Logistics Management: Systems, Cargo, and Technology

Posted on Jan 16, 2026 in Industrial Design and Product Development Engineering

Core Characteristics of Transport Terminals

The main characteristics of transport terminals include:

  • Intermodal transfer points: They enable the transfer of cargo between different modes of transportation, ensuring continuity in national and international flows.
  • Buffer function: They act as buffers in the transport chain, often providing significant storage capacity.
  • Specialized equipment: These facilities require specific infrastructure and handling equipment depending on the type of cargo.
  • Key attributes:
    • Location: Strategic geographical placement.
    • Accessibility: Easy access to transport networks.
    • Infrastructure: Must accommodate the volume and type of goods handled.

Types of Cargo Processed in Terminals

  • Bulk cargo: Includes liquid bulk and dry bulk.
  • General cargo: Diverse in shape and size.
  • Containers: Standardized units moved with minimal labor but requiring wide intermodal spaces and specialized cranes.

Key Logistics Models and Their Functions

  1. Reverse Logistics
  2. Production Logistics
  3. Supply Logistics
  4. Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
  5. Integrated Logistics
  6. Distribution Logistics

Production Logistics: This type of logistics is in charge of planning, implementing, and controlling the transformation of raw materials into finished products ready for consumption. It involves internal logistics flows within a manufacturing plant and ensures that materials, parts, and supplies are handled efficiently during production.

Other relevant details:

  • Reverse logistics focuses on returning goods and recovering packaging.
  • 3PL involves outsourcing distribution services to external logistics providers.
  • Distribution logistics ensures final product delivery to customers with optimal timing and cost.
  • Integrated logistics supports productivity across the entire supply chain through strategic coordination.
  • Supply logistics manages operations for preparing and assembling products.

Fleet Management vs. Tracking Systems

  • Fleet Management System: A fleet management system is a tool used by transport companies to monitor and manage their vehicle fleet. It records and analyzes data such as distances traveled, fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance, repairs, and driver performance. The system helps optimize fleet usage, reduce costs, plan routes, and evaluate performance on a weekly or monthly basis.
  • Tracking System: A tracking system is focused on real-time monitoring of vehicle and cargo location, typically using GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. It allows for communication with drivers, route adjustments while en route, and better coordination of deliveries and schedules.

Key Difference: A fleet management system covers a comprehensive range of functions to manage the fleet efficiently, while a tracking system is specifically designed for location monitoring and route adjustments in real time.

Freight Exchange Platforms and Efficiency

Freight exchange platforms are virtual marketplaces where companies with cargo to ship (like freight forwarders or logistics companies) can post available loads, and transport companies with available vehicles can find jobs instantly.

These platforms allow users to:

  • Search for cargo and available vehicles.
  • Post regular or spot loads.
  • Include vehicle characteristics, routes, and draft prices.
  • Match backloads to avoid empty returns.
  • Operate 24/7, improving fleet efficiency.

They are essential for optimizing vehicle utilization, especially for companies that do not have a fixed return load.

Understanding OTLE in Spanish Logistics

OTLE stands for: Observatorio del Transporte y la Logística en España

  • Issued by: The Ministerio de Transportes, Movilidad y Agenda Urbana (MITMA).
  • What is OTLE about?: OTLE is a government observatory that provides statistics, analysis, and reports on the state and evolution of transportation and logistics in Spain. It collects data on:
    • Freight flows (by road, rail, sea, and air).
    • Transport costs.
    • Energy consumption.
    • Environmental impact.
    • Logistics performance indicators.

    The platform is used by both public and private stakeholders to inform decision-making, strategic planning, and sector policy development.

  • Purpose in class: The OTLE tool was likely used in class to help students:
    • Analyze real market data.
    • Understand national logistics trends.
    • Learn how to interpret transportation statistics.
    • Make data-driven decisions in freight transport planning.

EDI: Streamlining Digital Data Exchange

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is the digital exchange of structured business documents between organizations using standardized formats. In freight transport, it refers to the automated communication of documents like delivery notes, invoices, transport orders, and shipping information between systems.

What is the purpose of EDI?

The purpose of EDI is to:

  • Streamline administrative processes such as issuing delivery notes, quotations, or transport requests.
  • Reduce paperwork and manual errors.
  • Speed up communication between transport operators, clients, and freight platforms.
  • Ensure accurate and timely data sharing for better transport planning and execution.

From the documentation, EDI aligns with tools used in:

  • Fleet management systems
  • Transport software
  • Real-time communication and documentation handling

Benefits of EDI Implementation

  1. Reduced administrative costs: Less manual paperwork and time saved on data entry.
  2. Faster order processing and communication: Orders and delivery instructions are received and managed more efficiently.
  3. Improved accuracy: Minimizes human error in shipping documentation and billing.
  4. Better customer service: Quick response times, delivery tracking, and fewer disputes.