Key Logistics Trends in 2023

Shippers all over the world use multimodal transportation, and for many reasons, this system has many advantages.

What is multimodal transportation? This is a special type of freight transport, which involves the use of more than one mode of transport to deliver goods from the supplier to the buyer.

It is important to note that multimodal transportation involves changing only the method of shipment, without any changes in the handling of goods. For example, if goods are shipped in a specific container, the shipping method will change, but the container will remain the same.

Advantages of multimodal transportation

Multimodal transportation has a number of advantages that make this system one of the most commonly used in global logistics, namely:

- Reduced transport costs

- Better logistics management, combining the advantages of each mode of transport

- Using the same container reduces the time of loading, unloading, and handling of general cargo

- Fewer checks and inspections after sealing cargo units and containers

- Better item tracking

- Reduced risk of product loss due to theft or damage

- Reducing the cost of monitoring goods

- Reducing the time of cargo transportation

Multimodal transport services optimize air, sea, road, and rail transport from start to finish, and in an ever-evolving logistics environment, the network of partners is expanding. As Alliance Logistics, we specialize in multi-modal transport with the most cost-effective logistics solutions you may need, ensuring you achieve maximum efficiency while reducing costs and protecting the environment.

Transportation is an essential component of the supply chain, and every industry participant strives to receive the most modern transport services at reduced prices. Transport logistics costs are skyrocketing these days for a variety of reasons. Inadequate planning, lack of transparency, and poor decision-making can lead to higher prices, missed deliveries, unhappy customers, and loss of business.

Listed below are 6 proper ways to decrease your logistics costs.

1. Consolidation of supplies

The company's delivery rates are determined depending on weight, distance, and other factors. Consolidation of shipments is one of the strategies suppliers use to make fewer trips and profit from lower rates on bulk orders.

2. Decentralized warehouse services

Another way to reduce transport costs is to use multiple decentralized warehouses. Having goods in decentralized warehouses ensures that they are already in proximity to the customer, allowing greater flexibility and shorter delivery times. Professional inventory management and communication are essential to plan optimal transport routes and save costs by knowing exactly how much and what types of goods are in stock.

3. Automatic container loading system

When handling bulky and heavy goods, loading and unloading containers is a critical part of the workflow. Using an automatic container loading system is a great way to reduce transport and labor costs, avoid product damage, and increase productivity by being able to load or unload all goods at once.

4. Use of technology

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown unequivocally that documenting processes on paper is no longer relevant. There are enterprises for which the digitalization of processes may seem like a significant change in material terms. However, in this case, the benefits outweigh the costs. Digital records give logistics managers a better understanding of the entire supply chain. Computerized record-keeping allows companies to find and correct shortcomings that are costing them money.

5. Reduce the size of your vehicle fleet

Finding effective solutions for fleet cost management can be quite a challenge. It is possible to cover more territory in less time by effectively distributing orders between available vehicles. When fewer trips are required to accommodate more deliveries, it is possible to decommission vehicle assets, further reducing costs.

6. Regular vehicle maintenance

Preventive maintenance can help you avoid breakdowns and keep your vehicle in top condition. With the right regular vehicle maintenance program, you can keep track of how far you've driven, how many times you've stopped, and how much fuel you've used. Good service helps keep vehicles running, resulting in lower fuel consumption and energy wastage, reducing transport costs.

The development of infrastructure and logistics requires companies to improve the solutions offered to customers constantly. First, the principles of ensuring efficiency and safety are taken as a basis. Door-to-door service is ideal for these purposes. The essence of the service is that the carrier company assumes all responsibility for the preparation, shipment, and transportation of the cargo, which allows you to save time and control each stage of the process.

Advantages of door-to-door service

1. At all stages of transportation - from the moment the cargo is received to its delivery to the destination, it saves the time and effort of the customer, who entrusts the control to the carrier. It also saves the customer from unnecessary formalities.

2. Maximum protection of cargo against the risk of damage is ensured.

3. After loading, the goods are sent to any part of the world without intermediate storage and handling.

4. It is recommended when sending bulk cargo.

Disadvantages of door-to-door service

1. Sometimes, depending on the type of cargo, the use of this service is not possible. Door-to-door delivery is not applicable, for example, to liquid and bulk cargo in large volumes, and dangerous goods (additional verification is required).

2. Higher cost compared to other modes of transportation.

3. Without stable sales, this scheme is unprofitable for the client.

Service Features

The carrier company prepares all the necessary accompanying documents within the door-to-door service, carries out direct transportation, forwarding, customs clearance, and unloading operations upon arrival at the destination, and assumes all duties and responsibilities related to cargo delivery. During cargo transportation, the company provides a comprehensive approach, involving several types of transport, as well as intermediaries with whom it negotiates directly.

Cost Calculation

To determine the final cost of door-to-door service, it is important to consider several important points:

- cargo volume/weight;

- the length of the transportation distance;

- time required for delivery;

- transport costs;

• cargo insurance.