Maritime Air Rail and intermodal Road freight transport

Structure Liner conferences
Liner conferences are formal groups of
of the shipping lines that operate on certain
industry shipping routes
that bring together all lines operating in a
specific geographic zone.
Shipping lines
They own and operate the various types of
ships in their fleets. Their role is to provide
the
physical means by which cargo may be
safely and efficiently transported by sea.
Ships’ agents
They provide services to the shipping lines
in the ports where the ships call. A ship’s
agent will
deal with many important and diverse
matters on behalf of the shipping line.
Freight forwarders
Often referred to as freight management
companies, these days their role is to
oversee and
manage the movement of the freight from
the point of origin to the point of destination.
Freight management companies provide
integrated door-to-door solutions
The structure of the air transport industry This chapter is primarily concerned with Three primary aspects need thorough
comprises various airlines competing for intermodal transport. However, as railways play assessment - efficiency, economy, and legality.
passengers and cargo. It also includes a key role in transporting intermodal containers Efficiency, in this context, denotes the most
airports, aeronautical service providers, as well as carrying large volumes of bulk freight effective method of completing the task,
aircraft manufacturers and regulators. Major such as coal, grain, fuel and other bulk considering several significant factors. The truck
airlines often dominate the market, with commodities, some wider information on rail should be fit for purpose.
some operating globally. Factors such as transport has been included.
strategic alliances, security, operational Main vehicle types
efficiency and changes in demand influence The following section is designed to provide an A trailer is a vehicle for transporting goods that is
this structure. CASS is a web-based overview of the various types of equipment pulled by a motor vehicle. There are two primary
system that allows airlines specifically used in intermodal transport. The list kinds of trailers: 1) a draw-bar trailer with a
and freight forwarders to make only one is not exhaustive but the most common minimum of four wheels that independently
payment to, or receive one payment from, equipment will be identified and described supports its load; and 2) a semi-trailer, which is a
airlines or cargo agents. briefly. trailer integrated into an articulated vehicle.
Undoubtedly the introduction of unitized loads in Types of operation
the form of International Standards Organization When it comes to distribution operations, vehicles
Cargo agents are freight forwarders who are (ISO) containers and pallets revolutionized the make numerous deliveries involving the handling
authorized by IATA to handle cargo on movement of freight from the 1960s onwards. and transportation of various types and sizes of
behalf of customers wishing to ship cargo by Pallets first appeared on the global transport goods and packaging. These operations are
air. IATA establishes operating rules, which stage courtesy of the United States military occasionally referred to as composite delivery
ensures the welfare of agents, and allows forces in the 1940s. operations.
them to broadcast their known air routes. Global operations also pose specific challenges
that require consideration. It's probable that
various types of terrain—flat, hilly, and
mountainous—will be encountered. Distances
traveled are expected to be extensive.
Furthermore, it's crucial to reduce the risk of
breakdowns in remote areas where repairing
vehicles might incur significant expenses.

Cost This is a common method used by shipping
lines to price sea-freight for break-bulk
shipments. It is important to understand that
this method considers that 1 metric tonne is
equal to 1 cubic metre and that the price
quoted applies to the higher of the two
numbers
Bunker adjustment factor (BAF)
Basic principles of price calculation:
1. The dimensions of the cargo must be
accurately measured in centimeters to the
most extreme points of the piece to be
carried. This calculation establishes the
volume of the cargo and is based on: length
× width × height = cargo volume. It is
important to note that any cylindrical (or any
unusually shaped item) will be calculated in
The cost of rail and intermodal transport can
vary depending on factors such as distance,
type of cargo, shipping volume, and specific
routes. Generally, rail transport tends to be more
cost-effective for long-distance hauls and bulk
shipments compared to other modes of
transportation like trucking. Intermodal transport,
which combines rail with other modes such as
trucks or ships, can offer cost savings and
efficiencies for certain types of cargo and routes.
To understand how transportation costs are
calculated, it is important to learn a few keywords.
Here are the most important ones:
Unit cost: This is how we measure expenses, for
example, how much it costs to travel a distance
(in miles or kilometers) or deliver a box.
BAF is a common surcharge applied to sea-
freight rates by shipping lines. It is designed
to take
account of the variations in the price of
marine fuel in different parts of the world.
The BAF is
changed from time to time
Currency adjustment factor (CAF)
CAF is another common surcharge that is
applied to take account of any differences in
cost
incurred by the shipping line due to currency
exchange fluctuations for services bought
by them in foreign currencies in the
execution of their services on the customer’s system. This means that the airline will
behalf.
All sea-freight rates are generally priced in calculations of the weight or the volume. If
US $ or euros but local services purchased
by the
shipping company will be in the local
currency of the country in which the goods
or services
are bought.
Peak season surcharge (PSS)
PSS is a surcharge that is applied to both air kilograms of chargeable rate.
freight and sea-freight originating in the Far
East.
Repositioning charge
This is a surcharge that is sometimes
applied by the shipping line to cover the cost
of returning
an empty container to a location where it
may be loaded with revenue-earning cargo.
volume terms based not on the actual
volume of the cylinder but on the basis of
the volume of a box that the cylinder would
fit inside exactly. Therefore, all calculations
are cubic and based on rectilinear shapes
not actual shapes. Additionally, if there is a
part of the cargo that extends outward from
the piece, such as a pipe or aerial, then the
entire additional cubic area that this
extension consumes will be charged,
however small the pipe or aerial may be in
terms of volume itself.
2. As with sea-freight, the pricing of air
freight is based on a weight or measure
charge air cargo at the higher of the two
the weight is higher than the volume, then
this will be the basis of the price; if the
volume figure is higher, then this will be
used. The airline industry calculates the
relationship between weight and volume in
the following way: 1 metric tonne = 6 cubic
meters or 6,000 cubic centimeters = 1
kilogram, therefore 1 cubic meter = 166.67
For accurate pricing, it's best to consult with Cost center: is where you put the expenses. It can
transportation companies or logistics experts be a car, a group of cars, a driver or a warehouse.
who can provide quotes based on your specific
needs. Direct cost: are expenses that are directly related
Certainly! The costs in rail and intermodal to a car, such as gasoline, insurance or permits.
transport are influenced by several factors:
Indirect costs: These are the overhead costs of
1. Distance: Generally, longer distances tend to running a business, such as office salaries,
result in lower costs per mile in rail transport due telephone or advertising. They are distributed
to economies of scale. Rail transport is among cars.
particularly cost-effective for long-haul
shipments. Fixed costs: they are expenses that do not
change much, such as car insurance or
2. Type of Cargo: The nature of the cargo being depreciation. No matter how much the car travels,
transported can significantly impact costs. Bulk these expenses are the same.
commodities like coal, grain, and minerals
Variable costs: these are expenses that change
typically have lower transportation costs per unit
depending on how much the car travels, such as
compared to higher-value or perishable goods.
gasoline or tires.
3. Volume: Shipping larger volumes of goods There are also three main types of transportation
can often lead to lower costs per unit. Rail and expenses: those that are always the same (
intermodal carriers often offer volume discounts insurance), those that change ( gasoline), and
for customers who ship large quantities of business overheads.
goods.
4. Equipment and Handling
The type of equipment required for
transportation, such as railcars or containers,
can influence costs. Additionally, handling fees
at terminals or transfer points can add to the
overall cost.
5. intermodal Handling
In intermodal transport, where cargo moves
through multiple modes (e.g., rail to truck), costs
are impacted by factors such as terminal
handling charges, drayage (short-distance
trucking), and transloading fees.
6.Fuel Prices
Fuel costs play a significant role in
transportation costs. Rail transport tends to be
more fuel-efficient than trucking, but fluctuations
in fuel prices can still affect overall costs.
7. Infrastructure and Maintenance

General
Characteris
tic General characteristics of maritime
transportation as a mode of transport in
logistics include:
Cost-Effectiveness: Maritime
transportation is often more cost-
effective compared to other
modes, especially for large
volumes of cargo and long
distances.
Global Reach: It provides access
to remote locations and facilitates
trade between countries across
continents.
High Capacity: Ships have large
carrying capacities, making them
suitable for transporting bulk
cargo such as oil, grains, and
minerals.
Infrastructure Dependent: It relies
on well-developed port
infrastructure including docks,
terminals, and navigational
channels.
Slow Transit Times: While slower
than air transport, maritime
transportation offers reliable
schedules and predictable transit
times for planning logistics
operations.
Environmental Impact: It is
generally considered more
environmentally friendly compared
to other modes, but concerns exist
Speed: Air transport is undoubtedly the
fastest mode of transportation available.
Airplanes can reach speeds of over 1,000
km/h (621 mph), allowing them to cover
large distances in a very short time. This
makes it the ideal option for urgent trips or
transporting perishable goods.
Range: Unlike other modes of transport, air
transport is not limited by terrestrial
obstacles such as mountains or bodies of
water. This allows it to reach almost any
point on the planet, including remote or
difficult-to-access locations.
Safety: Air transport is characterized by its
high level of safety. Aircraft are subjected to
rigorous controls and maintenance, and the
crews are highly trained to ensure the safety
of passengers and cargo.
Efficiency: Air transport is a very efficient
mode of transport, especially in terms of
time and fuel consumption. Despite being
the most expensive, it can be the most
economical option for transporting high-
value goods or those that require fast
delivery.
Infrastructure: Air transport requires
specialized infrastructure, such as airports
and air traffic control systems. This
infrastructure is expensive to build and
maintain, which is reflected in the price of
tickets and transportation rates.
Costs also include infrastructure maintenance,
track usage fees, and any required investments
in rail networks or intermodal terminals.
8. Regulatory and Insurance Costs Compliance
with regulations, such as safety standards and
environmental requirements, can add to
operational costs. Insurance costs for cargo and
liability coverage are also factors.
Cost Efficiency: Rail and intermodal transport Light (sometimes referred to as volumetric) loads
are often praised for their cost efficiency, are those loads that consist of lightweight
particularly for long-distance hauls and bulk commodities that are extremely bulky. There are
shipments. They can offer lower transportation a large number of examples from the different
costs per ton-mile compared to other modes of industries
transportation like trucking.
Heavy loads pose problems for vehicle choice
because of the gross vehicle weight restrictions
Capacity: Rail transport has high capacity on roads and also because of axle weight
capabilities, allowing it to handle large volumes restrictions.
of freight efficiently. Intermodal transport further
enhances capacity by integrating different
modes of transportation, such as rail, truck, and The problem of mixed loads – where quite
sometimes maritime shipping. heavy products are mixed on the same vehicle as
quite light ones – would not appear to indicate the
Reliability: Rail transport is known for its likelihood of any constraining factors.
reliability in terms of adherence to schedules,
especially for long-haul routes with dedicated
freight lines. However, intermodal transport may
introduce complexities that could affect
reliability, such as coordination between different
modes and terminals.
Environmental Impact: Rail transport is generally
considered more environmentally friendly than
road transport due to lower emissions per ton-
mile. Intermodal transport, by combining rail with
other modes like trucking, can further reduce
environmental impact by optimizing the
transportation chain.
Infrastructure Dependence: Both rail and
intermodal transport rely heavily on
infrastructure such as rail networks, terminals,
and intermodal facilities. Investments in
infrastructure maintenance and development are
 regarding emissions, oil spills, and Restrictions: Air transport is subject to crucial for ensuring the efficiency and
marine pollution. various restrictions, such as weight and size effectiveness of these transportation modes.
limitations on cargo, security regulations,
and weather conditions.

Types of cargo: Air transport can carry a
wide variety of cargo, including:
● Passengers: Passenger transport is
the most well-known sector of air
transport. Airlines offer scheduled
and charter flights to domestic and
international destinations.
● Cargo: Cargo transportation is a
crucial sector for the global economy.
It is used to transport all kinds of
products, from fresh produce to
electronic components.
● Mail: Airmail is a postal service that
allows letters, packages, and
documents to be sent quickly and
securely to anywhere in the world.
Flexibility: While rail transport offers high
capacity and cost efficiency for certain types of
cargo and routes, it may lack the flexibility of
trucking, especially for last-mile delivery or
accessing remote locations. Intermodal transport
seeks to mitigate this limitation by combining rail
with other modes to provide more flexible
transportation solutions.
Safety: Rail transport is generally considered
safe, with lower accident rates compared to road
transport. However, ensuring safety in
intermodal transport requires coordination
between different modes and adherence to
safety protocols during transfer and handling.

Advantages:

● Speed
● Global reach
● Safety
● Efficiency
● Versatility

Disadvantages:

● High cost
● Reliance on specialized infrastructure
● Restrictions
● Environmental impact

Documents °Bills of lading:
A bill of lading is issued by the shipping
line as a receipt for the cargo being
transported on its ship. It is also a
contract of carriage to deliver the cargo to
a named destination.
°Letters of credit:
They function as a means of protection for
both the buyer and the seller.
Air waybills (AWB):
An air waybill is a contract to transport
goods by air and is issued by the carrier
airline.
It limits the liability of the airline and details
the goods being carried. It also includes the
charges for this service. Unlike a sea-freight
bill of lading, an air waybill is a non-
negotiable document. They are sometimes
General documents:
• Bill of lading or bill of lading: It is the contract of
carriage that establishes the conditions of the
same, such as the route, the price, the
responsibility of the carrier and the shipper, etc.
● Bill of Lading: It is a document issued by
the carrier that details the merchandise
transported, the conditions of
transportation, and the terms of the
transportation contract.
● Transport Document: This may be a freight
bill, bill of lading, or other document
evidencing the contract of transportation
between the shipper and the carrier.
 °Certificate of origin:
This is a document issued by a certifying
body that establishes the origin of the
goods being transported.
°Commercial invoices:
The commercial invoice produced by the
seller establishes amongst other things
the weight of the goods, the number of
items, a description of the goods, and the
price of the goods being sold.
°Packing lists:
A packing list is a detailed list of all the
items to be transported.
°Other documents:
• insurance certificates;
• certificates stating that the goods meet a
certain safety or engineering standard;
• data sheets relating to the management
of certain hazardous chemicals;
• certificates verifying that pallets or
packing materials have been fumigated to
avoid the importation of biological pests.
This list is by no means exhaustive and
requirements often change very quickly
and with little warning.
Handling It highlights several important terms
related to maritime transportation, such Unit Load Devices (ULDs):
as FCL and LCL for full container loads
and also discusses how shipping terms
such as "hook to hook" and "free in/out",
which are responsible for the loading and
unloading. Relevant include "break bulk
cargo", "Weight or Measure (W/M)", and
concepts such as "stackable cargo" and
"stowage plan" for cargo planning.
Additionally, technical terms such as
TEU and FEU are mentioned to describe
the size of containers. Organizing and
having the clearest concept FCL (Full
used as through delivery documents by road
transport companies where the majority of
the journey distance has been completed by
air. They may be used for both domestic
and international carriage of goods.
House air waybills (HAWB):
A house air waybill is issued by a freight
forwarding company that is entitled to do so.
For example, an IATA cargo agent would be
entitled to issue a HAWB as they will have
the relevant insurances in place and the
issuer will assume the liability as the carrier
in the same way as the airline carrier would
for an AWB. These are most often used in
the situation where small cargo shipments
are consolidated by the freight forwarder for
onward shipment to the final destination.
These individual HAWBs for all the
shipments consolidated will be detailed in a
master air waybill (MAWB), which details
the contract between the freight forwarding
company and the carrier airline.
Other documentation:
Packing lists, commercial invoices,
certificates of origin and a variety of other
cargo or country specific documents may be
required by the airlines, security services
and customs services at both origin and
destination airports
● Essentially shipping containers for
airplanes.
● Various forms, but all serve the same
purpose: efficient and safe cargo
stowage.
● Maximize available space and often
designed for specific aircraft shapes.
● Examples:
○ Main deck pallets (flat metal,
specific dimensions) with
netting.
• Commercial invoice: Details the goods
transported, their value, quantity and other data
relevant to customs.
• Packing list: Describes the contents of each
package of merchandise.
• Certificate of origin: Indicates the country of
origin of the goods.
Specific documents for rail transport:
• Wagon sheet: Contains information about the
wagon, such as its number, type, capacity and
weight.
• Arrival notice: Inform the recipient of the arrival
of the goods at the destination station.
• Sealing certificate: Ensures that the goods
have not been handled during transport.
Specific documents for intermodal transport:
• Multimodal transport document (FBL): It is a
unique document that covers the entire route of
the goods, regardless of the different means of
transport used.
• Consolidation manifest: Details the
merchandise that is in a container or intermodal
transport unit (IUU).
•EXW – ex works (named place of delivery). The
seller makes the goods available at its premises.
The buyer is responsible for uploading. This
term places the maximum obligation on the
buyer and minimum obligation on the seller. The
ex works term is often used when making an
initial quotation for the sale of goods without any
costs included. EXW means that a seller has the
goods ready for collection at his or her premises
on the date agreed upon. The buyer pays all
transportation costs and also bears the risks for
bringing the goods to their final destination. The
seller does not load the goods on collecting
vehicles and does not clear them for export. If
● Commercial Invoice: It is a document that
details the merchandise sold, its value, the
conditions of sale and other relevant
commercial terms. It is used for customs
and billing purposes.
● Cargo Insurance Document: In some
cases, a document is required proving that
the cargo is insured during road
transportation.
● Customs Documents: Depending on the
countries of origin and destination,
customs documents such as customs
declaration, certificates of origin,
inspection documents, among others, may
be necessary.
● Transport Permits and Licenses: Specific
licenses and permits may be required to
transport certain types of cargo or to
operate on certain routes.
● Packaging Documents: These include
packing lists, shipping labels, and other
documents related to packaging and cargo
identification.
● Security Documents: They may include
cargo security declarations, security
inspection records, and other documents
related to security measures during
transportation.
Refers to all activities related to the:
● loading
● unloading
● transshipment
● storage
Method of loading or delivery:
● by fork-lift truck
● by manual handling
● by overhead gantry (height limitations)
● by straddle carrier (containers)
● from the side, rear, front, top or bottom (oil
tankers).
Container Load): Load that will fill a full
container. LCL (Less than Container
Load): Shipment that will not fill a
container and will require consolidation
with other LCL shipments. Hook to hook:
Price that includes loading and
unloading of goods at the destination
port, as well as transportation between
ports, but not insurance or additional
handling costs. Break bulk cargo: Loose
non-containerized cargo, such as items
out of size or weight for containers. W/M Air Cargo Handling Equipment:
(Weight or Measure): Common method
for calculating maritime freight,
considering that 1 metric ton is equal to 1
cubic meter. TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent
Unit) and FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent
Unit): Units of measurement for
containers around 20 and 40 feet
○ Lower deck ULDs (shaped to
fuselage, light metal with
door/netting).
● Identified using IATA coding system
(letters describe container,
dimensions, details).
● Airlines for America has another
classification system.
● More information in IATA ULD
Technical Manual.
● Sophisticated systems for quick and
safe cargo transfer.
● Fixed conveying systems with rollers
(powered for movement and turning
ULDs).
● Aircraft access through side/front/rear
doors with size limitations.
● Powered lifting devices (hi-loaders)
position ULDs for aircraft loading.
● Roller floors inside cargo holds for
ULD movement.
● Larger aircraft:
○ Front/rear doors lowering to
ground level for forklift loading.
○ Overhead gantry cranes for
loading assistance.
the seller does load the goods, he does so at the This process involves all actions necessary to
buyer’s risk and cost. move goods from their origin to their final
destination in a safe and efficient manner.
• FCA – free carrier (named place of delivery).
The seller hands over the goods, Handling tasks in road transport include loading
cleared for export, into the disposal of the first goods onto vehicles, ensuring that they are
carrier (named by the buyer) at properly packed and secured for the journey.
the named place. The buyer pays for carriage to During transport, cargo consolidation activities
the named point of delivery, may be performed, where several shipments are
and risk passes when the goods are handed combined in a single vehicle to optimize efficiency
over to the first carrier. and reduce costs.
•CPT – carriage paid to (named place of In addition, handling involves unloading the goods
destination). The seller pays for carriage. Risk at the destination, which can be a warehouse, a
transfers to the buyer upon handing over the distribution facility or directly in the hands of the
goods to the first carrier at the place of import. customer. During this process, it is crucial to
handle the goods with care to avoid damage and
•CIP – carriage and insurance paid to (named ensure that they arrive in optimal condition.
place of destination). The containerized
transport/multimodal equivalent of CIF. The
seller pays for carriage and insurance to the
named destination point, but risk passes when
the goods are handed over to the first carrier.
• DAT – delivered at terminal (named terminal at
port or place of destination). The seller pays for
carriage to the terminal, except for costs related
to import clearance, and assumes all risks up to
the point that the goods are unloaded at the
terminal.
• DAP – delivered at place (named place of
destination). The seller pays for carriage to the
named place, except for costs related to import
clearance, and assumes all risks prior to the
point that the goods are ready for unloading by
the buyer.
• DDP – delivered duty paid (named place of
destination). The seller is responsible for
delivering the goods to the named place in the
country of the buyer, and pays all costs in
bringing the goods to the destination, including
import duties and taxes. The buyer is
responsible for unloading. This term is often
used in place of the non-Incoterm ‘free in store’

Classificati Ships are classified by organizations that
on survey and classify vessels. They are
licensed by
governments who issue ship certificates
for ships registered in their country. As
a general rule insurance
companies would increase their
insurance premium for older vessels.
Deadweight tonnage (DWT)
Aframax
Very large crude carrier
Ultra large crude carrier
● Air cargo is transported using a wide
range of aircraft, from small ones like
the Piper PA-31 Seneca to large
ones like the Antonov An-225.
● Helicopters are useful for accessing
remote areas and can carry external
loads. Both cargo planes and
helicopters are used for military,
civilian, and humanitarian purposes.
Some planes can air-drop supplies
with parachutes. Additionally,
passenger aircraft also carry cargo.
While some common air freighters
are listed, it's important to note that
the list is not exhaustive.
(FIS). This term places the maximum obligations
on the seller and minimum obligations on the
buyer
Rail Transport:Dedicated rail freight services:
These involve the transportation of goods
exclusively by rail, utilizing dedicated freight
trains and infrastructure.
Passenger rail services: This includes the
transportation of passengers via rail, which may
or may not coincide with freight operations on
the same rail network.
Intermodal Transport:Containerized freight:
Intermodal transport often involves the
movement of goods using standardized
containers that can be easily transferred
between different modes of transportation, such
as rail, truck, and ship.
Piggyback services: This refers to the
transportation of truck trailers or semi-trailers on
rail flatcars, allowing for seamless intermodal
transport.
Main vehicles types:
● Motor vehicle: Mechanically propelled for
road use, including gasoline, diesel,
electric or steam.
● Cargo vehicle: Designed to transport
cargo.
● Trailer: Cargo vehicle towed by another
vehicle.
● Articulated vehicle: Driving unit (tractor)
and semi-articulated trailer.
● Rigid vehicle: Drive unit and load unit
constructed as a single entity.
● Change of terms: "Heavy Goods Vehicle"
(HGV) replaced by "Large Goods Vehicle"
(LGV) since 1991 in the UK for legal
purposes.
Types of operation:
● Primary transportation: Involves long
distance travel, delivering full loads from a
point of origin (such as a factory) to a point
of destination (such as a warehouse or
distribution depot).
● Urban delivery: Refers to the distribution of
cargo in urban areas, where multiple
deliveries are made in one day.
● Secondary distribution: Involves the
delivery of freight over shorter distances
within urban or rural areas.
● Combined operations: Refers to
operations that combine long distance
transportation and local delivery
characteristics.
● Quarry and construction work: Involves
transporting materials such as sand, gravel
or other products to and from construction
sites. Rugged vehicles, such as eight-
wheel rigid trucks, are used.
● International operations: Involve long
distances and different types of terrain.
Load types:
 ● Light loads: These refer to light but bulky
products. They require a large cubic
capacity in relation to their weight, known
as "high volume factor". They can often be
transported with large rigid vehicles or
double-decker semi-trailers to increase
load capacity.
● Heavy loads: These include very heavy
products that can pose challenges due to
road weight restrictions and axle weight
restrictions. Some heavy loads may
require special vehicles designed to carry
loads above the maximum allowable
weight.

Main types of vehicle body:

● Box vans: Ideal for urban delivery vehicles
due to weather protection and security
features.
● Platform or flat beds: Suitable for raw
materials and products unaffected by
weather, often requiring roping and
sheeting.
● Road tankers: Used for carrying liquids
and powders, requiring specific loading
and discharging mechanisms.
● Tilt bodies: Feature fabric covers over a
framework, eliminating the need for roping
and sheeting for faster customs
clearance.
● Curtain-sided bodies: Offer flexible
loading and unloading without the need
for roping and sheeting.
● Tippers: Used for directly tipping bulk
materials like gravel or cement, with some
advancements in safety features.
● Low loaders: Designed for carrying large
or heavy loads.
● Other specialized bodies: Tailored for
specific products like livestock, furniture,
hanging garments, or refrigerated
products.
● Demountable box vans: Offer flexibility by
being detachable and removable using
jacks, improving distribution operations'
efficiency.

Security Safety in maritime transport is vital to
protect human life at sea, prevent
accidents and minimize environmental
impacts.
Unstable political or security situations,
and in extreme cases of open war, are
capable of causing a huge disruption of
international shipping.
This phenomenon is nothing new in the
history of maritime transport, but the
consequences are that this increases
insurance premiums and encourages
shipowners to take longer detours.
In turn, this has the effect of increasing
costs, which are transmitted to the
customer.
At the time of writing, the issue of piracy
has once again become front-page news
as pirates operating from the Horn of
Africa have been seizing ships in the
waters approaching the entrance to the
Red Sea and the coast of East Africa.
Another hot spot is the Strait of Malacca
between Indonesia and Malaysia.
Air cargo transport safety faces several
main risks, including:
- Placing explosive or incendiary devices
inside the cargo before loading onto the
aircraft.
- Undeclared or undetected carriage of
hazardous material on board the aircraft.
- Possibility of smuggling prohibited goods
within air cargo.
- Theft of air cargo.
- Hijacking of aircraft or sabotage by
persons with access to the aircraft.
These risks can be mitigated by:
- Inspection and inspection of cargo.
- Improving the physical security of air cargo
installations.
- "Known sender" programs.
- Improvement in staff safety training.
- Restriction of access to aircraft and air
cargo facilities.
- Use of air cargo safety technology such as
tamper-proof seals, explosion-resistant
Infrastructure Security: Ensuring the security of
rail tracks, terminals, and intermodal facilities to
prevent unauthorized access and sabotage.
Cargo Security: Implementing measures to
safeguard cargo during transit, such as tamper-
evident seals, GPS tracking, and surveillance
systems
Cybersecurity: Protecting digital systems and
networks involved in rail and intermodal
operations from cyber threats, such as hacking
and malware attacks.
Personnel Security: Screening and training
employees to recognize security threats and
adhere to safety protocols.
Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to relevant
security regulations and standards set by
governmental authorities and industry
organizations.
Emergency Response Planning: Developing
contingency plans to address security incidents,
● Swap-bodies: Detachable like ISO
containers, used by intermodal operators
for increased flexibility and
standardization.
Main types of road freight transport:
● Primary transport: focuses on cost
reduction by efficiently moving products
from one point to another at minimum cost,
often involving large vehicles filled to
capacity. Key aspects include maximizing
vehicle time utilization, finding return loads
for efficient use of vehicles, and less
emphasis on specialized vehicle
specifications.
● Secondary transport: involves direct
contact with customers or end users and
emphasizes customer service over cost
reduction. It often includes multi-drop
journeys and requires accurate scheduling
due to restricted delivery time windows.
Physical security: Means the protection of
persons, property and facilities from damage or
theft:
* Control of access to restricted areas
* Surveillance by security cameras
* Security guards
* Alarm systems
Computer security: Refers to the protection of
data and information against unauthorized
access, misuse or destruction:
* Strong passwords
* Firewalls
* Antivirus software
* Data encryption
Cargo Safety: Refers to measures taken to
insure cargo during transport and prevent
damage or loss:
* Proper packaging
* Correct labelling
* Safe loading and securing
 •The pirates' aim is to demand ransoms
from owners, who are invariably paid in
order to avoid loss of life, ship or cargo.
Cargo Stowage plan
This is a plan prepared by a
representative of the shipping line, which
will clearly show where
each item to be loaded will be placed in
the ship’s holds or on the open deck. The
plan will be
based on a detailed packing list (see
below) provided by the consignor.
Lost slots
A slot is a term used to describe the
space taken up by an ISO shipping
container on a cellular
container vessel. If certain types of
specialist container are used to transport
the goods, such
as flat-racks or open-top containers, then
there is the possibility that the cargo will
protrude
outside the normal cubic dimensions of a
standard shipping container.
Port rotation
This refers to the order and names of the
ports at which the ship is planning to
call.
TEU
containers, biometric data and improved
load review systems.
In the context of air transport, "cargo"
refers to goods or products that are
transported by air. Basically, it’s
anything sent by air transport. This can
include a wide variety of items, from
everyday consumer goods and mail to
perishable goods, machinery and even
live animals (with specific regulations).
Cargo agents:
They are intermediaries authorized by IATA
to handle air cargo shipments on behalf of
customers. They handle documentation,
insurance, and issuance of House Air
Waybills (HAWBs).
Unit load devices (ULDs): Containers used transferred between different modes of
to transport cargo safely and efficiently, transportation, such as trucks, trains, and ships.
maximizing available space in the aircraft. These containers are loaded and unloaded
Different ULD types exist depending on the using specialized cranes at intermodal facilities.
aircraft (main or lower deck).
ULD identification and classification:
IATA: System with three-letter codes
describing the container, dimensions, and
physical characteristics.
Airlines for America: Has its own
classification system.
including procedures for communication,
evacuation, and coordination with law
enforcement agencies.
Collaboration: Collaborating with partners,
including other transport companies,
government agencies, and law enforcement, to
enhance security across the supply chain.
The cargo area on a train. When discussing rail
transportation and intermodalism, the cargo area
is where goods are loaded onto the train for
transport. Intermodalism involves the use of
multiple modes of transportation, such as trains
and trucks, to efficiently move cargo between
different points.
Bulk loading: This method involves pouring or
dumping bulk cargo, such as coal, grain, or
minerals, directly into specially designed railcars
capable of holding large quantities of bulk
material.
Containerized loading: Many goods are loaded
into standard containers that can be easily
Some cargoes, such as vehicles, heavy
machinery, or even other trains, are loaded
directly onto special rail platforms and secured
for transport.
Palletized or boxed cargo: Cargo that is
palletized or boxed may be loaded manually or
Safety procedures shall be:
* Training: Staff must be trained in safety to
understand risks and how to respond to them.
* Planning: A safety plan is needed to identify
risks and put in place measures to mitigate them.
* Implementation: Security measures must be
effectively implemented and kept up to date.
* Monitoring: The effectiveness of security
measures should be continuously monitored.
Responsibilities in the field of safety:
* The company: Is responsible for providing a
safe working environment and implementing the
necessary safety measures.
* Employees: They are responsible for complying
with safety regulations and reporting any risk
situation.
Types of load:
* General Load: Any type of load that is not
classified as dangerous or perishable.
* Hazardous load: Means any type of load which
may pose a risk to health, safety or the
environment.
* Perishable cargo: Refers to any cargo that may
deteriorate or rot if not transported under
appropriate conditions.
Requirements for the carriage of cargo:
* Packaging: The cargo must be properly packed
to protect it from damage during transport.
* Labeling: The load must be correctly labeled to
identify its content and associated risks.
* Documentation: You must have the necessary
documentation for the transport of the cargo, such
as the consignment note.
Responsibilities in freight transport:
* The charger: It is responsible for ensuring that
the load is properly packed, labeled and
documented.
* The carrier is responsible for transporting the
cargo safely and in accordance with applicable
rules and regulations.
This stands for 20-foot equivalent unit
and is equal to one 20-foot ISO shipping
container.
Cellular container ships are usually
described by the amount of TEUs they
can carry.
FEU
This stands for a 40-foot equivalent unit
and is equal to one 40-foot ISO shipping
container.
Air cargo handling equipment: with loading equipment into the freight cars of * The recipient: Is responsible for receiving the
Motorized conveyor systems: Move ULDs the train. cargo and verifying that it is in good condition.
on roller tracks, allowing for turns to position
them correctly.
Hi-loaders: Lifting equipment that brings
ULDs to the aircraft door.
Gantry cranes: Used in heavy-lift aircraft to
assist loading.
Access doors: Side, front or rear, with size
restrictions.
Cargo aircraft examples:
Antonov An-225: Frontal access, 1100 m³
hold volume, and 250-ton capacity.
Antonov An-124: Front and rear ramp
access for direct loading.