We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Safety

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Convoy?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 14,563
Share

A convoy is a group of vehicles that travel together to mutual advantage. There are a number of different types, including those that are armed during war to those that travel together through remote areas to ensure that everyone makes it through. The practice of traveling in a group is ancient; some of the earliest convoys were probably groups of traders who traveled together through foreign lands.

Historically, trading convoys have been used for centuries, and some consisted of thousands of individuals traveling together. Many traders traveled in groups across the larger deserts of Africa and the Middle East with large numbers of camels and other beasts of burden. By traveling this way, the traders could protect themselves from raids, and they could also sometimes negotiate better deals on the other side of the desert by bargaining together.

At sea, many convoys are military in nature. War fleets often travel together to support each other, and merchant ships may convoy during a period of hostility to protect each other. During times of war, national militaries often provide support to merchant fleets, and might station several destroyers to travel with a group of cargo ships. Some stunning photographs of naval convoys can be seen from World War II, when ships traveled between Europe and the United States in huge groups with air and sea support to defend them from German U-boats.

On land, a convoy of military vehicles travels together to support each other for combat operations. Big rig truckers may also travel this way as a form of friendly brotherhood. People may also gather in a group to proceed through hazardous weather conditions or remote areas to ensure that, if a vehicle gets in trouble, someone will be there to notice. In such instances, other vehicles can help with repairs, or transfer goods and passengers from the disabled vehicle to a functioning one if it becomes clear that the downed vehicle will not be able to continue the journey.

A convoy of vehicles may simply travel together on a more casual level to ensure that they arrive at an end destination at the same time. For example, a group of people going to a wedding or funeral together generally go in a group. In the case of funerals, vehicles may wear markings that identify them as part of a funeral convoy to ensure that they do not become separated. This form of travel is also useful when only one car knows where the group is supposed to end up; the others cars can follow the lead vehicle to the end destination without worrying about directions.

Share
WikiMotors is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wikimotors.org/what-is-a-convoy.htm
Copy this link
WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.