A trade lane (or trade route) refers to a specific pathway along which goods are transported between two or more locations, typically across international borders. Trade lanes are established based on the flow of goods and the economic relationships between countries or regions. They encompass both maritime and air routes and play a crucial role in global supply chains by facilitating the movement of goods and fostering international trade.
Transit time refers to the duration it takes for goods or shipments to travel from their origin to their destination. It is a crucial metric in supply chain and logistics management, as it directly impacts delivery schedules, inventory levels, and customer satisfaction. Transit time encompasses the entire journey of a shipment, including transportation, handling, and processing at various checkpoints along the route.
Transloading refers to the process of transferring goods or cargo from one mode of transportation to another, typically from one type of truck or railcar to another, or from rail to truck and vice versa. This logistical practice is often employed to optimize transportation routes, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency in supply chain operations.
A Transportation Management System (TMS) is a specialized software solution designed to streamline and optimize transportation and logistics operations within supply chains. It provides functionalities to effectively manage and control the movement of goods from origin to destination.
Transportation lead time refers to the duration it takes for goods to be transported from the point of origin to the final destination. It encompasses the time required for transportation activities, including loading, transit, and unloading, across various modes of transport such as road, rail, air, or sea.
A transshipment is the process of transferring goods from one transportation vehicle or vessel to another during their journey from origin to destination. It typically occurs at intermediary points along the supply chain route, where cargo is transferred between different modes of transportation, carriers or vessels.
Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) is a standard unit of measurement used in the shipping industry to quantify the cargo-carrying capacity of container vessels. It represents the volume of a standard twenty-foot-long shipping container.
An Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) is a massive container ship used on major trade routes, capable of carrying over 14,000 TEUs.
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is a supply chain management strategy where the supplier or vendor takes responsibility for managing the inventory levels of their products at the customer's or retailer's location. In this arrangement, the vendor monitors the inventory levels based on agreed-upon criteria such as sales data or inventory levels, and initiates replenishment as needed.
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is a term used in the shipping industry to refer to the total weight of a packed container, including its contents and packaging materials. It is a crucial requirement mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention to enhance safety in maritime transportation.
A floating structure with its own mode of propulsion designed for the transport of cargo and/or passengers. In the Industry Blueprint 1.0 "Vessel" is used synonymously with "Container vessel", hence a vessel with the primary function of transporting containers.
A vessel sharing agreement (VSA) is a cooperative arrangement between shipping companies that allows them to share space and resources on vessels for specific routes.
Vessel bunching refers to the situation where multiple vessels arrive at a port simultaneously or within a short period, leading to congestion and delays. This clustering of vessels can overwhelm port facilities, causing extended wait times for berthing, loading, and unloading operations.
A vessel call sign is a unique identifier assigned to a ship for radio communication purposes. It is used to distinguish the vessel from others in maritime communication systems, including VHF radios and satellite communications.
A vessel omission (sometimes called a port omission) occurs when a scheduled vessel does not call at a planned port during its voyage. This disruption means that the vessel skips the port entirely, which can impact the transportation and delivery schedules of goods.
In cargo shipping, vessel rotation is the planned sequence of port calls that a shipping vessel follows on its route to optimize cargo loading and unloading operations.
The timetable of departure and arrival times for each port call on the rotation of the vessel in question.
A journey by sea from one port or country to another one or, in case of a round trip, to the same port.
Warehouse utilization is a logistics metric that refers to the effective use of available warehouse space for storing goods and inventory.
Order for specific transportation work carried out by a third party provider on behalf of the issuing party.
Logistics yard management refers to the process of overseeing and controlling the movement of trucks, trailers, containers, and other vehicles within a yard or distribution center. This includes tasks such as scheduling, tracking, and coordinating the arrival, departure, and storage of these vehicles.
Container stuffing
What is container stuffing?
Container stuffing refers to the process of loading cargo into a shipping container in preparation for transport. It involves carefully arranging and securing goods inside the container to maximize space utilization, ensure cargo safety, and prevent damage during transit. Proper container stuffing is essential to maintaining the integrity of the cargo and the container itself, especially for long journeys where the goods may be exposed to various movements and handling operations. Effective container stuffing can also help reduce shipping costs by optimizing space.
What is a container stuffing plan?
A container stuffing plan is a detailed strategy that outlines how cargo will be loaded into a container. It includes instructions on the placement of goods, weight distribution, and securing methods to ensure that the cargo is safely packed and that the container’s capacity is fully utilized. The plan takes into account the nature of the goods, their dimensions, and any special handling requirements. A well-prepared stuffing plan helps avoid issues like shifting cargo, overloading, or imbalanced weight, which could lead to delays or damage during transport.
The container stuffing process
The container stuffing process involves several key steps, starting with preparing the container, including inspecting it for any damage or cleanliness issues. Once prepared, cargo is loaded according to the stuffing plan, ensuring that heavy items are placed at the bottom and lighter items on top, with proper bracing to avoid shifting. Cargo is secured using straps, airbags, or other materials to keep it in place. Once stuffed, the container is sealed and documented for transport. The process requires careful attention to both efficiency and safety to avoid damage or space wastage.
Can a container be stuffed at the port?
Yes, containers can be stuffed at the port, especially when the goods are arriving directly at the port facilities for export. In many cases, the shipper arranges for the cargo to be delivered to the port, where it is then loaded into the container by port staff or third-party logistics providers. This is common when shippers do not have the facilities to stuff containers themselves or when the cargo is consolidated with goods from other exporters. Port stuffing services offer flexibility and convenience, especially for companies with limited warehouse space.