Optimising transport concepts

The importance of the transport concept in transport management

A professional transport concept defines the overarching strategy, the modes of transport used and the operational tools required to optimally manage the flow of goods through the supply chain. For globally operating companies, this systematic planning is essential for eliminating complex, organically developed inefficiencies and sustainably reducing overall logistics costs. The measurable result of our consultancy in this area is a significant reduction in transport costs, coupled with increased capacity utilisation, an improved carbon footprint and maximum on-time delivery. Thanks to ebp-consulting’s methodological expertise, cost driver analyses and the use of state-of-the-art network simulations, you can establish robust concepts that deliver outstanding performance even under volatile market conditions.

Realising competitive advantages through agile transport concepts

“An excellent transport concept is the architectural blueprint of your supply chain – it transforms rigid cost blocks and capacity risks into agile, sustainable and highly profitable competitive advantages.”

Andreas Michalski
Managing Partner

Challenges in the development of transport concepts

In business practice, the design and optimisation of transport concepts are often hampered by complex network structures that have grown organically over many years. A lack of data transparency and siloed IT systems frequently prevent an objective assessment of the true logistical cost drivers and bottlenecks. At the same time, rising sustainability requirements and volatile freight markets are forcing logistics managers to continually re-evaluate their established strategies. With ebp-consulting at your side, you can overcome these hurdles with confidence, as we possess the analytical depth and operational expertise to transform your challenges into sustainable solutions.

Lack of data transparency and outdated structures

Logistics networks that have evolved over time are often based on incomplete data in the planning process, making systematic resource planning virtually impossible. As a result, companies unwittingly pay for empty kilometres, inefficient part-loads and overpriced road transport routes. With our data-driven network analysis, ebp-consulting provides immediate clarity here and ruthlessly uncovers hidden inefficiencies and costly planning errors.

Rising cost pressures and complex tariff models

Volatile freight rates and opaque surcharges place a massive strain on the logistics budget and make it difficult to calculate profitable transport operations. Without sound benchmarking, shippers are constantly at risk of accepting terms from their service providers that are not in line with market conditions. ebp-consulting solves this problem through detailed cost driver analyses and a professional comparison of your rates with up-to-date market benchmarks.

Integration of sustainability (Green Logistics)

Societal and regulatory demands for CO₂ reduction are forcing logistics managers to integrate environmental considerations on an equal footing with cost and time targets. However, the switch to alternative propulsion systems or complex trimodal transport concepts requires in-depth strategic and operational expertise. Through the intelligent simulation of emissions scenarios, ebp-consulting seamlessly integrates Green Logistics into your new transport concept in a measurable and highly profitable manner.

Our key focus areas in the transport concept

The systematic development and optimisation of transport concepts requires a methodologically sound approach, ranging from initial data collection through to tactical scheduling. These strategic and operational highlights are essential to any restructuring of the logistics network in order to safeguard long-term profitability. With ebp-consulting, you can focus precisely on the key levers that guarantee the maximum return on investment in your supply chain.

Comprehensive assessment & network analysis

The systematic recording of transport volumes, routes and frequencies forms the indispensable foundation of any serious optimisation. We visualise your complex transport flows digitally, thereby identifying logistical bottlenecks and potential synergies at a glance. From our consulting experience, we know that this uncompromising transparency alone often reveals double-digit savings potential within the supply chain.
Cost Driver Analysis & Benchmarking

We dissect your logistics costs with precision and determine which routes, modes of transport or partners place the greatest strain on your budget. By comparing these against valid freight cost benchmarks, we assess your competitive position with uncompromising objectivity within the current market environment. In this way, we enable you to approach negotiations with service providers on a fact-based footing and to achieve significant, sustainable cost reductions.
Modelling of Alternative Network Strategies

The strategic choice between hub-and-spoke systems, direct routes or milk runs has a decisive impact on the economic efficiency of your logistics operations. We examine in detail whether CEP services, general cargo networks or specialist regional freight forwarders are most advantageous for your shipment volumes. ebp-consulting provides you with bespoke operational alternatives that maximise the utilisation of freight space and consistently eliminate costly empty kilometres.
Trimodal Concepts & Mode of Transport Selection

The intelligent mix of road, rail and waterways offers enormous potential for drastic reductions in costs and emissions. For each of your routes, we analyse the optimal balance between transit time, freight rates and CO₂ emissions. Our consultants implement concepts that are not only environmentally sustainable but also effectively mitigate transport risks on congested road networks.
Simulation & Digital Twins

Before any physical changes to the supply chain take effect, we thoroughly validate new concepts using state-of-the-art network simulation software. The use of digital twins and mathematical optimisation algorithms makes it possible to accurately predict the precise impact of scenarios on costs and service levels. This strictly data-driven approach protects you from costly strategic missteps and guarantees a smooth implementation.
Tactical Route Planning & KPI Management

A transport concept is only as strong as its solid operational integration into day-to-day logistics operations. We define robust framework conditions for dispatching, such as intelligent stop logic and time slots, and establish rigorous monitoring (e.g. on-time delivery). ebp-consulting thus ensures that realised savings remain intact in the future through continuous performance measurement.

Approach to Transport Concept Optimisation with ebp-consulting

The development and optimisation of robust transport concepts requires a highly professional, methodical, phase-based approach. ebp-consulting combines in-depth freight forwarding expertise with mathematical optimisation and modern process simulation to design reliable, data-driven strategies. We support you every step of the way, from initial data collection right through to operational integration into your Transport Management System, to ensure the project’s success.

Data Collection and Network Analysis

In this initial phase, we create complete transparency regarding your actual and transaction data by consolidating ERP and TMS data. What makes the ebp-consulting approach unique here is our analytical ability to generate error-free visualisations of your global transport flows, even from highly fragmented data structures. We identify cost drivers and logistical bottlenecks with high precision to lay a solid foundation for all subsequent strategic optimisation steps.

Scenario Modelling and Simulation

Rather than relying purely on gut instinct, we calculate alternative transport concepts using state-of-the-art network simulation software and dynamic digital twins. The ebp approach stands out clearly here, as we seamlessly combine solid, practical freight forwarding expertise with highly complex mathematical optimisation algorithms. We compare hub-and-spoke systems, milk runs and trimodal solutions in detail in terms of their impact on budget, carbon footprint and service levels. This provides you with a mathematically validated basis for decision-making that far surpasses traditional theoretical consultancy approaches in terms of reliability and precision.

Operational Implementation and KPI Monitoring

Even the best strategic transport model is bound to fail if it is not put into practice in day-to-day operations. That is why we embed the new transport concepts deeply within your organisation, define clear stop logic and implement intelligent tools for tactical route planning. What sets ebp-consulting apart from other consultancy firms is our uncompromising support throughout the change process, right down to day-to-day operational logistics. We establish performance metrics such as the ‘load factor’ or ‘cost per tonne-kilometre’ to ensure that the savings identified in the concept are actually reflected in your profit and loss account every month.

Areas of focus and sub-areas of the transport concept

Stock-taking and network analysis

This area of focus forms the analytical backbone, systematically recording and consolidating transport volumes, routes and frequencies. The use of modern visualisation tools makes complex goods flows and service levels transparent, immediately revealing inefficiencies that have built up over time. A key feature here is the seamless integration of ERP or TMS data, which guarantees a realistic and reliable representation of the current logistical situation.

Cost driver analysis and benchmarking

Standardize freight invoice verification and save costs

In this sub-area, the financial implications of individual routes, modes of transport and service providers are scrutinised in detail and without compromise. Through the targeted use of freight cost benchmarks, companies gain an unambiguously clear assessment of their rates within the current market environment. This provides extremely valuable arguments for upcoming procurement negotiations and consistently uncovers unjustified margins charged by the carriers used.

Scenario Planning and Concept Modelling

Transport management to reduce costs and optimize their transports

This is where the strategic redesign of the supply chain takes place through a thorough assessment of direct transport, milk runs or trimodal approaches. Modern planning algorithms and digital twins make it possible to optimise CO₂ emissions and service levels in parallel with pure freight costs. The result of this area of focus is a future-proof target concept that combines logistical flexibility with maximum cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Implementing transport concepts to the highest standard

We take charge of the complete transformation of your logistics network, from initial data analysis through simulation to final implementation in day-to-day operations. This turnkey, end-to-end approach guarantees that strategic objectives are translated into measurable operational successes with absolutely no losses. You benefit from maximum planning certainty and a drastic, sustainable reduction in your overall logistics costs.

Contact us

We are there for you.
Your contact person

Irene Kocher

T +49 711 3917030

info@ebp-consulting.com

Questions and answers on optimising transport concepts

What is a transport strategy and why does it need to be optimised regularly?

A transport strategy defines the overarching strategy, the chosen modes of transport and the operational processes required to move goods efficiently and safely through the supply chain. These strategies have often evolved over many years and no longer align with changing customer requirements, new service levels or current market conditions. Regular optimisation is essential to eliminate inefficiencies, ensure optimal utilisation of freight capacity once again, and keep spiralling logistics costs under control. Concerns regarding the project’s workload are unfounded, as data-driven analysis very quickly reveals enormous potential for savings that far exceed the initial investment (ROI). Ultimately, a regularly adapted strategy ensures your company’s price competitiveness and the essential reliability of its delivery times.

Which components of transport strategies are particularly relevant for cost reduction?

The most important strategic components include defining the network structure (for example, direct transport versus hub-and-spoke), the choice of transport modes, and the intelligent consolidation of goods flows through milk runs. The strategic allocation of regional hauliers and the deliberate integration of CEP services for specific volumes also have a massive impact on transport expenditure. Furthermore, the precise coordination of delivery frequencies and load factors consistently prevents you from paying for unused cargo space. Many decision-makers fear long and costly implementation times; however, modern Transport Management Systems (TMS) enable precisely these elements to be managed in a highly dynamic manner and allow savings to be realised quickly in operational terms.

How can transport concepts be developed that simultaneously reduce CO₂ emissions?

The successful integration of green logistics into concept development is best achieved through trimodal transport approaches and the intelligent avoidance of empty kilometres via route optimisation. By using modern network simulation software, we calculate precisely at which logistics hubs a shift from road to rail or water is economically and environmentally sensible. Furthermore, software-supported optimisation of cargo space utilisation drastically reduces the specific CO₂ emissions per unit transported. We regularly refute concerns that sustainability in logistics inevitably leads to higher costs through our practical project experience: highly efficient, avoidance-based logistics is almost always the more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.

How can we implement complex transport concepts without jeopardising day-to-day operations?

The risk-free implementation of a new concept requires professional change management and the essential use of digital twins to simulate all processes in advance. Before making even the slightest change to physical operations in the warehouse, during loading or on the road, we put the new concept through its paces in the software to completely rule out any service disruptions. This is followed by a phased roll-out, often beginning with selected pilot routes or non-critical goods flows. ebp-consulting addresses concerns about high internal resource commitment through intensive implementation support; we train your dispatchers and embed clear KPIs within the controlling function, ensuring the transition proceeds absolutely smoothly and securely.