International trade is often the key driver for companies to achieve sustainable, profitable growth. The momentum comes from a business strategy with customer value at its core, and then translating that into international markets. Consequently international business now extends beyond the market research, country visit and distributor mechanisms, to the systematic application of real time logistics management for sustainable, profitable growth.

Moving freight across global supply chains requires multimodal solutions to handle products and shipping containers from their origin to their final destination. Often the container mother ship will consolidate & discharge cargo via feeder ports & vessels operating in hub and spoke distribution systems. Final shift will be achieved by a rail freight carrier, barge or traditional road transport. Hauliers in Europe make extensive use of RoRo ferries (Roll on, Roll off) for trailers and unitised cargo with UK ports acting as critical “bus stops” in these supply chains.

Manufacture, processing or assembly of raw materials and components often takes place at or near sea ports. As road haulage costs escalate, it is apparent that facilities located close to a shipping port have significant competitive advantage compared to other factories/distribution centres located at great distances away from the sea ports. To extract maximum value from these supply chains ”postponed manufacturing” and port centric logistics have gathered significant momentum. 

These disciplines apply through all the stages of creating customer value, from raw material sourcing through to finished product purchase. Furthermore, today’s supply chains extend beyond that point of consumption to deal with by-products and their recycling opportunities.

PortCentric Logistics solutions are an innovative way to reduce supply chain costs and lower carbon footprints for internationally traded goods. For more details please visit our associated partner sites at    www.portcentricity.com    and    www.ukportcentric.com