ESCM 2724 Supply Chain Management - International Transport

Study Notes

Distinction between international and domestic transport includes factors like regulations, operational challenges, and compliance standards.
Five modes of international transport include air, road, rail, pipeline, and sea, each with unique operational frameworks.

Air Parcel Postal Services: Limited to parcels weighing up to 32 kg, provided by public mail services.
Courier and Express Services: Feature quick transit times, often delivering next day for shipments under 32 kg.
Passenger-Freight Services: Combine the transport of passengers with cargo.
Freight Aircraft: Designed with larger hatch openings and cargo compartments, higher weight ratings than passenger aircraft.

Airfreight Forwarders: Offer comprehensive services including booking cargo, preparing customs documents, and managing logistics.
Air Freight Brokers: Primarily coordinate transportation without additional service offerings.

Unit Load Devices (ULDs) are tailored to the aircraft's cabin shape, facilitating efficient airfreight handling.

Standardization and harmonization are critical for effective cross-border road transport.
Key factors include:
- Traffic management systems compatibility.
- Customs policies affecting border-crossing time.
- Consistent traffic signage and control.
- Road design standards voor heavy hauls, such as minimal pavement strengths and lane widths.
- Availability of truck stops and maintenance facilities.

Three participation modes in international transport:
- Regional Rail Operations: Cross-border operations within regions, e.g., SADC group cooperation.
- Inland to Port Rail Operations: Connecting remote locations to import/export ports.
- Land-Bridge Operations: Intermodal rail services linking seaports across land masses.

Transportation occurs both overland and under-sea.
Overland projects link South Africa with Namibia, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe; under-sea connections exist between Scandinavian countries and Europe.

Various ship types used in international sea transport include:
- Bulk carriers (dry-bulk, tankers, OBO vessels)
- Container vessels
- Conventional cargo vessels
- Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships
- Combination vessels
- Lighter-Aboard Ships (LASH)
- Livestock carriers.
Types of carriers involved:
- Liner operators, following set routes and schedules.
- Charter ship operators (tramp-ship operators) who lease vessels for specific shipments.
- Private ship operators, managing their own fleets for ancillary operations.