Container transportation system

From Supply Chain Management Encyclopedia

Russian: Контейнерная транспортная система

Container transport system is an organizational and technical complex ensuring expedite delivery of shipments be all types of transport using continuous cycle from the place of production to the place of consumption in domestic and international service, and acting on the basis of

• Mutually agreed standard parameters of containers,
• Packaging means,
• Handling means
• Means of transportation; and
• Uunified technological and legal regulations for transportation organization.^[1]

Container Terminals

Transportation and freight complexes are a specific area of logistics that has a rapid development for the last time. The containers are large-size and heavy shipments but valuable cargos are transported using them, and a technology of their processing differs from handling and transportation operations with ordinary large-size and heavy cargoes. Container flows are often connected with foreign trade transportation, require customs supervision and are passed from one types of transport to other types of transport through sea ports.

Influence of Container Transportation System on the Transportation Process

CTS affects the entire transportation process, including:

• Technical aspect –
  • Switch to cargo transportation using open rolling stocks instead of box cars;
  • Construction of open areas instead of covered storehouses;
  • Use of cargo handling equipment of high efficiency;
  • Use of special rolling stocks (cars, automobiles, vessels, aircrafts);
  • Use of new means of communication in container depots;
  • Automation of transportation in all stages of delivery;
• Technological aspect –
  • Organization of non pick-and-place cargo delivery from the door of consignor to the door of consignee;
  • Ensuring a better interaction between all modes of transport;
  • Changes in technology of several manufactures in the final stage of production – loading of finished products into containers;
  • Reduction in the number of cargo operations (in the container method a direct transfer is mostly used);
• Economic aspect –
  • Reduction in the expenditures connected with containers and packages;
  • Reduction in the expenditures connected with the loss of cargo;
  • Reduction in the expenditures connected with cargo-handling operations;
  • Improvement of labor efficiency;
  • Reduction in demurrage of rolling stock:
    • Cars - 10 times;
    • Automobiles - 6 times;
    • Vessels - 3-4 times;
  • Reduction in the number of cargo-handling operations;
  • Rise in quiescent load of rolling stock;
  • Reduction in the cost of warehouses construction.

References

1. ↑ ГОСТ 21390-83