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Transportation modes in logistics are among the subjects that attract the most interest from those involved in import and export. In this guide, you will be able to discover the details you need to know about transportation modes in logistics. π
What Are the Transportation Modes?
Transportation modes in logistics briefly refer to the routes products take to reach their destinations. Logistics management in businesses should be addressed as an important process. Expressing the arrival of shipments at their destinations, this concept holds a highly significant place in logistics processes.
Transportation has a 40 percent impact on logistics costs. Therefore, importers and exporters must choose the most suitable transportation mode in terms of both time and cost. The factors involved in the modification of the mode are: π
β’ Season
β’ Economic conditions
β’ Consignee's open delivery address
β’ Variations in arrival time
β’ Economic conditions
Transportation modes differ according to the origin and arrival points of the product. In this way, it is possible to evaluate different alternatives from the closest routes to the farthest routes in terms of both cost and time. Navlungo suggests the most suitable, reliable, and fastest transportation mode to companies in logistics processes.
How Many Transportation Models Are There?
Types of transportation are divided into two: Unimodal and Multimodal. The transportation modes included within these models are generally as follows: π
β’ Combined transportation
β’ Maritime transportation
β’ Intermodal transportation
β’ Pipeline transportation
β’ Rail transportation
β’ River transportation
β’ Air transportation
β’ Road transportation
How Many Types of Transportation Are There?
The types of transportation, which express which vehicle will be used in the shipping process between two points, are divided into two. One of the most important aspects of logistics processes is choosing the correct transportation mode.
Unimodal transportation
The transport of goods using only one of one or more transport routes is called unimodal transport. In other words, it refers to the transport of goods using only one of road, air, maritime, and rail transport. This method is highly traditional in the logistics sector. It is divided into 6. These are: π
β’ Air transportation
β’ Road transportation
β’ Pipeline transportation
β’ River transportation
β’ Maritime transportation
β’ Rail transportation
Multimodal transportation
Using different transport modes and vehicles together is called "multimodal transportation." π
β’ Intermodal transportation
β’ Combined transportation
Unimodal Transportation (Single-Mode Transportation)
Unimodal transportation is also called "single-mode transport". In this transportation mode, packages are shipped using only one of air, sea, road, and railways.
Unimodal transportation is highly traditional in the logistics sector. In addition to traditional methods, pipeline and river transport are also included in this type of transport. Unimodal transport modes: π
β’ Road transportation: It offers direct access between origin and arrival points in transportation.
β’ Maritime transportation: It is the most commonly used type of transport internationally. It is the lowest cost among all transportation modes. It particularly allows for the transport of large volume cargoes to distant countries.
β’ Air transportation: Today, speed and safety are among the most important criteria for importers and exporters in transportation. These needs are met through air transport. It is the most frequently preferred type of transport for distances greater than 500 km due to its speed advantage.
β’ Rail transportation: It has much lower costs over long distances compared to road transport. Therefore, it is mostly preferred.
β’ Pipeline transportation: Pipeline transportation is preferred for transporting liquid substances such as natural gas, petroleum, and similar. Although its flexibility is low, this transport method is highly safe. In Turkey, the demand for transport via pipelines has recently increased.
β’ River transportation: Although common in Europe, it is still in its infancy in Turkey.
Multimodal Transportation (Multi-Mode Transportation)
The model in logistics that uses multiple types and numbers of vehicles among transportation modes is multimodal transportation. Although there are multiple vehicles in this logistics practice, only one contract is made. π
β’ Intermodal transportation: It refers to the type of transport where the same transport units are used with a single loading. In this application, products within units are reached to the arrival point through multiple transport methods without being changed.
β’ Combined transportation: It is the situation where cargo in a transport unit is transported using at least two different logistics modes without requiring extra loading.
Intermodal Transportation
Intermodal execution holds a remarkable place among transportation modes. The non-alteration of the transport unit in this mode is a distinguishing factor. Intermodal transport involving the transfer of goods between two or more types of transport within the same transport unit as a component of the sustainable transport system, without the goods being handled manually during this process.
Intermodal transport execution serves as the foundation for combined transport activities. Here, by choosing the suitable type of transport, it is aimed to ensure safety, speed, and cost optimization. Its benefits are as follows: π
β’ The most striking feature of this type of transport is the free transfer of equipment between modes. In intermodal transport, the container part of a truck can easily be found on a rail vehicle or maritime vessel.
β’ Keeping the shipment absolutely free from re-handling throughout the process is a priority.
β’ Multiple transport companies being responsible throughout the process is the case.
β’ A rail-road-sea combination is applied.
β’ In the intermodal execution, which holds a remarkable place among transportation modes in logistics, cargoes are not transferred outside of the transport unit they are in.
β’ More than 1 transport contract is made for different transport modes to be utilized between loading and arrival addresses.
Combined Transportation
In combined transportation, the cargo is transported using different modes within one cargo unit. However, there is no need to reload this cargo. For example, loading a wheeled vehicle onto a ship constitutes combined transportation.
The best example of combined logistics, which has an important place among transportation modes, is Ro-Ro shipping. This type of shipping is among the most popular modes of recent times and is extremely economical.
There are various methods tailored to the cost of the cargo being transported. In combined transport, the basic application is based on distance and cost. The benefits of multi-logistics are summarized below: π
β’ In combined transportation, which has methods adapted to the cost of the cargo transported, basic application distance and costs are involved.
β’ It is possible to reliably transport massive amounts of cargo over long distances.
β’ Flexible distribution and loading opportunities generate great opportunities, particularly in rail and road transport.
β’ Combination and consolidation of multiple products is provided.
β’ Different transport modes are evaluated as a whole and appropriate methods for this are used together.
β’ In this type, transportation modes are combined and as a result, the most optimized path is found.
β’ When multi-logistics is used in heavy transport applications, lower costs are achieved.
β’ Transport done via rail and sea is much safer.
β’ Financial, legal, and operational integrations are possible in combined transportation.
β’ Communicating with different organizations for each unit in logistics and keeping the price policy flexible provides an important advantage for companies.
Road Transportation
Road transportation, which offers direct access between origin and arrival points in the transport sector, stands out by being faster than many types of transport. It facilitates easier transport of full truckload or partial cargoes to designated distances.
Furthermore, door-to-door delivery is possible in this type of transport. At the same time, delivery options to multiple addresses are provided. This circumstance offers flexibility to carriers and businesses.
This transport mode saves budget in short-distance shipments. Another prominent feature of road transport is that it offers 24/7 loading opportunities. Unless there are challenging geographical conditions, transport activities are not interrupted. π’
Maritime Transportation
Maritime transportation is the most preferred logistics mode globally when transportation modes in logistics are taken into consideration. This logistics mode accounts for 95% of world trade.
Turkey has a geo-political location favorable for maritime transportation. The abundance of ports of call makes importing and exporting from any point in the world possible.
Choosing sea transport, especially in bulk raw material shipments, provides a great advantage in terms of cost. π€
Air Transportation
The most distinguishing factor of air transportation, which holds a remarkable place among transportation modes, is speed. Together with this factor, perishable cargoes are ensured to maintain their market value.
The speed factor also contributes to the reduction of inventory costs. Moreover, communication is utilized much more effectively throughout this transport mode. Other advantages of air transportation are listed below: π
β’ Compared to other logistics modes, the arrival time of products is extremely short.
β’ Having different airlines provides flexible planning opportunities.
β’ Small volume cargoes can be transported by air.
β’ Damage-free transport of sensitive cargoes is possible.
β’ The fast operation of the air logistics system ensures simple customs clearance.
Rail Transportation
Rail transportation is a logistics mode carried out for bulky and heavy cargoes without requiring high costs. High investment costs and maintenance require this transport mode to be preferred by governments.
Providing a high cost advantage even over long distances, rail transportation represents one of the most important tools in integrated transport.
Pipeline Transportation
Similar to rail transportation, the initial investment in pipeline transportation is extremely high. In the long term, cost advantage can be gained with pipeline transportation. Mostly liquid substances like natural gas and crude oil are the objects of pipeline transportation.
Because of transporting a high volume of products, it is considered the most secure of options. However, the flexibility of this transport mode is low. Interest in pipeline transportation has also grown in our country in recent years.
River Transportation
River transportation is a frequently used transport mode in Europe. However, this type of logistics is not among the transport modes used in Turkey. Special transport vehicles must be used for river transportation, and the capacities of the vehicles used are determined by the depth of the water.
This type of transport is anticipated to be inefficient due to the flow rates of the rivers in Turkey.
Conclusion
Transportation modes in logistics hold vital importance in delivering goods and services effectively and efficiently, both nationally and internationally. The choice of transport mode is generally based on factors like cost, speed, capacity, and environmental impacts.
You should proceed with a good logistics planning and management. Also, you can save both time and money by utilizing these modes effectively.
Which transport mode to choose depends on specific requirements and goals. Therefore, mastering all transportation modes and utilizing them effectively when planning logistics strategies is critical for the success of logistics operations.
Navlungo's professional team helps you determine which transport mode is suitable for your business needs. π π
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