In the haulage industry, the terms “tramping” and “trunking” refer to two different strategies for managing routes and contracts. In this post we will outline the key differences between tramping and trunking, along with the possible risks and rewards of each.
What is Tramping?
Tramping refers to the practice of transporting goods over long distances and long periods of time.
The long distances involved in tramping means that drivers are required to spend extended periods on the road away from home. A journey to the destination and back could take a number of days, during which time the driver may effectively live in their cab. They will drive for a limited number of hours before sleeping in their cab at the end of the day.
Benefits of Tramping
- Long distance haulage contracts may be highly lucrative for haulage firms.
- Tramping jobs tend to pay better than other driving roles.
- The work can be more varied. The driver may be required to physically move the cargo at pick-up or drop-off, for example.
Downsides of Tramping
- Tramping contracts typically involve larger quantities of goods, so they will also involve larger and heavier trucks. These can be more expensive to acquire, run, and insure.
- Not all drivers enjoy being away from home for long periods, and some may struggle to manage their tachograph while spending days on the road.
- European tramping contracts may require drivers to acquire certain travelling documents, while also familiarising themselves with overseas driving laws and customs.
- Tramping may also require driving to remote locations on unfamiliar rural roads, which may make accidents more likely.
What is Trunking?
Trunking involves shorter distances and regular routes. Indeed, a driver may take the same route every day, and they will usually be able to return home once the delivery, or their shift, is complete.
Night trunking is also common, and some drivers may prefer this, as it would mean travelling on less busy roads, with less chance of traffic jams and other delays.
Benefits of Trunking
- As drivers can return home at the end of each shift, trunking arrangements can lead to a much better work/life balance than tramping arrangements.
- As drivers will stick to familiar roads, including motorways and dual carriageways, there may be less risk of accidents.
- Haulage firms will likely find a trunking fleet much easier to manage than a tramping fleet, as all the vehicles and drivers will usually stay within a relatively small area.
Downsides of Trunking
- In order to avoid traffic and meet strict delivery times, trunking contracts often rely on night shifts. Not all drivers appreciate unsociable hours, and driving at night could make driver fatigue more likely.
- Trunking contracts may be more reliable and easier to manage, but they will probably not pay as much as long-distance or overseas tramping contracts.
Tramping vs. Trunking – Key Considerations For Fleet Managers
- Compliance – Drivers are restricted to a set number of driving hours each day, all of which they must meticulously record on their tachographs. This can be relatively easy to manage and enforce with trunking arrangements, as fleet managers can set shifts in line with driving hours. But it will be up to the driver to manage their hours and their tachograph throughout a long distance tramping arrangement.
- Fleet Management – Managing your fleet can be relatively straightforward when all of your vehicles and drivers stick to familiar routes that are no more than a day’s driving distance from your depot. But it can be more challenging to keep tabs on your fleet when your drivers spend days away from home, especially when they travel overseas.
- Driver Welfare – Both tramping and trunking can place huge demands on drivers, particularly if the contract involves night driving. Beyond simple compliance, you will have to establish a means of helping drivers maximise their work/life balance while understanding and fighting the risks of driver fatigue.
- Insurance – Tramping arrangements will generally require more extensive insurance coverage, to account for the long periods spent on unfamiliar roads, the potential for arranging for repairs and recovery overseas, and the involvement of heavier and more powerful trucks and trailers.
Tramping or Trunking, We Have You Covered
James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of insurance professionals who care about protecting you and your fleet.
Whether you go for tramping or trunking contracts, we can help you ensure you have access to cover that meets your needs to protect your drivers, your vehicles, and your operations against potential risks your fleet faces.