Consolidation of Transport in Industry and Commerce – Advantages, Flaws and Technical Execution

The consolidation of transport, that is, connecting various shipments, is part of everyday activities for forwarding companies and is becoming increasingly common in the field of production as well. Because, the current development shows that shipments are becoming finer; furthermore, they’re often of the so-called “Series 1 Size” type. Among other things, it is of crucial importance that the digitalization has progressed, because it enables, for example, direct ordering of the smallest quantities by private clients from production companies.

The most important components are: time, money and the environment

If each of these shipments were to be sent individually, neither the containers nor the trucks or vans would be filled out. Empty rides produce costs and increase the transport to the detriment of the environment. Accordingly, it also takes time to collect shipments in one place. On one hand, this entails increased dispatching costs because connecting requires very precise planning. On the other hand, various types of partial cargo also come from various sources. In order for them to be connected at the final destination, interstations need to exist, where the reloading is done.

Time is the scarcest of the resources. The field of logistics changes quickly. Close connecting within the supply chain has raised expectations in all participants of getting the ordered goods quickly, in some cases the same day. How can all three components be satisfied then?

The best aids: models of platforms with interfaces to TMS and ERP systems

It is the production sector that is often dependent on the help of experts in transport and logistics when mastering the logistics processes. Numerous companies have their own logistics departments for that purpose, where the dispatching activities are carried out. The use of logistics system such as the system of smart logistics of TIMOCOM is a proven aid here. Their key competence is the offer of cargo in the form of partial loads or their browsing and the finding of a suitable loading area and its advertising. The data about the volume of the shipment, for example, the weight and the length simplify the slotting of even the smallest units. Companies are thereby enabled to use their own rolling stock, avoid empty rides and/or transport partial loads at affordable prices.

In addition to the Freight Exchange which creates said added value, within its system, TIMOCOM also offers the Tenders Application. Offers can be made here for repeating tours, thereby enabling the finding of constant business partners over a defined time period. Here too is the option of to work with small series. Users can open various tenders for various shipments which can eventually be merged into a full truck.

The TIMOCOM system also covers transport orders in a fully digital and legally binding form in the app Transport Orders. Users can pick their favorites from a network of over 45,000 users of TIMOCOM. A dispatcher can access this pool of service providers and target the transporters they want to contact for certain jobs.

As a rule, logistics companies work with a TMS or an ERP system which enables them to view their ongoing transports and, if they exist, their own vehicles too. Through the interface Freight Exchange and the interface Transport Orders, the TMS and ERP systems can be connected with the Smart Logistics System. Double entries are avoided and valuable time is saved while many more potential partners for transport services are contacted at the same time.

The interface Tracking enables the GPS data on the trucks within the smart logistics system to be displayed as linked on a map. For that purpose, TIMOCOM already has 265 providers of telematics connected. This provides dispatchers with another instrument that facilitates the planning of their shipments.

Consolidation of transport: only a question of technical infrastructure?

There is no substitution for the expertise at any point along the transportation chain. Finally, what is required is an experienced staff which can fulfill the complex demands related to the consolidation of transport. In an era of accelerated expansion of digital logistics, your tool are platform models and management systems which correspond with each other, thereby connecting the data even before all the various shipments are truly connected within a single transportation means.

TimoCom

Timocom

consolidation of transport

connecting various shipments

forwarding companies

digitalization

GPS data on trucks

tracking interface

freight exchange

transport orders interface

eKapija Special Edition Newsletter

Special Edition Newsletter Transport and Logistics Our Connection with the World

transport and logistics