Transport logistics is one of the most important elements in the organization of business processes. Deliver raw materials, take the goods to the warehouse, and then bring it to the client and do all this with minimal financial and time costs - this is the main task of transport logistics for business.

Transport logistics is a system for organizing delivery, namely for moving any material objects, substances, etc. from one point to another along the optimal route. One of the fundamental directions of the science of managing information and material flows in the process of movement of goods. 

In other words, transport logistics is a part of logistics science aimed at managing the transportation, supply and delivery of goods and components.

It is considered both the delivery of the product to customers by private vehicles, and cooperation with a large logistics company that carries out transportation around the world.

Why is it necessary to competently approach the organization of this process? The cost of transport operations accounts for about 50% of all logistics costs. That is why it is very important to optimize this direction to increase the speed of delivery and reduce transportation costs.

History of transport logistics and its development

For the first time the concept of "transport logistics" was voiced in 1974 at the European Congress in Berlin. However, the market was formed a little later - in the 1990s and already in America. It was there that the first logistics companies that managed transportation appeared.

The main goal of transport logistics

The purpose is to transport any cargo from point A to point B with the optimal ratio of price and quality. It is necessary to choose the most suitable modes of transport, routes, speed of transportation, as well as to minimize damage to the cargo. Sometimes it is better to choose a more expensive and longer option to avoid damage to the goods.

Functions of transport logistics

• Planning and organization of cargo delivery;
• Registration of necessary documents and legal support of transportation;
• Loading and unloading of goods;
• Information support;
• Optimization of the process in order to improve the quality of transportation and minimize costs.

If necessary, additional services, such as customs services or insurance, may be included.

Tasks of transport logistics

Based on the purpose and functions, it is possible to determine the main tasks that this section of logistics solves:

• Analysis of delivery points, cargo properties and construction of a preliminary route;
• Selection of the appropriate mode of transport;
• Selection of a carrier and logistics partners;
• Construction of the route with all the key points;
• Cargo control during transportation;
• Optimization of transportation indicators.

Analysis of delivery points and cargo properties

At the first stage, a preliminary route is determined along which transportation will take place. This takes into account the geography of the area. It is also immediately necessary to take into account the properties of the cargo, its weight, volume, storage and transportation conditions.

Already at this stage it becomes clear whether it will be necessary to use several modes of transport, specialized equipment or intermediate storage of cargo.

Choice of transport

The type of transport depends on the type of terrain, the route, as well as the conditions and frequency of transportation. In logistics, transport is divided by the medium of movement:

• Land transport: cars and railways, as well as a pipeline (although it is not transport in the general sense, it is a means of transporting cargo);
• Water transport: sea and river vessels;
• Air transport.

The choice of the desired type of transport is carried out on the basis of the conditions of transportation (terms, storage conditions) and the properties of the cargo:

Tariffs are the price that the carrier charges for transportation. It includes directly the cost of transportation and the surcharge from which the profit is made. Tariffs can be:

• Piecework;
• Rates per tonne/hour;
• By time of use of transport;
• By mileage;
• For leaving.

In water transport, tariffs are called "freight" and are divided in the same way.

Choosing a carrier and a logistics company

A logistics company does not always carry out transportation by its own transport. Often they turn to contractors: carriers (carry out only cargo transportation) or freight forwarders (they also provide additional services: paperwork, loading and unloading, etc.). When choosing a transport company, it is important to pay attention to:

• Experience. In addition to the fact that the long work of the company speaks of its reliability and credibility, it also means that all logistics processes are established and optimized, which reduces the risks during transportation.
• Staff. Professional employees know how to act in unforeseen situations, and will control the transportation process until the very end.
• Specialization. It is better to choose a company that has experience with your type of cargo, because in each industry there are its own nuances of transportation, which you may not know about.

Route construction

At this stage, several detailed route options are worked out, indicating the transport, temporary storage points and, if necessary, loading on another mode of transport. This takes into account possible risks, costs and delays. Different route options differ in cost, timing and costs. As a rule, preference is given to the route with minimal costs.

Cargo control during transportation

To avoid unforeseen situations during transportation, special technologies (TMS - transport management systems) are used. They control the entire transportation process, including tracking the location of the cargo and the condition of the vehicle.

Optimization of transport logistics

For the greatest efficiency of transportation - reducing costs, increasing the volume and speed of transportation - it is necessary to constantly optimize routes and modes of transport. To do this, you need to monitor all these characteristics and strive to improve them.

Types of transport logistics

Logistics of transport operations is divided into internal (within the company and between its branches) and external (delivery from the manufacturer to the client). In this case, transportation is divided into:

• Unimodal. Carried out by one transport.
• Multimodal. Several modes of transport, which are controlled by one organizer.
• Intermodal. Several modes of transport, which are supervised by different organizers.
• Mixed. Transportation that is carried out by one mode of transport, but at the same time requires the use of cross-docking (temporary storage on the route, through storage).
• Combined. The same as mixed, but carried out by two or more modes of transport.

Also, this section of logistics is divided by approaches into traditional and logistical.

• With the traditional approach, the participants in the transportation interact consistently, when transferring the cargo to the next link. At the same time, at each stage, its own tariffs are set.
• With a logistical approach, the entire transportation process is managed by one operator with a single tariff.

Automation of transport logistics

For companies that require constant transportation services, as well as for carriers, the process of automating transport logistics is inevitable to minimize costs and develop business. For this purpose, special TMS (Transport Management System) are used - transport management systems. They allow not only to optimize the entire process, but also to automatically select the route and transport, depending on the type of cargo, monitor it throughout the transportation and make adjustments to the route.