Logistics and supply chain management are not just important considerations for your business — they can be fun and fascinating subjects as well. Test your logistics knowledge with these 10 interesting facts.
1. Road transport accounts for about 70% of total freight transport in Europe, making it the most dominant mode of transporting goods.
2. Length of Journey: The average European truck travels between 100,000 and 150,000 kilometers per year, delivering goods across the continent.
3. Longest route: One of the longest truck routes in Europe stretches from Lisbon, Portugal to Moscow, Russia, more than 4,000 kilometers long.
4. Eco Friendly Trucks: Europe is a leader in the development of environmentally friendly trucks. Euro 6 emission standards, introduced in 2015, require significant reductions in harmful emissions, and an increasing number of companies are switching to natural gas or electric trucks.
5. Last Mile: Trucking plays a key role in “last mile” delivery, which involves delivering goods to end customers, especially in urban areas.
6. Toll Systems: Many European countries have toll systems for trucks. For example, Germany uses the Toll Collect system, while Switzerland uses the LSVA.
7. Driver quotas: Due to the high demand for truck drivers, many countries are facing a shortage of skilled drivers, which is a challenge for the logistics sector.
8. Digital tachographs: All trucks in the EU must be equipped with digital tachographs, devices that record drivers’ driving and rest times, to ensure compliance with working time regulations.
9. Multinational Transport: Trucks in Europe often cross multiple national borders, with different regulations in each country, requiring a high level of organization and knowledge of international rules.
10. Technological Innovation: The use of new technologies such as real-time tracking systems is becoming more common in the industry, increasing the efficiency and safety of transport.
Truck transport is a fundamental component of European logistics, enabling the efficient distribution of products and the connection of different markets within the continent. Its diversity and adaptability make it an indispensable part of the modern economy.