Optimization of transport concepts

Transport concepts describe the strategy, the type, and the auxiliaries with which transports are carried out. They have often arisen from practical necessity or, in the course of newly defined supply chains as part of the supply chain solution, without in-depth systematic planning. With the right transport concepts, substantial savings can be achieved. Transport concepts must be regularly adapted to changing framework conditions and at least be reviewed for efficiency and transport quality.

The starting point of a professional optimization is always a comprehensive inventory of the current transport landscape. This includes transport volumes, relations, frequencies, modes of transport, cost structures, service levels, and operational constraints. These data are visualized and condensed in a network analysis to identify transport flows, bottlenecks, and synergies. In addition, a cost-driver analysis is performed to determine which routes, modes of transport, or partners have the greatest impact on total logistics costs.

In the next step, alternative transport concepts are modeled and evaluated. Typical questions include:

• Should transport take place via geographic forwarders or round-trip circulations (milk runs)?
• Is the use of parcel delivery services or piece‑goods networks more economical?
• Which mode of transport (truck, rail, ship, aircraft) offers the best balance of cost, time, and CO2 emissions?
• How can freight space be optimally utilized to avoid empty runs and partial loads?
• Is it worthwhile to switch from direct shipments to a hub-and-spoke system to bundle volumes?
• Can trimodal concepts (road-rail-water) bring ecological and economic advantages?

Answers to these questions are based on quantitative analyses and simulations. With modern planning and evaluation tools—such as network simulation software, transport optimization algorithms, or digital twins—scenarios can be compared and their effects on costs, CO2 balance, and service level precisely calculated. ebp-consulting combines forwarding expertise with methodological know-how from mathematical optimization, benchmarking, and process simulation.

A critical success factor is data quality. Only with valid real-time and movement data can realistic models and robust decision bases be created. By leveraging ERP or TMS data (Transport Management System), shipment structures, frequencies, and utilization rates can be transparently presented. In addition, freight cost benchmarks are used to assess the company’s competitive position in the market and quantify potential savings.

Beyond traditional efficiency goals, sustainability is increasingly central. Optimized route planning, higher utilization, alternative propulsion, or shifting to CO2‑lean modes of transport contribute to reducing environmental impact while strengthening the company’s sustainability profile. In many cases, CO2 metrics are already integrated as a control variable in transport assessment.

Organizationally, optimization should also be anchored: Regular tactical tour planning, supported by intelligent software, ensures stable yet flexible transports. This planning defines not only the ideal tour routes but also the framework conditions for operational dispatch—for example time windows, stop logic, or service levels. Through continuous monitoring and performance measurement (e.g., KPIs such as “Cost per ton-kilometer,” “On-Time Delivery,” “Load Factor”), the success of the measures is secured in the long term.

In summary, the optimization of transport concepts is a holistic process that links strategic setting, operational efficiency improvements, and digital transparency. Only by combining solid data analysis, forwarding practice knowledge, and systematic evaluation methodology can sustainable improvements be achieved—in terms of both efficiency and service quality and environmental responsibility.