DOI : https://doi.org/10.18517/ijaseit.15.3.20319

The Analysis of Freight Transport in Indonesia: Trailer and Semi-Trailer

Anton Budiharjo (1), Puspita Buana STJ (2), Pratikso (3), Rachmat Mudiyono (4), Reza Yoga Anindita (5)
(1) Polytechnic of Road Transportation Safety, Tegal, Indonesia
(2) Civil Engineering Doctoral Program, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, Semarang, Indonesia
(3) Civil Engineering Doctoral Program, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, Semarang, Indonesia
(4) Civil Engineering Doctoral Program, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, Semarang, Indonesia
(5) Polytechnic of Road Transportation Safety, Tegal, Indonesia
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[1]
A. Budiharjo, P. Buana STJ, Pratikso, R. Mudiyono, and R. Y. Anindita, “The Analysis of Freight Transport in Indonesia: Trailer and Semi-Trailer”, Int. J. Adv. Sci. Eng. Inf. Technol., vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 930–939, Jun. 2025.
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Freight transportation is crucial in supporting economic growth in Indonesia. The movement of freight has increased over the years, in line with economic expansion and technological advancements. The growing trend of online shopping through e-commerce has significantly boosted the logistics and delivery services sector, particularly in freight transportation. The transportation of goods using road transport remains the most dominant mode in Indonesia's logistics system. Logistics transportation via highways accounts for 80-90% of total freight movement, while the remaining percentage relies on other transportation modes. Semi-trailer trucks and trailer vehicles are widely used in the national logistics industry. However, these vehicles present significant challenges, such as traffic accidents and road damage, primarily due to insufficient government oversight. Large trucks play a crucial role in logistics by transporting goods more efficiently. However, their size often creates operational challenges on highways. This study aims to assess the load capacity and axle configuration compliance with existing regulations. The research employs both vehicle load capacity calculations based on regulations and field surveys. The findings reveal that many semi-trailer trucks and trailer vehicles operating on public roads violate load capacity regulations and engine power requirements. This is primarily due to the absence of technical regulations governing these vehicles. Vehicle manufacturers only produce and sell single-unit trucks, while owners custom-build semi-trailers. This practice results in mismatches between engine power and load capacity. The study recommends that the government promptly establish regulations for semi-trailer trucks and trailer vehicles to ensure road safety.

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