Short-haul trucking is the transportation of goods via truck, over distances that are comparatively shorter than long-haul trucking. Usually it refers to truck transport over distances of between 100km to 250km, which would usually be within a South African province or between two provinces.
Truck & Freight reported that in 2023, 2,237 fatal truck accidents took place. Over 34% of these involved pedestrians, which points to a high involvement of short-haul trucks in rural, urban, and suburban areas. Can accidents like these be reduced without compromising on speed and efficiency?
In this blog, Cartrack will do more than answer the question, “What is short-haul trucking?” We’ll create a comprehensive industry guide and help you develop your own short-haul trucking operations to make it more profitable, more reliable, and more efficient.
Short-haul trucking in South Africa refers to any truck-driven transportation that covers less than 300 kilometers. It’s a huge and important industry that includes last-mile deliveries, retail distribution, and manufacturing supply. Construction and infrastructure logistics are also included as industries that rely on short-haul trucking, as well as the all-important cold-chain logistics that regularly supply our retail stores.
Short-haul trucking differs from long-haul trucking in distance, duration, and usually the type of truck used. Those large trucks you see on cross province highways are usually driven by long-haul truck drivers, while short-haul trucks often (but not always) use smaller vehicles.
Long-haul trucking usually covers long distances that cross from one province to another. Sometimes they even cross the border into neighbouring African countries. More often than not, short-haul truck drivers remain within their province and distribute goods to destinations that are relatively close.
A big difference between long-haul trucking and short-haul trucking is how long it takes for the delivery to happen. Long-haul truckers often work long, taxing hours navigating the road, which is why you might see them parked on the side of a highway sleeping or eating before moving again.
Because logistics companies want to get as much of their goods from one place to another (in order to save on fuel), long-haul truck drivers often work with large, heavily-loaded trucks. Short-haul truckers do too, but it’s more common for them to drive smaller trucks that carry fewer goods.
Both long-haul & short-haul truck drivers must adhere to appropriate regulations respectively that might differ slightly. For example, long-haul truckers might have to pack and secure their loads in a certain manner, whereas short-haul truckers are travelling short enough distances to be less strict in this regard.
A day in the life of a short-haul truck driver comes with its own unique set of perks, challenges, and nuances. It’s different for everyone, but most must work long hours that start early and end late. They also have various responsibilities that relate to their vehicles, their driving behaviour, and their deadlines.
The next time you see a short-haul truck driver on the road, consider the challenges they deal with on a daily basis:
Fleet management companies have attempted to address many of these problems, and Cartrack has managed to come to the forefront of solving them ALL. Technology (in the form of telematics, AI-powered fleet software, and IoT (internet of things)) is evolving fast, and we’re the company in South Africa that’s driving it!
Just look at the ways we’ve made short-haul truck driving more efficient, safer, and more profitable:
Now imagine having these features for your own short-haul truck company. Imagine the increase in profits, the satisfaction of your drivers, and the improvement in your reputation in the eyes of your customers!
Give us a call to discuss the implementation of these features for your short-haul fleet.
Short-haul trucking is vital to SA’s economy because it forms the backbone of construction, infrastructure, and last-mile delivery. It’s short-haul trucks that stock our retail stores, deliver essential materials for building, and deliver our online store packages. Without this vital chain in supply, our economy would come to a virtual standstill.
It’d be difficult to think of an industry in South Africa that isn’t supported by short-haul trucking. But for the purposes of this read, let’s just look at a few.
That online shopping you do is a drop in the ocean compared to the myriad industries that rely on last-mile deliveries. This is the final part of any delivery before it reaches the end consumer, and includes retail, manufacturing, printing, cold-chain, appliances, and many more.
The interesting thing about short-haul trucks is that they’re the perfect sector for electric vehicle experimentation. Why? Because the distances are relatively short, and troubleshooting can be dealt with much easier.
EV trucks are being seriously considered for future short-haul trucking. At this point, small delivery scooters and electric bikes are being used to completely bypass fuel costs. Can you imagine the savings if this could be extended to small & large trucks as well?
Plumbers, electricians, roof repairmen, and other trades rely on short-haul trucking for their supplies, materials, and even their tools. Can you imagine how your area would come to a standstill if there was no one to fix the essentials at your home?
At Cartrack, we talk to truck drivers of all kinds. We listen. We learn. We put ourselves in their shoes. As fleet software developers. We’re always trying to make their lives easier & safer, while optimising the operations side of things for their managers too.
Here are some tips for short-haul truck drivers (and the hard-working individuals who manage them):
Tip #1: Focus on strategic route planning rather than speed
Tip #2: Stay safe and drive responsibly
Tip #3: Know your vehicle and how to keep it in good condition
Tip #4: Prepare by being well rested and nourished
A map application on your phone can give you the quickest route to a destination. But only route optimisation software gives you time-based, road-based, and event-based route optimisation that’s applicable to each driver while they’re working.
Cartrack has simplified driver coaching with AI cameras and GPS tracking that detects little things like:
If you see a gap in the way you drive your short-haul truck, your managers can focus their training based on the things you struggle with most.
AI has come a long way to make vehicle maintenance a much easier task. A calendar app can schedule short-haul truck maintenance, but only fleet software coupled with AI can PREDICT when a vehicle needs its next service.
You’ll be the best version of yourself if you’re well-rested and energised for the day. Eat a nutritious meal before starting your day, and always ensure you go to bed at a reasonable time. Remember that eating, drinking, smoking, and nodding off have no place in the worklife of a truck driver. Stay safe out there, and if possible, rely on technology that detects these warning signs and warns you while you’re driving.
Partner with the company that keeps driver safety and vehicle health a priority. Consultants are standing by to help you develop the perfect FMS package for your fleet.
Discover the vital role of short-haul trucking in South Africa. From last-mile delivery to Gauteng’s logistics hubs, learn how local haulage drives our economy.
