What is a significant disadvantage faced by the trucking industry compared to other transportation methods?

The choice of lower freight volume capacity as a significant disadvantage for the trucking industry highlights a fundamental operational difference when compared to other transportation methods like rail or shipping, which can handle larger volumes of cargo simultaneously. Trucks typically have limited space and weight restrictions which impact how much freight they can carry at one time, meaning individual truckloads are often smaller than full cargo ships or railcars.

While railroads and ships can transport vast quantities of goods over longer distances at a lower cost per ton, trucking still remains crucial for its flexibility and ability to deliver goods directly to various destinations. However, the inherent capacity limitations mean that transporting substantial volumes of freight solely by trucks may not be as efficient or cost-effective as using other transportation modes. Hence, lower freight volume capacity is a significant disadvantage in the context of the broader logistics and supply chain industry, where maximizing load efficiency is paramount.