When we think about logistics, we think about all of the different modes of transport, that are used in the shipment process. The type of transport that is chosen depends on how urgent it is, to get a product to its final destination, and also the value of the product being shipped. Other considerations are the size and the weight of the package, and these all help to determine which form of transport will be used. Typically, most businesses in the United Kingdom will favour road transport for local and domestic deliveries within the country. If your product has to go outside the UK, like to Europe, for example, then maybe the train, or a ship would be a better option.
If you are a little unsure as to what is the best mode of transport to get your goods transported from one destination to another, then you could have a look here at https://www.rhenus-hightech.co.uk/ which will allow you to get a better idea of the different types of transport that are available, and the costs associated with them. It is important that your business is aware of the many logistic options open to it, so that it is better prepared for anything and everything. Here are some of the modes which you can consider for the transport of your cargo and freight.
- Ocean freight – This is probably one of the least expensive methods of transporting your goods from one destination to another. However, one drawback is that it takes much longer than it would by rail or by air. Ocean freight, however, is perfect for items that are unusually large and heavy, and it would not be appropriate or cost effective, to try to send this freight by any other method. It is also perfect, if the particular product that you are selling is an unusual shape, or it is particularly heavy.
- Road freight – This is the most common mode of delivery within the United Kingdom. It is extremely cost effective, and deliveries can be quick, and also arrive on schedule, assuming your transport is properly taken care of, and passes government tests for road suitability. Road transport is perfect for long and short haul deliveries, and even in rural areas as well. It is a very flexible service and should you require some of your goods to be transported elsewhere, while on their way to the final destination, this can be catered for quite easily.
- Rail freight – This is also a very popular method of transport within the United Kingdom, as it allows your business to transport goods out of the country, and all across the European Union. This will of course change quite soon, when the easy access will be made a little bit more difficult. However, from an eco-friendly point of view, trains burn less fuel per tonne, than that of HGV’s. The train will get your freight to a destination, but not to your final destination. For this, you are still going to need road transport for delivery to the customer.
There is, of course, air to consider, but this is not generally a cost-effective method within the European Union. There will always be a transport option available to you for transporting your goods, and it is up to you as the manufacturer, to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.