Transport logistics is a popular term, though one that is not especially well defined. In this article, we are going to break down the terminology for a better understanding and then focus on the main components of the transport and logistics delivery, including the supply chain, so that we can deliver a thorough overview of what “transport logistics” truly means. Read through our whole article, or you may skip to the part you need.
- What Does Transport Logistics Mean
- Looking at Transportation and Logistics as a Metaphor
- What is the Role of Logistics Companies in Supporting Businesses?
- The 7 R’s of Logistics
- Transport VS Logistics
- Getting the Most Out of Your Transport and Logistics Services
- Logistics Company Services as 3PL for SMYPC
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Transport Logistics Mean?
Transport, as we know, is to take or move goods from one place to another by means of a vehicle. It is the physical or ‘kinetic’ function of the supply chain.
Delivery logistics is the detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people, facilities, and supplies. So logistics delivery is the lubricant in the supply chain that enables it to keep running smoothly.
The combination of the two terms includes all package delivery operations from sourcing raw materials, delivering them to the production plant up to moving the finished products to warehouse or distribution centers. Transport logistics is an integral process of every business delivery because it is needed in day-to-day operations.
Looking at Transportation and Logistics as a Metaphor
The use of metaphor is always an effective way of helping people to understand a concept better, which is why we are going to use one today to describe transportation & delivery logistics.
Think of transport and logistics delivery as going on holiday. You must figure out the most effective means of getting from home to the poolside abroad.
- You could catch a plane, although you must consider the cost of flights. If you don’t wish to layover in another country in “People warehousing” and catch two separate flights, a direct flight will cost you more.
- You must also consider the personal restrictions that come with flying. For example, if you’re a pregnant woman after 36 weeks into your term, it will not be safe for you to fly, so another mode of transportation will be required.
- What about the train? It’s cheaper, but it will invariably take longer, especially with everyone else getting off at various other stops—not so dissimilar to LTL (less-than-load) truck delivery.
- Then there is the administrative factor. How much work goes into arranging your transportation? What about once you touch down in the country, how will you get to your hotel?
What is the Role of Logistics Companies in Supporting Businesses?
Logistics companies have a major role to play in a country since they enable trade by moving goods from point A to point B. This supports businesses because it supplies them with new stocks which they can sell to their customers. Logistics companies also deliver goods straight to a customer’s home which makes them indispensable in business operations.
Many businesses across different industries, such as retail, construction, or even manufacturing, depend on logistics companies to support their operations and enable business continuity. For example, a construction company can use open truck rental from delivery companies like Transportify to haul construction aggregates from source to destination. Manufacturing companies can also use closed vans for delivery services to move goods while keeping them protected from the elements.
From the examples given above, it is clear that the role of delivery companies is very important for any business. They enable goods to be delivered from one place to another, an operation of paramount importance for any business. Below are some services that logistic companies like Transportify offer to their clients.
Wide service area for trucking service
A major role of logistics companies is to move goods across different locations. This is very important since most businesses would like to outsource their logistics operations to cut down on costs and to save time and effort. When it comes to moving items across different areas this means delivering goods and items from one province to another such as transporting goods from Bulacan to Batangas. It is important that a logistics management has the capability to reach a wide area of coverage such as the whole of Luzon to be able to effectively move the cargo of its clients.
Transportify is a freight forwarding logistics company in the Philippines which is capable of delivering goods anywhere in Luzon, Cebu, and Davao province for intracity delivery and going to Visayas and Mindanao from Luzon and Cebu via interisland delivery. A retail owner can send new stocks from the Batangas port to a showroom in Mindoro using the delivery vehicles of Transportify. Furthermore, this on-demand delivery app company is capable of accepting bookings at any time of the day. On top of this service, you can have multiple drop off locations and 24/7 customer service agents to assist you.
Full Truckload and Less Than Truckload Delivery
The FTL (full truckload) and LTL (less than truckload) shipping are two important services offered by logistics companies like Transportify. Full truckload shipping is the usual method of transporting goods. In this case, a business rents the entire space of a delivery vehicle to transport its goods from one place to another. However, in cases when there are not enough goods from one client to fully occupy the truck, the space of the delivery vehicle can be shared by multiple clients. That is what happens in less than truckload domestic freight shipping.
These two methods of transporting goods give clients a lot of flexibility. For instance, if they have plenty of cargo items to ship and it can fill up the space of an entire truck, they can book the FTL option. However, if they do not have enough goods to fill up an entire truck, they can resort to the less than truckload delivery option, which would allow them to save on logistics costs since they would only have to pay for the space occupied by their cargo. Cutting down on costs is always the favored option of many business owners since it allows lesser operational expenses and boosts business continuity efforts.
Technology based solutions
Technology based solutions are often employed by many companies to optimize performance. For example, manufacturing companies use robotics and automation systems to produce more products with consistent quality in less time. Oftentimes, these tech based solutions cut down costs which enable business continuity and stability.
In the field of logistics, technology based solutions are used extensively to improve delivery performance. For example, many cargo and freight companies use online platforms to get bookings. In the case of Transportify, it uses a mobile application that users can download in order to start making delivery bookings.
However, for businesses with their own system, API logistics integration with a trucking company is the right solution. API integration is simply a protocol that allows two systems to communicate and transfer data seamlessly. By doing so, the client’s system can access the Transportify app and automate bookings. This translates to a lot of savings in operational costs and can greatly optimize the delivery process.
This should demonstrate the complexity of transport and logistics delivery and just how much goes into it. Let’s have a look at the 7 R’s of delivery logistics for further analysis:
The 7 R’s of Logistics
The Transportation and Logistics industry is built upon the 7 Rs of trucking as listed below. Be sure to check out the next few blog posts by Transportify, where we will explore these in greater depth.
1. The Right Product
What should you be selling? Will the products be safe and appropriate for mass distribution?
2. The Right Quantity
What are your optimal production levels? Can you meet the demand / is there enough?
3. The Right Condition
Will you be able to deliver the perfect condition to your customers?
4. The Right Place
How easily can you deliver said products to the right place?
5. The Right Time
Can you meet the increasingly high demand for speed on delivery?
6. The Right Customer
Who is the ideal customer?
7. The Right Price
With all of these combined, how much will it cost, end to end?
Transportation VS Logistics
Here’s another metaphor: Look at Transportation as the driver and delivery logistics as the vehicle itself. Transportation is simply the mode to execute the planning, moving the product from A to B. Logistics delivery on the other hand, makes it all possible, factoring in the following:
- Product packaging
- Containerisation
- Documentation & Insurance
- Storage (warehousing etc.)
- Regulatory rules (importing & exporting)
- Choosing the appropriate freight class (TL / LTL, etc.)
- Managing & maintaining vendor and partner relationships
- Risk mitigation
With all that in mind, the logistics ‘vehicle’ allows the transportation ‘driver,’ to deliver the goods to the desired destination on time and in the appropriate condition.
It is common for businesses to outsource their transportation needs whilst managing the delivery logistics aspect in-house—and vice-versa. However, most modern businesses are now looking to outsource all transport and logistics services simply needs to third-party logistics companies for the sake of saving time and money,
With supply chain management, route-mapping software, and a wealth of lasting relationships with the appropriate international regulatory parties, it’s almost always so much more beneficial to use a dedicated third-party logistics (3PL) provider, as opposed to involving the entire functionality within your own business.
Getting the Most Out of Your Transport and Logistics Services
For businesses highly dependent on delivery logistics features, understanding how to maximize your transport and logistics services can get you far in the competition. And one key to success in transport and logistics services is identifying the middle ground between efficiency and cost. And only the biggest and most successful companies are able to understand these. Below are our tips on becoming successful in the transport and logistics services delivery industry. Refer to the table below for a quick reference for our services.
Vehicle Type | Dimensions/ Weight Limits | Base Price (Metro Manila) | Base Price (Outside Metro Manila) | Base Price (Visayas/Mindanao) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wing Van | 32 to 40 x 7.8 x 7.8 ft 12000kg to 28000kg | 7000 PHP | 6500 PHP | 6500 PHP |
6w Fwd Truck | 18 x 6 x 7 ft 7000kg | 4850 PHP | 4850 PHP | 4850 PHP |
Closed Van | 10 to 14 x 6 x 6 ft 2000kg to 4000kg | 1600 PHP | 1450 PHP | 1450 PHP |
Open Truck | 10 to 21 x 6 ft x open 2000kg and 7000kg | 2300 PHP | 1950 PHP | 1950 PHP |
L300/Van | 8 x 4.5 x 4.5 ft 1000kg | 415 PHP | 374 PHP | 335 PHP |
Small Pickup | 5 x 5 ft x open 1000kg | 418 PHP | 338 PHP | 325 PHP |
Light Van | 5.5 x 3.8 x 3.8 ft 600kg | 375 PHP | 292 PHP | 275 PHP |
MPV/SUV | 5 x 3.2 x 2.8 ft 200kg | 240 PHP | 210 PHP | 160 PHP |
Sedan | 3.5 x 2 x 2.5 ft 200kg | 220 PHP | 190 PHP | 140 PHP |
Minimizing Transportation Costs
One of the simplest things to minimize your transport and logistics services costs is to remove the unnecessary activities relating to it. Examples are looking for suppliers closer to where to process or manufacture your products. Another is being smart in your supply chain by consolidating shipments and reducing the number of trips the materials go through. Keep in mind that most of the parts you are eliminating are considered non-value-added labor costs.
Automate your logistics
Tracking and tracing your shipments is a necessity in the transport and logistics industry nowadays. It is important to know where your delivery is so that you, as a manager, can anticipate and decide fast on changes that are crucial to your operations. And having a record of the delivery tracking can help you identify the areas or problems that need to be addressed. Because timing is the most important factor in transport and logistics services.
Finding yourself a transport and logistics services provider
Transportify not only promotes itself as a leading logistics company, but the core competency of our services is to have your shipping costs in check. It is the role of Transportify as a cargo company for pick up and delivery to make sure that your business will make it to the destination safely. Most of our delivery services can be availed through less-than-truckload. But this is also your chance to maximize each shipment and save yourself from unnecessary transportation expenses.
Logistics Company Services as 3PL for SMYPC
The 3PL or third-party logistics company is a supply chain with a versatile work process that serves as a middle person between the buyer and the seller. Whenever you purchase a particular business online, these 3PL or third-party logistics companies are the ones who will deliver the products right at the front of your door.
Different eCommerce businesses, warehousing companies, suppliers, and corporations like SMYPC hire a logistics company to maintain and expand their inventory and grow their market areas. Most logistics companies consist of administrative departments and warehouses, which will handle your stocks and supplies; others will deliver your products to your customers right at the front of their doors.
This 3PL or third-party logistics company is catering to several businesses and industries; today, they are becoming more irresistible to the eCommerce and last mile business. Logistics companies can ship your goods and products to any part of the Philippines.
They are more than just a warehouse; logistics companies have a lot of useful functions too. Let’s check some of the services offered by a third-party logistics company.
Transportation
One of the significant logistics services offered by a 3PL is transportation. By utilizing different kinds of trucks and other vehicles, a third party logistics company uses its fleet to transport your goods to your customer’s house. Also, there’s an optimized route that they used for transportation. Having that said, it helps in minimizing the confusion among drivers. Moreover, this process, called an optimized route, ensures faster and hassle-free delivery.
Freight Forwarding
Sometimes third party logistics companies don’t have an asset of their own. What they do is connect with other logistics service providers to transport a specific product for their customers. They will act as a middle man or medium of connection for the shipment of various merchandise on behalf of the third party shipping company or 3PL shippers.
There’s a continuous change in demand for this kind of shipping method. Often, it becomes more difficult for an eCommerce business to handle the entire freight shipping by themselves. Freight forwarding companies today use modern technology to give convenience and savings to their partner businesses.
Transportify is an excellent example of a modern freight forwarder that applies technology to logistics by introducing a new way of handling deliveries. This logistics company can handle everything promptly. Also, they make sure that the products will arrive safely through efficient freight shipping strategies.
Warehousing
Some 3PL companies own their warehouses, while others are focused on the innovation of shipment deliveries. There are several distribution points for these logistics warehouses, as per the location area. These warehouses act as a storehouse for different kinds of goods. The deliveries from the warehouse take place after the order placement.
Some of these 3PL logistics also offer different equipment types, such as cranes and lifts, to provide flexible product movement. Moreover, these kinds of services are provided by many eCommerce companies. Besides, a specific business or industry can take up logistics services.
There are several eCommerce giants, corporations like San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation often take up dedicated warehouses, but mostly, these logistics companies are available for all types of warehousing services.
Reverse Logistics Services
In this logistics sector, confusions and errors are widespread. With several products that travel miles and kilometers away, reaching the customer’s destination might often lead to damage and break. In this scenario, apart from the refund that most 3PL companies offered, another thing needs to be completed.
It is called reverse logistics. A 3PL handles all the disposal cleaning of inventory to ensure that no unwanted goods or items are present in the warehouse. For bulk reverse logistics services, you may book with an on-demand partner like Transportify to retrieve goods from your customers instantly.
Bulk Courier Shipping Services
A bulk courier shipping service is a good alternative for freight shipping. Given that freight shipments take a lot of time in delivery, bulk courier shipping is perfect for same-day bulk item delivery to your customer’s doorstep. However, it requires an excellent level of management. A simple error and mistake in delivery details can lead to misrouting and can result in a massive loss for both the customer and the seller.
Other logistics companies also offer quality bulk courier service and transport your products on time. Most eCommerce platforms and companies consider couriers their last option since it is quite expensive compared to freight shipping. A reliable delivery partner for this type of service is Transportify. They are known for immediate delivery options to different destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Unlike other traditional courier services, a bulk courier shipping provider ensures that your package can easily reach different addresses without spending more money on delivery costs.
Postponement Packaging
Other third party logistics companies provide drop shipping services for their customers to deliver a high volume of their products at the lowest price. This kind of process is useful for bulk shipping because it saves labor and additional shipment cost.
The process is based on the operation size. Also, it is beneficial when it comes to the environment and marketing management. When it comes to cargo delivery and shipping, all of these businesses and industries are nothing without logistics. These logistics companies are complying with the nation’s standard trade guidelines.
Giving Best Offers
To keep customers from using the services, most 3PL companies provide many tempting and attractive offers to their clients. With that having said, it enhances the operational efficiency of the industry. Also, it helps to maintain an excellent customer-seller relationship, which can, later on, build trust and an excellent reputation for the business.
They offer valuable benefits to everyone who chooses to be partnered with them to ensure that it is ultimately beneficial for the customers, suppliers, retailers, and them. These offers will help them increase their overall sales and add value to every service they provide to their customers.
If you are interested in exploring our transportation & logistics services, then please feel free to contact Transportify today at your convenience.
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What is transport logistics?
🚚 Transport logistics is a combination of two important terms in supply chain management. By combining the two words, it means all the factors to consider from the starting point up to the end. Transport and logistics services like Transportify can help your business grow by providing you your trucking needs. With the most competitive prices in the market today, upgrade your business and get ahead among your competitors.
What is the difference between transportation and logistics?
🚚 In layman’s term transportation is defined as the moving of products or services from one place to a desired location. While logistics is a broader term which is defined as the coordination of several processes and systems of people, facilities, and supplies. Both terms supplement each other especially in business processes. Transportify is one of your trusted transportation and logistics delivery services that can help your business reach its fullest potential.