About International Road and Rail Transport

You are planning to launch or already are a part of a company that needs to periodically deliver different goods and products to other countries or even if it's a just one time thing, you are probably facing an important question: "Which kind of transport should I choose?".

When it comes to international transport, there are a lot of options to choose from, such as air freight, ocean freight road or rail transport. This is why it is so important to determine which is the most efficient method of transportation to suit the needs of your business. In this particular article, we are going to talk about international road and rail transport and we are going to make a short comparison between these two and between each of them and other means of international transportation.

When considering speed and reliability, rail and road transportation are surpassed by air freight, but shipping your packages using train or truck transportation can be the right choice if you don't rely on extremely fast deliveries and you can work with a longer transit line, especially since this option can be a lot cheaper.

International road transport is widely used today, due to the fact that it is quite flexible, being able to reach virtually anywhere and can provide "door-to-door service". Another advantage is the fact that it can be cheaper than other means of transportation, but only for shorter distances, meaning that doesn't apply for you.
 

The final advantage we are going to talk about is the fact that a truck cargo is extremely easy to load and unload, which makes the process faster than in the case of a train. The main two disadvantages of truck transportation are the fact that is can be affected by weather condition and the negative effect they have on the environment. Studies show that trucks generate five times more greenhouse gas emissions than other means of transportation. From this point of view, rail transportation can be more efficient, since trains take in one gallon of fuel to transport one ton of freight for about 484 miles and aren't as damaging to the environment.

International road transport. However, it also can be cheaper when talking about small-sized shipments, no matter the distance, so if you have to send small packages, choosing to send them by truck could be the right decision for you.

Another advantage of rail transport and reason for which it is expected for the rail transport to flourish in the following years is the fact that it's inexpensive and can be used to transport almost anything. Another important factor is the fact that trains ensure a more secure transit, with less accidents and higher reliability than trucks.

Now that we have reached the end of our short comparison between road and rail transport, it is up to you to choose the means of transportation that will better fit the needs of your company and bring you the results you desire. If you are still having difficulties with package shipping, we recommend tapping the services of a logistics company.

You Staying Hydrated On The Road

It is important to realize that dehydration can cause serious health issues over both the short and long term. It is also important to realize that not all liquids actually hydrate your body in the same ways and some can actually lead to an increased risk of dehydration.

Symptoms of Dehydration

In addition to health issues, which will be discussed later, people that are dehydrated also have various issues that can impact your ability to be a safe, effective driver. One of the key symptoms of dehydration is increasing drowsiness and fatigue, both issues that are problematic when you are driving professionally.

Other symptoms of dehydration include:
• Dry mouth
• Excessive thirst that may come and go
• Chronic types of acute or low grade headaches
• Stiffness and cramping of the muscles
• Confusion and disorientation
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded
• Difficulty urinating or strong urine
• Chronic lower back pain (kidney area) as well as chronic urinary tract infections (UTI) 

 

It is really important to keep in mind that while these are the common symptoms of dehydration, they are also the symptoms of a lot of other health issues as well. It is always a good idea to get these types of symptoms checked out by your doctor to make sure there isn't another underlying health issue that could be detected early to ensure you have the widest possible range of treatment options.

The longer that these symptoms are present, or the more chronically dehydrated you are, the greater the load that you put on your kidneys and circulatory system. This can lead to an increased risk of specific types of kidney disease as well as poor immune response of your body.

Decreased water content of the body, particularly the cells of the organs and the blood, decreases their ability to work, repair and function. Low concentrations of water in the blood can led to a condition known as hypoglycemic shock that can be life threatening. This can happen when the blood volume drops suddenly or over time and your blood pressure falls dramatically. When this happens the blood is not circulated through the body, oxygen supply to the cells is cut off, and the brain and central nervous system can stop functioning leading to coma and, if not treated immediately, death.

How Much Is Enough And What Counts?

For the average person drinking about 8 full glasses, which are at least 8 ounces in size, per day is typically enough if you are not exercising or in hot conditions. However, if you are sweating or if you feel thirsty you should drink more. For those that excise regularly or are in hot or dry conditions drink more water and more frequently. This would include driving in a hot truck or running with the window down if the air conditioner isn't working. 

If you are trying to stay hydrated or experience the symptoms discussed above when you are driving, don't count beverages such as coffee, energy drinks, sodas or anything else with caffeine as part of your 8 glass total. The reason you don't want to count them is because they contain stimulants and, in the case of soda and some energy drinks, a lot of sugars. Drinking these types of drinks may help with hydration, but you will then have to deal with the symptoms of over consumption of caffeine and sugar, which are often very similar to the symptoms of dehydration. Also, next time you are tempted to reach for a soda in the truck stop take a minute and read the label. You will be surprised at the chemicals and additives in your favorite drink that you may not even know what they are.

Water, either bottled or tap, is a great option to just sip as you are driving. If you aren't a water fan try some of the new single serving sugarless sports drink mixes or water flavoring packets that are generally well liked by most people. You can also drink sugar free types of sports drinks that have extra electrolytes which can help prevent cramping and many of the physical symptoms of dehydration. 

 Food, especially high moisture foods like apples, watermelon, oranges and grapefruit as well as raw vegetables can all help to boost your water intake throughout the day. These wouldn't count specifically towards that 8 glass goal but they are a great way to add extra water and also give you a healthy snack.

A good habit, and one that many athletes, sports doctors, coaches and trainers recommend is to drink a large glass of water just before going to bed and immediately when you get up.