Supply Chain - Managing International Freight

International freight represents a substantial cost within many companies’ supply chains. Performance in terms of accuracy and lead time can be vital to business success.

Companies often find it difficult to find the right balance between the use of different modes of transport in the supply chain. Air freight offers quick and frequent movements, but is generally expensive, whist deep sea movements are cheaper but have longer lead times. Rail services can be attractive for certain routes, whist offering environmental benefits.

Effective supply chain planning allows companies to choose the most appropriate modes of transport for each logistics flow within the supply chain. Benchmarking freight costs allows potential areas for savings to be identified.

Total Logistics has access to databases of up to date costs and service levels for sea, air, rail and road movements. This allows its clients to optimise their freight costs and to renegotiate with existing logistics services providers or seek alternative suppliers where appropriate.

Total Logistics provides practical strategic supply chain consultancy across all industry sectors throughout Europe and the rest of the world. For more information contact us on +44 (0)118 977 3027, or send an e-mail to info@total-logistics.eu.com.

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This Supply Chain glossary article was last updated on 8th November 2007