In modern logistics facility planning, "optimizing the transport and delivery network" that connects a hub to the outside world is just as important as the layout inside the warehouse and the selection of material handling equipment. The location of the hub and the number of berths (truck docking ports) are determined by the transport means chosen.
Transport and delivery generally refers to the "function of moving goods from one place to another" in logistics, but it is classified into several types depending on its purpose, section, and mode of transport. This chapter explains the overall structure, main types, and overviews—from operational efficiency improvements through joint delivery and milk runs to dynamic transport strategies utilizing railway transport and maritime transport.
In a logistics network, the name of the transport and the vehicle size used vary depending on the section (distance and role) where the cargo moves. In logistics facility planning, it is necessary to design the height and depth of the platform for each of these sections.
Description: Transporting large volumes of cargo consolidated in pallet units, etc., from a production factory to a large logistics center (DC/TC) or from a large-scale warehouse to another regional hub.
Characteristics: Primarily uses large 10-ton class trucks and trailers, or the railway transport and maritime transport (ships) mentioned below. It is often systematic with fixed operation schedules, requiring a vast site at the hub where large vehicles can turn and wait.
Description: Long-distance, high-volume transport connecting hub bases (relay centers) in major national areas (Kanto, Kansai, Kyushu, etc.) like major arteries.
Characteristics: Moves large volumes collectively over long distances (e.g., 300km or more) using large vehicles. To reduce costs, this area actively incorporates efforts to maximize the load factor (full-load ratio) and relay systems (switch transport / relay transport) to prevent long working hours for drivers.
Description: Transport and delivery resembling capillaries that intricately deliver (or collect) packages from regional hubs (depots and distribution centers) to final destinations such as stores, businesses, and individual homes.
Characteristics: Uses 2 to 4-ton small/medium trucks and light vans capable of navigating residential areas and narrow roads. It is the most costly area (the last mile), requiring high delivery density and meticulous response to consumer needs such as "multi-product, small-lot, and designated-time delivery."
This is a classification of transport and delivery efficiency and operation patterns—how to consolidate and transport cargo, or how to fill empty spaces in trucks. In response to the recent logistics crisis (driver shortage), logistics facility planning premised on these operations is increasing.
A format where a single truck or vehicle is monopolized (chartered) by a specific shipper. While costs are relatively high, routes and times can be specified freely, making it suitable for large-volume transport at one time, highly confidential cargo, food requiring strict temperature control, or highly urgent cargo (Just-In-Time delivery).
A format where cargo from multiple different shippers is loaded and transported together in the bed of the same route truck. Because the truck is shared, the freight cost per package is kept low, making it extremely effective in reducing costs for small-lot cargo (a few boxes to a few pallets). However, because transshipment work occurs at hub bases along the way, lead times tend to be longer than chartered flights.
To solve the serious problem of declining load factors (transporting mostly air), multiple companies (sometimes including competitors in the same industry) share joint logistics centers and trucks to bulk-deliver cargo to the same delivery destinations (supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.). Because the number of trucks can be drastically reduced, it is a sustainable method that greatly contributes to improving load factors, resolving waiting times (standby problems) at delivery destinations, and reducing CO2 emissions.
An idea reverse to the traditional method where "suppliers individually deliver to our factory." It is a format where a single truck arranged by the consignee (manufacturer, etc.) sequentially visits multiple suppliers (parts manufacturers, etc.) like collecting milk at a farm, picking up cargo, and consolidating it at the own factory, etc. It demonstrates great effectiveness in alleviating traffic congestion around the factory and ensuring accurate parts procurement Just-In-Time.
This classification pertains to the means of transportation (infrastructure) used. In logistics facility planning, it directly links to location strategy—whether to place a hub near an expressway IC, a port, or a freight terminal station.
| Transport Mode | Main Characteristics & Uses | Biggest Advantages | Challenges & Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck (Land Transport) | The main infrastructure for domestic logistics. Handles flexible direct delivery Door to Door (from shipper to consignee). | Overwhelmingly high speed, mobility, and flexibility. Being agile enough for narrow roads makes it the protagonist of the last mile. | Risks of cost increases due to a severe driver shortage on long-distance routes (the 2024 problem, etc.), soaring fuel costs, and high CO2 emissions. |
| Railway Transport | On-time transport of large-scale freight over medium to long distances (500km or more) via container trains. | Capable of mass transporting the equivalent of dozens of trucks at once. It is an eco-friendly transport method with an environmental load (CO2 emissions) that is extremely low, about 1/10th that of trucks. | Inflexible with time as it relies on train schedules. Cargo cannot be placed directly at stations, ultimately necessitating the use of trucks (drayage) for transport between hubs before and after. |
| Maritime Transport (Ferries/RORO Ships/Coastal Vessels) | Long-distance transport of heavy goods such as steel and chemicals, or large quantities of containerized cargo from domestic port to port. | The volume transportable at one time is the largest among all modes, and the freight cost per ton-mile is the lowest. | Movement speed is very slow. It is also highly susceptible to weather conditions (rough seas) such as typhoons and waves, posing risks to delivery deadline certainty. |
| Air Transport | Transport of high-price bracket items like semiconductors, perishables where freshness is key, medical supplies, or urgent maintenance parts. | The biggest characteristic is that the speed is overwhelmingly faster than any other mode (a few hours to 1 day), even for long distances crossing the ocean. | Freight costs are the highest of all modes, and there are extremely strict volume and weight restrictions due to aircraft space limitations. |
💡 Strategic Transition: Promotion of Modal Shift
An indispensable keyword in modern logistics facility planning is "Modal Shift." This refers to a strategic transition to "railway transport" and "maritime transport (ships)"—which can mass-transport at once, have low environmental loads (CO2 emissions), and can drastically reduce the physical burden of long-distance driving for drivers—from the long-distance trunk transport that has been primarily conducted by trucks.
To overcome the logistics crisis and build a sustainable supply chain, companies are required to design a resilient transport and delivery network that does not rely on a single transport mode, but rather hybrids trucks with railway transport and maritime transport.