Inland trail transport enhances Logistics efficiency
Inland trail transport is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its capacity to handle large volumes of cargo at a low cost. With modern infrastructure, this mode of transport helps businesses optimize Logistics processes, stabilize delivery schedules, and foster long-term development, particularly along the North-Central-South domestic corridor.
Key considerations for inland rail transport
Inland rail transport is not the only option for businesses with transportation needs, but it offers exceptional advantages that are hard to find in other methods. Below are some key benefits and drawbacks businesses should weigh when making their choice.
Advantages of inland rail transport
- High cargo capacity: the rail system’s carriages and infrastructure are well-suited for safely and efficiently transporting large and heavy shipments. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to reduce costs when shipping large quantities of goods simultaneously.
- Safety and minimal external disruption: the fixed railway system is less affected by external factors like bad weather or traffic congestion. Train schedules are typically very reliable, enabling businesses to predict delivery times accurately and optimize supply chains.
- Environmentally friendly: rail transport consumes less energy than road transport and significantly reduces CO2 emissions, making it a perfect choice for businesses focused on sustainability and social responsibility.
Drawbacks of inland rail transport compared to other modes
- Limited flexibility: rail transport follows fixed schedules and cannot accommodate urgent shipping requests. Additionally, railway networks only connect specific locations, requiring other transport modes to deliver goods to their final destinations.
- Longer transit times: compared to road transport, rail transport often involves longer transit and handling times.
- Suitable only for large shipments: while rail transport excels in handling large and heavy goods, it is less practical for small-scale or individual shipments.
Types of goods suitable for rail transport
Although inland rail transport can handle various types of goods, specific rules apply depending on the nature, size, and weight of the cargo. Common goods transported via this method include:
- Consumer goods: includes food items (fruits, vegetables, processed foods), bottled water, and other consumer products such as spices, frozen foods, and prepared meals.
- Industrial goods: items used in manufacturing and construction, such as steel, building materials (cement, bricks, stones, sand), and machinery.
- Refrigerated goods: perishable food items requiring low-temperature storage, such as meat, seafood, frozen fruits and vegetables.
- Oversized and heavy cargo: includes industrial machinery, construction equipment, mining tools, large steel structures, and industrial generators.
Inland rail transport operations
A professional and efficient inland rail transport process typically involves the following steps:
- Step 1: Customers provide detailed information about the volume and specifics of the goods to be transported.
- Step 2: VELA’s specialized team evaluates the requirements and develops a tailored transportation plan.
- Step 3: Both parties agree on costs and sign a transportation contract.
- Step 4: The service provider loads goods from the warehouse onto the train as scheduled.
- Step 5: The train transports the cargo to the customer’s specified location following a predefined route.
- Step 6: Customers inspect and accept the goods before completing the payment.
Inland rail transport solution at VELA
To optimize costs and enhance operational efficiency, VELA’s digital platform offers reliable inland rail transport solutions tailored to various goods and unique requirements.
- Versatile capabilities: service providers on the VELA platform can handle diverse goods, from consumer products, agricultural items, industrial supplies, to oversized and heavy machinery. This helps businesses save costs and reduce reliance on other transport methods.
- Modern infrastructure and specialized equipment: advanced rail cars and handling equipment ensure goods remain intact throughout the transportation process.
- Transparent management and clear schedules: detailed transportation schedules allow businesses to track shipment progress directly on the digital platform. This enables effective supply chain planning and minimizes risks of delays or disruptions.
- Professional customer service: VELA’s team of experts is always ready to advise and assist customers throughout the process. Any issues arising will be resolved quickly and effectively, ensuring maximum satisfaction.
VELA’s inland rail transport service not only meets the requirements for efficient cargo transport but also serves as an optimal approach to cost savings, minimizing losses, and maximizing supply chain efficiency.