Glossary

Transportation Mode

Definition

A transportation mode, in the context of logistics and supply chain management, refers to the method or type of transport used for the movement of goods from one location to another. The most common modes of transportation include road (trucks, vans), rail (trains), sea (ships), air (planes), and pipeline. The choice of transportation mode depends on various factors, such as the nature of the goods, cost, speed, distance, and the specific requirements of the supply chain.

— sennder Team

FAQ

The choice of transportation mode in logistics is influenced by factors such as the nature and volume of goods, cost, speed, distance, reliability, and regulatory considerations. For instance, perishable goods might require faster but more expensive air transport, while large volumes of non-perishable goods might be transported more cost-effectively by sea or rail.
Multimodal transportation refers to the use of two or more modes of transport in a single supply chain. For example, goods might be transported from a factory to a port by road, shipped overseas by sea, and then transported to the final destination by rail.
Each transportation mode has its own benefits and challenges. For example, road transport provides high flexibility and is suitable for short distances but may face traffic delays. Rail transport is cost-effective for large volumes over long distances but requires good rail infrastructure. Air transport is fast but expensive, while sea transport is cost-effective for large volumes but slow.
The choice of transportation mode can significantly impact the environment. For example, road and air transport generally produce more carbon emissions than rail and sea transport. Many companies are looking to reduce their environmental impact by choosing more sustainable modes of transport or by improving the efficiency of their transportation processes.
Example or usage in road freight logistics

In road freight logistics, the primary mode of transportation is by truck. Depending on the size and weight of the goods, different types of trucks might be used, from small vans for local deliveries to large semi-trucks for long-distance haulage. The logistics provider would plan the most efficient route to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.

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