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Glossary
Consignee
Glossary
Feeder
Definition
In the context of logistics and transportation, a feeder refers to a smaller mode of transportation used to connect and distribute cargo between larger transportation hubs and local points. Feeder services are commonly utilized in various segments of the transportation industry, such as shipping, road freight, and rail. They play a critical role in the supply chain by enabling efficient and cost-effective movement of cargo across different stages of transportation and ensuring seamless connections between various transport modes.
— sennder Team
FAQ
In the shipping industry, feeder services involve the use of smaller feeder vessels to transport cargo between major ports and smaller regional ports. These feeder vessels collect containers from smaller ports and bring them to larger hub ports, where the cargo is consolidated and loaded onto larger ocean-going vessels for long-haul transportation.
In road freight transportation, feeders typically refer to smaller trucks or vans that collect and distribute cargo between larger transportation hubs, such as warehouses or distribution centers, and local delivery points. These feeder vehicles help streamline the distribution process by efficiently managing the "last mile" or "first mile" of the logistics chain, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of goods.
In rail transportation, feeder services involve the use of smaller, local trains to connect cargo between mainline rail services and regional destinations. These feeder trains transport cargo from smaller stations to larger rail hubs, where it is transferred to long-haul trains for further transportation.
Feeder services offer several benefits in the logistics industry, including:
-Improved efficiency: By connecting smaller transportation nodes to larger hubs, feeder services optimize cargo movement and reduce overall transit times
-Cost savings: Feeder services allow for the consolidation of cargo, resulting in more cost-effective transportation by reducing the number of partially loaded vehicles
-Increased accessibility: Feeder services enable better connectivity between major transportation hubs and smaller, regional destinations, ensuring seamless cargo movement across the entire supply chain
Example or usage in road freight logistics:
A road freight logistics company operates a fleet of smaller feeder trucks to collect cargo from local businesses and transport it to a regional distribution center. At the distribution center, the cargo is consolidated and loaded onto larger trucks for long-haul transportation to its final destination. The use of feeder trucks streamlines the cargo collection and delivery process, improving overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the company's logistics operations.