Transportation Networks

Movement of goods from the point of production to the point of consumption is done through various modes of transportation. Depending on the transportation load, number of delivery points, existing distribution centres, product value, frequency of deliver, urgency and the cost economics, different types of networks are used.

1. Point-to-Point Network

Point-to-point type of network is quite common for long distance hauls on the national highways. The points of origin and destinations are fixed. Complete truck loading is assured for both ways (Figure 8.5).

2. Multiple Delivery Points

Multiple delivery points network is used for round the trip operations, with multiple pickup and delivery points. For example, the delivery of filled bottles and pickup of empty bottles of soft drinks at multiple points (retailers) on the fixed route (i.e., starting and ending at bottling plant) is quite common (Figure 8.6).

3. Trans-Shipment Points

Trans-shipment points are two local area networks (across national and state highways) having a common point where loading and unloading takes place for freight consolidation or break bulk. Most of the national transporters maintain two types of fleet, that is vehicles dedicated for national long-distance haulage and other ones for catering to local network. The consignment from long­distance fleet is trans-shipped to local vehicles for distribution across the local area (Figure 8.7).

4. Nodal Network

These networks are used for multi-modal transportation system and include multi-stops and trans­shipment pickup and delivery stations. For example, a box container truck may have predeter­mined multi-point pickup stations for freight consolidation on its way to rail terminal from where the box container may be taken to port terminal for loading on the ship (Figure 8.8).

5. Hub and Spoke Network

Hub and spoke network arrangement is like a hub and spoke of the wheel. The hub acts like a cen­tral feeder point to the distribution centres, which are at the strategic locations spread across the geographical area. The high volume and high-speed shipment takes place from hub to distribution centres through the predetermined shortest routes called spokes. The trans-shipment of consign­ment is done at distribution centres for distribution across the local area (Figure 8.9).

Source: Sople V.V (2013), Logistics Management, Pearson Education India; Third edition.