Curriculum
Transportation Modes in Supply Chain
Module 1: Introduction to Transportation in the Supply Chain
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Module 2: Road Transportation
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Module 3: Rail Transportation
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Module 4: Sea Freight
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Module 5: Air Freight
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Module 6: How to Select the Right Mode of Transportation
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Module 7: Final Test
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Capacity in Road Transportation
Efficient road transportation relies on capacity management, which includes understanding both vehicle and fleet capacities.
Different Vehicles and Their Capacities
Road transportation encompasses various vehicles, each with distinct capacities. Understanding the capacities of trucks, vans, motorcycles, bicycles, and other specialized vehicles is essential for strategically planning and optimizing the transportation of different types of cargo.
Trucks:
- Standard Semi-Trucks: Carries up to 53 feet (16.15 meters) in length with a capacity ranging from 42,000 to 80,000 pounds (19.05 to 36.29 tons). Trailers attached to this vehicle may include skeletal, flatbeds, and refrigerated (reefers), among many others.
- Lowboy Trailers: Designed for heavy and oversized loads, with the extendable variation having capacities exceeding 80,000 pounds (36.29 tons).
- Straight Trucks: Typically carries 5,000 to 54,000 pounds (2.27 to 24.49 tons) depending on the type of truck.
- Tanker Trucks: Varies based on liquid cargo type, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 11,000 gallons (18,927.06 to 41,639.53 liters).
Vans:
- Cargo Vans: Typically has a capacity of 2,000 to 4,000 pounds (0.91 to 1.81 tons).
- Sprinter Vans: Larger than a standard cargo van, with a capacity of 3,000 to 5,500 pounds (1.36 to 2.27 tons).
Motorcycles and Bicycles:
- Motorcycles: Suitable for small, urgent deliveries with limited capacity.
- Bicycles: Ideal for last-mile deliveries in urban areas, with a capacity for smaller packages.
Factors Influencing Road Transportation Capacities
1. Fleet Size and Composition
The overall capacity of road transportation is directly influenced by the size and composition of the fleet. A well-balanced fleet, considering the variety of vehicles and their capacities, allows for flexibility in adapting to different cargo requirements.
2. Load Planning and Optimization
Efficient load planning is a crucial factor influencing capacity. Maximizing the use of available space within vehicles through strategic load planning contributes to overall capacity optimization. This involves considering factors such as weight distribution, cargo compatibility, and route efficiency.