Transportation companies play a crucial role in the global supply chain by moving goods and people from one location to another. But what exactly do these companies do?
At Lesters Logistics, we offer a comprehensive range of services that help streamline this complex process. Let’s explore the key functions and responsibilities of transportation companies and how they keep everythigmoving smoothly.
What is a transport company?
Transport companies are predominantly concerned with the movement of goods and people. As an industry, it is a subgroup of the industrial sector according to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS).
This means that the phrase ‘transportation companies’ is an umbrella term encompassing a range of companies and industries that are concerned with movement from point A to point B. So, there isn’t one answer to the question above – a transportation company could be anything from a local coach hire to an internatinal courier.
Transportation companies can be split, roughly, into two categories:
Transportation of goods – not to be confused with freight forwarding, several companies in the transportation sector move goods via air, sea, and land. Examples of transportation of goods include couriers.
Transportation of people – in general, transportation companies are concerned predominantly with the movement of people whether that be via air, sea, or land. Examples of transportation of people include taxi services, airlines, train companies, and more.
Core Functions of Transportation Companies
Freight Movement
Transportation companies are responsible for the efficient movement of freight—goods or cargo—across various distances. This includes handling different types of freight such as perishable goods, electronics, and heavy machinery.
Route Planning and Optimisation
Effective route planning is essential to ensure that shipments reach their destination on time and at minimal cost. Transportation companies use advanced software and technology to optimise routes, considering traffic, weather, and other factors.
Fleet Management
Managing a fleet involves maintaining and servicing vehicles to ensure they are in good working condition. Transportation companies regularly schedule maintenance and repairs to prevent breakdowns and ensure safety.
Regulatory Compliance
Adhering to laws and regulations is critical for transportation companies. This includes ensuring that all vehicles meet safety standards, drivers comply with driving hours regulations, and all shipments are documented correctly.
Customer Service
Providing excellent customer service is key to building trust and ensuring smooth operations. Transportation companies offer support for booking, tracking shipments, and resolving issues promptly.
Warehousing and Distribution
Many transportation companies offer warehousing services where goods can be stored before being transported. They also manage the distribution of goods to various locations as required.
Why Transportation Companies Are Essential
If you are looking to ship your goods around the country or even the world, you will probably look into two options – transporting the goods yourself or hiring a transport company to do this for you, like Lesters.
There are many benefits of choosing an outside company to help you:
- Economic Impact: They facilitate trade and support economic growth by enabling businesses to reach new markets.
- Efficiency: They streamline the movement of goods, reducing costs and improving delivery times.
- Connectivity: They connect producers with consumers, ensuring that goods are available where and when needed.
- Saves on shipping costs: Buying the equipment necessary to do your own shipping can be expensive – you need to buy the transport and hire a driver/pilot, as well as many more costs. By hiring a transport company, you will keep costs down for both you and your customers.
- Reliable shipping: By hiring a transportation or logistics company, you can rely on people who know what they are doing and are motivated to get the job done as efficiently as possible.
- Flexibility: A transportation company provides the ability to scale up or scale down quickly and easily to meet your business needs.
- Expertise in Action: Transportation companies dedicate their entire focus to moving goods and services efficiently from one point to another, making them experts in the field. Partnering with a transportation company provides you with valuable insights and professional knowledge. We help manage every aspect of logistics, including planning, execution, transportation, and storage.
How Lesters Logistics Can Help
At Lesters Logistics, we provide professional transportation services that cater to your specific needs. Learn more about our transport and logistics service online or exploring our packaging products. Alternatively, you can contact a member of our team here at Lesters Logistics to find out more about transport companies.
