Contemporary trends in road transport: introduction and prospects
Road transport, a key element of the global economy, encounters new challenges and opportunities in the context of changing social, economic and environmental trends.
One of the main directions of development is the growing importance of sustainable development, which leads to the search for ecological solutions in transport. Companies are increasingly investing in low-emission vehicles or alternative power sources, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, in an effort to reduce their negative impact on the environment.
The development of information and communication technologies also plays an important role, enabling more effective fleet management and shipment tracking through the use of GPS systems, data analysis and automation of logistics processes.
The development prospects of road transport are closely related to the growing e-commerce trend. The increased demand for fast and reliable deliveries poses new logistics challenges for the transport industry, but also opens up new development opportunities.
In the context of these changes, monitoring and adaptation to new trends and an innovative approach to problem solving are crucial. Cross-sector cooperation is crucial in creating a more sustainable and efficient transport industry, able to meet the demands of the modern world.
Contemporary trends in road transport: introduction and prospects
Road transport, a key element of the global economy, encounters new challenges and opportunities in the context of changing social, economic and environmental trends.
One of the main directions of development is the growing importance of sustainable development, which leads to the search for ecological solutions in transport. Companies are increasingly investing in low-emission vehicles or alternative power sources, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, in an effort to reduce their negative impact on the environment.
The development of information and communication technologies also plays an important role, enabling more effective fleet management and shipment tracking through the use of GPS systems, data analysis and automation of logistics processes.
The development prospects of road transport are closely related to the growing e-commerce trend. The increased demand for fast and reliable deliveries poses new logistics challenges for the transport industry, but also opens up new development opportunities.
In the context of these changes, monitoring and adaptation to new trends and an innovative approach to problem solving are crucial. Cross-sector cooperation is crucial in creating a more sustainable and efficient transport industry, able to meet the demands of the modern world.
Door to door delivery is a transport service that involves direct delivery of goods from the sender’s point directly to the recipient’s door. They are increasingly popular in e-commerce, providing speed, convenience and increased customer satisfaction. Companies providing this service must ensure meticulous route planning and ensuring the security of shipments.
An interview with Łukasz Kubacki, coordinator of the Road Department of Real Logistics, sheds new light on the dynamics of road logistics in Europe. Łukasz, bearing in mind the growing importance of global trade, emphasizes that “most of our clients are Chinese.” This proves the significant role of the European continent as a transit point for international shipments.
“We travel around Europe, including England and Switzerland,” notes Łukasz Kubacki. “The locations we visit most often are Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Each of these places has its own importance, none is less important than the other.”
Our road department coordinator emphasizes that despite regular Chinese customers, there are also new ones. Moreover, it emphasizes the diversity of routes, emphasizing that journeys cover both short and long distances. For example, there are also routes such as from Małaszewicze to Warsaw. Road trucks are used to transport a variety of goods, traveling mainly throughout Europe, England and Switzerland to meet the needs of customers in the timely delivery of their shipments.
Discussing the procedures for collecting sea and rail containers, Łukasz Kubacki notes that although the types of terminals differ, the processes in both are similar both procedurally and in time. He also added that “in situations where we have all the documents ready, we are able to arrange the collection of the container within an hour.” This shows that the company focuses on efficient logistics procedures, providing customers with fast and efficient transport, regardless of the type of container or terminal type.
The conversation with Kubacki sheds light on the nature and complexity of road logistics in Europe, highlighting both its challenges and opportunities.
In the transportation industry, the road department plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and effective movement of goods. Daily work in this department is challenging, but also extremely satisfying, filled with various tasks and responsibilities.
Coordinator Kubacki points out that one of the main tasks of the road department is the organization and supervision of road transport routes. Employees of this department must ensure optimal route planning, taking into account various factors such as distance, road conditions, and customer requirements. Every day is a challenge in route management, especially in the context of changing road conditions and customer needs.
Another key aspect of daily work in the road department is the coordination of the vehicle fleet. They are responsible for supervising the technical condition of vehicles, maintaining them and ensuring that they are ready for travel. In addition, they must carefully plan drivers’ work schedules, ensuring that deliveries are made according to agreed deadlines.
Cooperation with drivers is also an important element of work in the road department. Communication with them is essential to track the progress of your trip, resolve any logistical issues, and maintain a high standard of customer service.
Finally, the road department is also responsible for accounting for transportation-related costs, including fuel costs, tolls and other travel-related expenses. Accurate financial management is crucial to maintaining the profitability of transportation operations.
The introduction to the daily work and tasks of the road department involves not only the organization of routes and coordination of the vehicle fleet, but also building strong relationships with customers, ensuring effective time and resource management and maintaining high standards of safety and quality of services. It is a dynamic and demanding work environment that requires flexibility, quick response to changes and excellent management skills.
Packaging is the process of packing products into appropriate packaging for protection during transport and storage. It includes various packaging methods, such as placing in boxes or on pallets, and ensuring that products are properly arranged to avoid damage. Its quality is crucial for the efficiency of the supply chain and customer satisfaction.
Packaging is a key element for the speed and quantity of goods shipped. Its goal is to optimize the size of parcels, reduce costs and minimize time losses. Proper packaging also has a positive impact on the quality of services by professionally preparing goods for shipment, which in turn translates into a lower risk of possible damage and, consequently, customer satisfaction.
During the discussion, Kubacki tells an anecdote about an unusual incident during transport. “I know a situation from years ago when a container started burning right after leaving the terminal in Małaszewicze,” he recalls. Fortunately, the goods were not damaged, were reloaded at the terminal and continued their journey.
The cause of the fire turned out to be improper packaging. “The driver noticed smoke coming from the container. When the fire brigade opened the container, it turned out that the cardboard boxes were squeezed so tightly that they started to smolder and burn,” he reports. The goods, consisting of structures for solar panels, were placed in cardboard boxes, which were placed so close to each other during transport that they caught fire.
Similar cases, such as the one described by Kubacki, demonstrate the importance of properly packaging goods in a world where speed and reliability of delivery are crucial. Lack of proper attention to the quality of packaging can significantly affect the smoothness of the delivery process, regardless of whether it is the seller or the recipient.
The T1, or transit, procedure plays a key role in international trade, enabling the movement of goods across borders with limited customs and tax fees.
The duration of the T1 procedure is a key element of road logistics, notes Łukasz Kubacki. “In the case of Małaszewicz, the whole procedure works a little differently, because the driver first picks up the container, then goes to the office to open the T1,” he explains. Kubacki emphasizes that “the waiting time in Poland is approximately 2 hours”, but adds that “it depends on the amount of work of a given office”. In Germany, as he informs, “the standard waiting time is up to 2 days”, which is a significant difference. Germany has to process a significantly larger number of applications every day, which translates into waiting times for the T1 document to be issued.
Below I will present the stages of this procedure.
Stage 1: Submitting the Customs Declaration:
It begins with submitting an accurate customs declaration, precisely describing the goods being moved and containing important information regarding their characteristics, value and origin.
Stage 2: Shipment in Transit Mode:
Goods move in transit, avoiding full customs duties, while customs authorities monitor and report any changes to their location or status.
Stage 3: Monitoring and Status Update:
During the entire transit process, any change in the status of the goods is continuously monitored and reported to customs and tax authorities, ensuring transparency and compliance with the T1 procedure.
Stage 4: Completion Procedure:
The procedure ends when the goods reach their final destination, requiring the re-submission of a customs declaration and a detailed customs and tax inspection before being released from transit.
The T1 procedure effectively facilitates the movement of goods on the global market, minimizing bureaucracy and costs related to customs and tax duties.
Transit is the process of moving goods or people through the territory of one country with the intention of delivering them to their final destination in another country. The transit procedure allows goods to be moved across borders while avoiding full customs and tax duties in the transit country. The authorities supervising this process are usually customs authorities, which monitor and control the goods being moved, and these procedures are often regulated by international trade agreements and national customs and tax regulations. Transit is a key element of international trade, enabling global supply chains to function effectively.
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are international trade rules developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The first edition of Incoterms was introduced in 1936, with the aim of standardizing the interpretation of contractual clauses relating to the supply of goods. Since then, Incoterms have undergone several updates, with the latest version, Incoterms 2020, being introduced to address the changing needs of international trade. The latest edition does not differ much from the previous one, although it clarifies some inaccuracies. These rules define the rights and obligations of the buyer and seller in the context of the delivery of goods, defining who bears the costs and risks at particular stages of transport.
Incoterms play a key role in global logistics, defining fundamental aspects of international trade. Among these principles, DAP (Delivered at Place) and EXW (Ex Works) are important reference points for companies participating in international trade.
In the light of Łukasz Kubacki’s experience, the most frequently used trading principles by shippers and buyers are DAP, DPU and DDP. Kubacki adds that the EXW principle is also often used. This observation shows that the trade rules used reflect the diverse needs and preferences in trade transactions in the logistics market.
Below I will define two of the most popular principles and provide their applications.
DAP – Delivered at place
The DAP principle places much of the responsibility on the supplier, who is obliged to cover the costs and risks associated with delivery to the destination in the buyer’s country. Despite full convenience for the buyer, this principle carries a certain risk for the supplier related to control over the delivery process and possible customs and tax complications or delivery to the final destination.
EXW – Ex-works
Unlike DAP, the EXW principle transfers greater responsibility to the buyer, who must organize transport, pay transport costs and undertake customs and fiscal clearance. While this may seem riskier, the buyer gains more control over the delivery process, especially with a trusted supplier and own logistics resources.
Real Logistics is not just a transport company, it is a partner that connects the world. As a company with a global delivery reach, we offer comprehensive logistics solutions tailored to the individual needs of our customers. Our company guarantees not only fast and effective deliveries, but also a professional approach to customer service at every stage of the process. Thanks to an extensive network of partners and experience in the field of international transport, Real Logistics becomes a reliable support for companies that want to develop their businesses on the global market. Choose Real Logistics – your global delivery partner, ready to meet the biggest logistics challenges.
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