Cooperative freight schemes for smaller businesses
Freight consolidation is generally easiest for large companies with the large scale of freight and large customer base. Global standards identifying trade items, processes, services, shipments, assets, companies and locations at any point in the supply chain can ease the process of freight consolidation. Establishment and operation of such centres involves a cost that will need to be considered along with benefits in determining whether this is a viable option for different centres.
Smaller businesses are encouraged to:
- partner with other businesses to share freight transport assets
- seek involvement of some larger transport companies to facilitate such arrangements
Freight consolidation complements procurement solutions and demand side management from customers who can achieve similar results by more efficient ordering and procurement.
Links
- Case Study: UK Broadmead Consolidation Centre - as part of the START project Bristol is offering an incentives package of training to improve fleet efficiency as well as safe and efficient driving practices. A freight consolidation scheme will also be offered to integrate the scheme with new retail development.
- Global standards for supply chain tracking - GS1 Australia is an example of a business offering services to improve supply chain efficiencies.