Containerizations
Containerization is a method of packing and transporting goods in standardized containers. These containers can be easily loaded onto ships, trains, and trucks, which allows for efficient and secure transportation of goods across long distances. Containerization is a key component of purchase management as it allows organizations to efficiently move goods from one location to another.
Some benefits of containerization in purchase management include:
Increased efficiency: Containerization allows for more efficient loading and unloading of goods, which can save time and reduce labor costs.
Reduced risk of damage: Standardized containers are designed to protect goods during transport, which can reduce the risk of damage and loss.
Improved security: Containers can be sealed and tracked, which helps to prevent theft and tampering.
Lower transportation costs: Containerization can reduce transportation costs by allowing for more efficient use of space on ships, trains, and trucks.
Simplified logistics: Containerization simplifies the logistics of moving goods, as the containers can be easily transferred between different modes of transportation.
However, there are also some challenges associated with containerization in purchase management. For example:
Equipment costs: Containerization requires specialized equipment, such as cranes and container handlers, which can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
Infrastructure requirements: Containerization requires infrastructure such as ports and container yards, which may not be available in all locations.
Coordination and planning: Containerization requires careful coordination and planning to ensure that containers are loaded and unloaded efficiently and that they arrive at their destination on time. Despite these challenges, containerization remains an important component of purchase management, as it allows organizations to efficiently move goods across long distances and improve the overall efficiency of their supply chains.
Container Loading
Full Container Load (FCL) – This ISO standard container is loaded / unloaded on the responsibility of one shipper and one consignee only. Therefore, it indicates that the whole container belongs to only one consignee. FCL container shipments hold lower freight rates as compared to an equivalent cargo bulk shipment. FCLs are meant to designate a container loaded to its permissible maximum volume or weight, but in case of ocean freight, FCL might not always indicate a full capacity or payload.
Less than Container Load (LCL) – This shipment is not big enough to accommodate a standard cargo container for material quantities from various shippers or for delivery to varied destinations in a single railway vehicle for efficiency. An LCL is defined as “a consignment of cargo which is inefficient to fill a shipping container. It is grouped with other consignments for the same destination in a container at a container freight station”.
