length?
Trucking services offer more flexibility, including for-hire and dedicated options, while haulage is often based on longer-term contracts.
How important is logistics management in trucking and haulage?
Effective logistics management is crucial in both trucking and haulage for optimizing routes, reducing costs, and ensuring timely delivery.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Centrifusion vs. Centrifugation
Next Comparison
Attestation vs. CertificationAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
