Pronunciation: [ɹˈə͡ʊd hˈɔːlɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
Road haulage is spelled as /rəʊd hɔːlɪdʒ/, in which the 'oa' represents a long o sound, i.e. /oʊ/, and the 'au' makes an /ɔː/ sound. The word haulage is derived from the verb 'haul' and refers to the transportation of goods by road. The spelling of the word emphasizes the sound of the 'haul' part and makes it clear that the word is not pronounced as 'haul-age' with a short 'o' sound in the first syllable.
Road haulage refers to the commercial transportation of goods over land, specifically by road. It involves the movement of cargo, merchandise, or materials from one location to another using trucks or lorries. The term "road haulage" is often used interchangeably with "road transport" or "road freight," emphasizing the transport of goods using road networks.
In road haulage, companies or individuals, known as hauliers or carriers, are responsible for providing the transportation services. These entities are tasked with the collection, loading, and delivery of goods, ensuring their safe and timely arrival at the intended destination. Road haulage can involve both domestic and international operations, with freight being transported within a country or across borders.
Various types of cargo can be transported via road haulage, ranging from raw materials to finished products. Common examples include food and beverages, consumer goods, construction materials, and industrial machinery. Road haulage offers flexibility and accessibility, as trucks can reach destinations that may not be accessible by other modes of transport, such as remote areas or regions without suitable infrastructure for rail or water transport.
The road haulage industry plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce, connecting businesses and consumers by providing an efficient transportation solution. It enables the movement of goods between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retail outlets, contributing to economic growth and the functioning of supply chains.
The word "road" in "road haulage" comes from the Middle English word "rode", which originated from the Old English word "rad" meaning "a riding, journey, or way". Haulage, on the other hand, comes from the verb "haul", which derives from the French word "haleter", meaning "to drag or pull". So, "road haulage" refers to the act of transporting goods or cargo by pulling or dragging them along a road.
