Transportation systems

An overview of the major modes of transportation

Choosing the right mode of transportation is based on three key criteria: urgency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. It's important to remember that the fastest or cheapest option is not always the best. Transportation is considered optimal when the shipment arrives at the right time, at the right place, in perfect condition, and at the lowest possible cost. While transportation systems may go by different names depending on the carrier, the underlying processes are usually quite similar.

Major road transportation systems

Express- and special delivery

For time-sensitive, high-priority shipments. These shipments are handled directly, with no transfers, and can often be arranged at any time of the day or night.

Groupage freight transports

Goods from different shippers are consolidated regionally, sorted by destination at an origin hub, and then distributed from a destination hub.

Direct transports

Goods are picked up directly from the shipper and transported to the receiver without any transfers. Ideal for time-sensitive deliveries or sensitive freight.

Parcel services

For smaller shipments up to 31.5 kg, typically with daily delivery. Works on the same principle as groupage freight services.

Rail logistics solutions

Environmentally friendly long-distance transport by rail. Ideal for moving large volumes efficiently along established routes.

Home Delivery

Last mile delivery, often to the customer's doorstep. Flexible timeframes and additional services such as assembly or installation complete the offering.

Worldwide transportation systems

Courier services

Worldwide, comprehensive transport of documents and samples.

Direct air transport

Direct air connections for urgent shipments with minimal transit time.

Groupage air freight

Cost-efficient solution for smaller shipments with regular departures.

Air freight charter

For urgent, high-volume shipments that fill an entire airplane.

Air & sea transport

Cost-effective combination of air and sea transport. Especially attractive for imports from the Far East.

LCL sea freight

Consolidated container service for partial shipments with regular departures.

FCL sea freight

Full container service for large volumes with direct shipping to all major container ports.

Key Terms

Pre-Carriage
The transportation of shipments from the shipper's terminal to the carrier's terminal.

Main Carriage
The transportation of several shipments (groupage) from the sender's terminal to the receiver's terminal.

On-Carriage
The transportation of goods from the destination carrier's terminal to the end customer.

Door-to-Door Transit Times
The total time it takes to transport a shipment from the sender's location to delivery at the receiver's address.

Last Mile
The "last mile" refers to the final leg of the delivery journey - from the receiving terminal to the customer's doorstep. It's the last leg before the customer receives the goods.

Track & Trace
Track & Trace is a system used to monitor the status of a shipment in real time. It facilitates shipment visibility, allows for better control of logistics operations, and helps streamline the handling of inquiries or delivery issues.

ETA
ETA stands for Estimated Time of Arrival and refers to the expected arrival time of a vehicle or shipment at its destination based on current conditions. At Gebrüder Weiss, ETA supports transparent, real-time communication for both partial and consolidated shipments, updated every five minutes. The delivery window can be narrowed down to within two hours.

Arrival notice
An Arrival Notice is the advance notice of an upcoming delivery or pickup. This may be done by telephone or in writing and may include a time of delivery. This notice is not the same as the shipping documents that accompany the goods themselves when they arrive.

FCL (Full Container Load)
Full Container Load refers to a door-to-door container shipment in which the goods are shipped from a single shipper to a single consignee using the entire container.

LCL (Less than Container Load)
LTL refers to the transportation of smaller shipments from one or more shippers that are consolidated into a single container at distribution centers, primarily seaports. These goods are then deconsolidated at the destination for final delivery.

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