Summary

Biomass material may be transported in several different forms. The most appropriate freight transport option will depend on the biomass type and form, quantity, intended customer and distance to be travelled.

Considering transportation options
Biomass material, and in particular forestry products, may be transported in several different forms. It is important to choose suitable vehicle and trailer combinations for the material to be transported.It must be possible to deliver the fuel into an appropriate receptacle for transport, and convey it from there to its next destination conveniently and efficiently and requiring the minimum of additional energy input.Typical CO₂ emissions per tonne kilometre for different freight transport options should also be considered.

Truck or tipper trailer
Standard, widely available equipment used for a wide range of loads. Suitable for wood chips, pellets, some industrial, agricultural or forestry residues, etc.

Tanker, grain vehicle
There are a range of tanker types, and other, specialised enclosed vehicles that are used for fluid loads such as liquids, slurries, grain and animal feeds.

Timber haulage wagon
Specialist lorry used for timber haulage, usually incorporating a crane for loading and unloading. Mainly used for saw logs for timber industry.

Container and container lorry
Suitably modified, containers can be used in a number of ways for biomass energy applications. A container can be used as a portable fuel store or for a complete, self contained installation.

Rail
Used for the overland bulk transport of large volumes. Suitable for power stations with dedicated biomass combustion, or co-firing. Specially developed trucks can be used for rapid, efficient delivery of large quantities of wood chips to carefully designed delivery points.

Ship
Suitable for long distance bulk transport of non time-sensitive materials.

Pipeline transport
It is still a rare type of transport. This type is still under development.

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