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Freight Transport: Definition, Types and Regulations

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reading time : 2 min

Picture of Lucie Monnot
Lucie Monnot

Content Marketing Manager

Freight transport is an essential pillar of the global economy. It makes it possible to move goods from point A to point B, whether through local distribution networks or across long international distances. This sector plays a key role in the smooth operation of supply chains and meets companies’ demands for speed, reliability and competitiveness.
With the evolution of transport modes, increasingly strict regulations and the rise of new technologies, freight transport has become a constantly changing sector.

Table of Contents

Transport de marchandises types et réglementation

What is freight transport?

Freight transport refers to all the operations involved in moving goods from an origin point to a destination, whether at:
  • Local level.
  • National level.
  • International level.
It is an essential link in the supply chain and in global trade.

The different types of transport

Road transport

Road transport is one of the most common modes of transport. It is used for moving people and goods by road. It includes a wide range of vehicles, from cars and trucks to buses and motorcycles.

Heavy goods transport

This type of transport involves high-capacity vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles, tractor-trailers and semi-trailers. It is used to transport bulk goods or large quantities of merchandise over long distances, often as part of logistics and international trade operations.

Light goods transport

Light goods transport involves smaller vehicles, such as vans and light commercial vehicles, used to distribute goods locally or regionally. It is often preferred for parcel delivery and for transporting products that require greater flexibility.

Maritime transport

Maritime transport is essential to international trade. It enables large quantities of goods to be moved over long distances across oceans and seas.
This category includes cargo ships, tankers, container ships and bulk carriers, which handle most global trade.

Air transport

Air transport is the fastest mode of transport. It is primarily used for transporting passengers and high-value or perishable goods.
Cargo and commercial aircraft connect distant destinations quickly, although air transport is more expensive and more polluting than other modes.

Rail transport

Rail transport uses trains to move people and goods. It is particularly effective for transporting heavy goods over long distances, as well as for intercity passenger travel.
Rail is often considered a more environmentally friendly mode of transport than road or air transport.

 

Own-account and third-party transport

 

  • Own-account transport: transport carried out by a company for its own needs, without providing a service to third parties. For example, a company delivering its own products using its own vehicles.
  • Third-party transport: transport carried out by specialized companies that transport goods or people on behalf of other companies or customers in exchange for payment. This includes freight transport companies, airlines and delivery services.
Camionnette de livraison avec des cartons de colis à l’arrière

How can freight transport be integrated into the supply chain?

Integrating freight transport into the supply chain is a key step in optimizing product flows, reducing costs and improving overall business performance.
It requires effective coordination between suppliers, carriers, distributors and end customers. This integration relies on several stakeholders and technology tools that facilitate the management of physical and information flows.

The role of freight forwarders

Freight forwarders play a fundamental role in organizing and optimizing freight transport. They are specialized intermediaries that manage all the operations involved in moving goods, negotiating with different carriers to provide the best logistics solution.
Their main responsibilities include:
  • Transport organization: selecting transport modes, including road, rail, maritime and air transport, and planning routes.
  • Cost optimization: negotiating rates with carriers and consolidating flows to reduce expenses.
  • Administrative and regulatory management: handling customs formalities and transport documentation, and ensuring compliance with international standards.
  • Tracking and traceability: monitoring shipments in real time and managing incidents.
  • Outsourcing logistics operations: some companies delegate all their logistics management to freight forwarders so that they can focus on their core business.
Freight forwarders are therefore strategic players in the supply chain, facilitating the movement of goods nationally and internationally.

Logistics software

With the growing digitalization of the sector, logistics software plays a strategic role in integrating freight transport into the supply chain. Its main functions include the following.
  • TMS, or Transport Management System: facilitates the planning, tracking and optimization of shipments by selecting the best routes, reducing transport costs and automating documentation. It improves delivery transparency and efficiency.
 

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  • WMS, or Warehouse Management System: optimizes inventory management and order preparation by automating the tracking of incoming and outgoing goods, reducing picking errors and speeding up shipping. It maximizes warehouse space and improves productivity.
  • ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning system: provides integrated management of logistics flows and business operations by connecting purchasing, production, accounting and logistics. It improves coordination, reduces errors and supports better decision-making through a global overview.
  • Customs management systems: automate regulatory formalities and customs clearance to streamline international trade, ensure compliance and reduce import and export processing times.

Freight transport regulations

International standards

Freight transport is governed by various international standards designed to harmonize practices and ensure the safety of trade. The main examples include the following.
  • United Nations Convention on the Carriage of Goods by Sea, or Hamburg Rules: this convention establishes a uniform legal framework governing the rights and obligations of shippers, carriers and consignees involved in a contract for the carriage of goods by sea.
  • International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, or IMDG Code: established by the International Maritime Organization, this code sets standards for the maritime transport of dangerous goods, including packaging, labeling and documentation requirements.
  • ISO standards: ISO standards contribute to the efficient operation of the transport sector and apply at every stage of the supply chain. They aim to standardize procedures, ensure safety and facilitate international trade.

Regulations in France

In France, freight transport is governed by strict regulations, including the following.
  • Transport Code: establishes general provisions relating to road freight transport, including carrier obligations and penalties for non-compliance.
  • Driving and rest times: drivers must comply with maximum driving times and minimum rest periods to ensure road safety. For example, daily driving time is limited to nine hours and may be extended to ten hours twice a week.
  • Road cabotage: carriers not established in France may carry out up to three cabotage operations following an international transport operation, within a period of seven days.
These regulations aim to ensure the safety, fairness and efficiency of freight transport in France.

Insurance and safety

Safety and insurance are essential aspects of freight transport.
  • Mandatory insurance: carriers must take out third-party liability insurance to cover damage caused to third parties. In addition, goods-in-transit insurance is often required to protect against loss, theft or damage to goods.
  • Safety measures: complying with loading and cargo-securing standards is important for preventing accidents. Vehicles must also comply with current safety standards and undergo regular technical inspections.
Compliance with these obligations is essential for ensuring the safe and reliable transport of goods.
These interconnected tools allow companies to reduce costs, improve efficiency and provide a more reliable service.

The future of freight transport

Moving toward greener logistics

Freight transport is evolving rapidly in response to environmental challenges and new regulations. Vehicle electrification plays a key role in this transformation, with electric and hydrogen-powered trucks gradually replacing internal combustion engines.
Companies such as Tesla, Volvo and Daimler are developing zero-emission heavy goods vehicles to reduce the carbon footprint of road freight transport.
At the same time, alternative fuels offer transition solutions. Hydrogen, biofuels and liquefied natural gas are increasingly being used to reduce pollution.
Route optimization using artificial intelligence can also reduce empty journeys and improve the energy efficiency of transport fleets.
In urban areas, last-mile logistics is moving toward more environmentally friendly solutions. The growing use of cargo bikes, drones and autonomous vehicles is helping reduce congestion and pollution in major cities.
The development of urban warehouses and pickup points also helps optimize deliveries while limiting their environmental impact.

The rise of combined and multimodal transport

Multimodal transport is gradually emerging as an effective and sustainable alternative that combines different modes of transport to optimize costs and environmental impact.
Rail transport, in particular, is experiencing renewed growth due to restrictions on road freight and rising fuel prices. High-speed rail freight corridors are being developed in Europe and Asia, allowing large quantities of goods to be transported over long distances with a lower carbon footprint.
Maritime and inland waterway transport are also taking a more important place in the supply chain. The use of ships equipped with sails and kites helps reduce fuel consumption, while inland waterways are becoming an effective alternative for relieving congestion on roads.
The rise of digital technologies is also transforming multimodal transport. Blockchain and the Internet of Things provide better traceability of goods and smoother management of transfers between different transport modes.
Finally, large companies are forming logistics partnerships to develop more flexible intermodal solutions adapted to market needs.
The future of freight transport depends on innovation and the adoption of more sustainable practices. Green logistics and multimodal transport not only help reduce environmental impact, but also improve delivery efficiency in a context of growing demand and energy transition.
Ultimately, freight transport is much more than the simple movement of goods. It is a major strategic issue for companies and the global economy.
Between optimized logistics, digital technologies and strict regulations, the sector is constantly evolving to address the challenges of globalization and sustainable development. With the transition to greener solutions and the rise of multimodal transport, the future of the sector is moving toward greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Innovation and digitalization will continue to play a decisive role in ensuring faster, more cost-effective transport that better respects environmental standards.
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