The industry in the peninsula shares that road and rail transport usually meet at some point because they are terrestrial, but in Spain it is reflected, according to the latest studies, that in recent years there is a clear predominance of road transport over rail transport.
Rail transport has always been more successful when it comes to transporting people, but when it comes to transporting goods, the trend is shifting to road transport.
Road transport is considered the predominant form of freight transport due to its advantages over rail transport.
Why choose road transport?
Flexibility in Routes and Scheduling
Road transport stands out for its flexibility, allowing routes and schedules to be tailored to specific logistical requirements. Unlike other modes of transport, specialist haulage services can reach remote areas or urban centres with access restrictions. This versatility makes it the ideal solution for urgent deliveries or shipments with defined destinations, without relying on fixed infrastructure.
Speed in Domestic and International Deliveries
Road transport ensures fast delivery for domestic shipments and cross-border connections within Europe.
For specialist haulage, such as hazardous or perishable goods, it offers direct door-to-door solutions without the need for transhipment—minimising both time and risk. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with other transport modes (e.g. air freight) makes it a vital link in the logistics chain.
Land Transport: Road vs Rail
Key Differences
Rail transport is renowned for its ability to move large volumes of goods over long distances, reducing operational costs and minimising environmental impact.
However, its reach is limited by existing infrastructure—particularly in international logistics, where differences such as Spain’s track gauge often necessitate transhipment. Additionally, road transport is frequently required for last-mile delivery, as rail services typically do not reach warehouses or specific delivery points directly.
On the other hand, road transport offers much broader coverage thanks to the extensive road network, enabling door-to-door deliveries without transshipments. Although its load capacity is lower than that of rail, its flexibility in routes and schedules makes it ideal for urgent shipments, special transports (such as hazardous or perishable goods), and operations requiring real-time traceability.
Advantages of road transport over rail transport
- Flexibility and full coverage: Unlike rail transport, road transport is not limited to fixed tracks, reaching any destination — even in rural areas or urban zones with restrictions. This avoids transshipments and delays, optimising logistics.
- Delivery speed: While rail is efficient over long distances with bulk loads, road transport ensures fast national and international deliveries — especially for specialised shipments requiring controlled conditions.
- Reduced infrastructure dependency: Rail transport faces limitations such as track gauge or lack of direct connections, whereas road transport operates independently, adapting swiftly to immediate logistics needs.
- Predictable costs: While rail may be more economical for large volumes, transhipments and the need for complementary road transport add hidden expenses. Road transport offers more transparent and competitive rates for partial or urgent loads.
- Technology and tracking: Digitalisation in road transport enables real-time monitoring, which is more complex to implement in rail transport due to its operational structure.
Current challenges in road transport
Road transport faces key challenges that affect its efficiency and sustainability. These include infrastructure maintenance, increasing road congestion, and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. In addition, a shortage of professional drivers and rising operational costs make profitability more difficult for the sector. Digitalisation and the adoption of greener vehicles are necessary steps forward, but they require significant investment. Overcoming these challenges is crucial to keeping road transport competitive against alternatives such as rail, especially in a constantly evolving logistics market.
Infrastructure and road condition
One of the biggest challenges in road transport is the deterioration of road infrastructure. Many roads, especially in rural areas, suffer from poor maintenance, increasing the risk of accidents and vehicle operating costs due to damage. Congestion in key corridors and the lack of alternative routes also cause delays, affecting delivery punctuality. Investing in the modernisation of the road network and intelligent traffic management systems is essential to improving the efficiency and safety of road freight transport.
Legislation and collective agreements
The legal framework for road transport is complex and varies between countries, which makes international operations challenging. Regulations such as truck circulation restrictions in cities or emission limits require costly adaptations by companies. Additionally, collective agreements directly impact labour costs and driver availability. The harmonisation of laws at the European level and the relaxation of certain regulations, without compromising labour safety, are key to ensuring the long-term viability of the sector. According to statistical data from recent years, in the rest of Europe, rail freight transport accounts for up to 15% to 18% of total land transport. Likely, factors such as the extensive rail infrastructure network are among the main reasons for this data.
National and International Transport Company: How to Choose?
Selecting the right transport company for both national and international shipments requires evaluating several key factors. Prioritise companies with extensive experience in your industry and coverage along the routes you need. Verify their fleet of vehicles and their capacity to handle special goods, such as perishable or hazardous items. Effective communication in tracking and flexibility in the face of unforeseen circumstances are essential. Additionally, check their regulatory compliance and international certifications. A company offering personalised services and efficient customer support will ensure seamless logistics, optimising both costs and delivery timelines.
At Transvolando, we offer tailored solutions with extensive experience in road transport, ensuring your goods reach their destination quickly and safely.
Contact:+34 674 346 912
Address:C/ Empleo, 28 Nave 10 28906 – Getafe (Madrid, Spain)
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