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Road transport of containers plays a key role in the smooth flow of trade in France and Europe. Whether it's getting a container from a port terminal to a warehouse, or getting it there in time for shipment, every journey has to be precisely planned. Yet, there are many constraints: strict port slots, waiting at terminals, additional costs such as fuel surcharges or road terminal fees, not to mention the penalties associated with delays or empty returns.
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Without a centralized transport management system, operations managers have to manage these operations with scattered information, often in limited time. The result: less efficient truck rotations, sometimes suboptimal container filling, empty runs that weigh on margins, and document disputes that slow down business.
This article shows how Sinari's TMS software, designed to optimize container road transport, helps to better plan routes, reduce costs, improve lead times and secure every stage of the flow, from the port terminal to the final consignee.
Challenges specific to road container transport
Containerized transport lies at the crossroads between port or rail terminals and delivery sites. It's a highly constrained operational activity, where any unforeseen event can jeopardize the optimization of operations and generate additional costs, particularly for a logistics provider who has to meet precise commitments.
Synchronization with port and rail terminals
Container trucks must respect strict time slots to load or unload at the terminal. Delays due to port congestion, traffic or schedule changes can lengthen waiting times, reduce the number of daily rotations and impact customer commitments.
Complex pricing and additional costs
In addition to transport costs per kilometer, many other parameters influence the invoice: fuel surcharges, handling charges, security fees, delivery by appointment, out-of-gauge deliveries, even invoicing by volumetric weight. Without a transport management system capable of aggregating these data, reporting and analysis become complex, and reducing transport costs more difficult to achieve.
Traceability and regulatory compliance
Managing the road transport of containers requires compliance with a number of obligations:
- e-CMR to dematerialize the road transport contract
- Verification of ISO 6346 numbers to identify containers
- Customs documents for import/export flows
Improved visibility of operations and better tracking of packages help to avoid disputes and penalties, and offer a more reliable service.
Operational constraints and empty returns
Profitability depends on optimizing fill rates and limiting empty mileage. A non-optimized return trip after delivery represents a significant cost, especially over long distances. Equipment constraints, driver availability and goods compatibility add a further level of complexity.
Hidden costs linked to unforeseen events
A missed slot at the terminal, a document error or prolonged downtime can result in waiting or detention charges. Management software with proactive alerts helps to anticipate these risks and better manage transport costs.
Key TMS functions for optimizing road container flows
TMS software dedicated to the logistics sector does more than just manage routes. It centralizes data, automates critical tasks and enables operators to combine route planning, cost optimization and decision support. The benefits of TMS are manifold: reduced lead times, improved profitability and better control of the carbon footprint.
Optimized route planning
The TMS orchestrates pick-ups and deliveries, taking into account port slots, traffic, chassis and driver availability. This route planning improves punctuality and helps reduce emissions by avoiding unnecessary detours.
Cost management and control
Thanks to its TMS functionalities, a management system like Sinari integrates surcharges, terminal-specific charges, waiting costs or penalties. This makes it easy to optimize costs and reduce freight charges, thanks to clear, usable dashboards.
Real-time tracking and contingency management
Real-time tracking of parcels, coupled with terminal information, enables rapid response to incidents. The use of alerts, communication and follow-up between drivers, planners and customers reduce unforeseen events and help to optimize transport.
Document automation
e-CMRs, customs documents and certificates can be generated automatically. This feature reinforces compliance, while contributing to sustainable development through dematerialization and the reduction of emissions linked to paper exchanges.
Optimize loads and reduce empty runs
By integrating load planning with the calculation of volumes, weights and compatibilities, the TMS improves load optimization. It also facilitates the search for return freight to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Reporting and key indicators
Reporting and analysis enable you to measure turnover, fill rates, waiting times and transport costs. These data are essential for decision-making and optimizing transport and logistics operations.
TMS implementation methodology for container road haulage
Implementing a transport management system is a structured project combining flow management, choice of a suitable solution and support for change.
Audit existing flows
The first step is to draw up an accurate picture of current activity. We analyse volumes by container type (20', 40', high cube...), trip frequency, average waiting times at terminals, the number and cost of empty returns, as well as the friction points in document management. This inventory highlights the most urgent levers for optimization.
Choosing a TMS adapted to container constraints
The choice of TMS software must meet the specific requirements of containerized transport and pre/post-shipping maritime transport, while integrating with existing supply chain management.
Launch a pilot on a limited perimeter
Deployment ideally begins with a pilot project, limited to a strategic route or port (e.g. Le Havre or Marseille-Fos) with a few regular customers and a defined fleet of container trucks. This full-scale test enables us to check that the planning, pricing and monitoring rules are well adapted, while rapidly measuring the first results.
Monitoring the right indicators
During and after the pilot, certain indicators need to be closely monitored: reduction in transport costs, load planning, route optimization and environmental impact. These data, compared with the initial situation, serve as a basis for steering adjustments.
Extending and enriching deployment
Once the pilot has been validated, the TMS can gradually be extended to other ports, a larger number of customers and different container types. This is also the time to add complementary functionalities, such as IoT to monitor the temperature or position of reefers, or advanced document automation to further reduce manual tasks.
Quantified business benefits
The adoption of a TMS dedicated to road container transport quickly translates into measurable gains, provided that the right indicators are tracked, and the results compared with the initial situation.
Reduce waiting times and penalties
By optimizing port slot planning and anticipating delays thanks to real-time alerts, carriers can significantly reduce downtime costs. In some cases, this can be as much as 10-20%, with fewer demurrage or container detention penalties.
Improved load factor
Better load management, considering the volume, weight and compatibility of goods, can increase fill rates by 10 to 15%. This means fewer trips for the same transported volume, and greater profitability.
Fewer empty runs
By cross-referencing data on customers, terminals and available freight, a TMS makes it easier to find loaded returns. Depending on the area served, empty mileage can be reduced by as much as 15-25%, reducing fuel costs and wear and tear on equipment.
Reduced documentation errors
The automation of e-CMR, customs documents and technical data sheets greatly reduces errors. Reducing errors from 3 to 5% to less than 1% avoids disputes, delays and additional costs linked to last-minute corrections.
Increased productivity per truck
Less waiting at terminals and better route planning mean more rotations in the same period. As a result, each truck is better utilized, making it easier to manage peaks in demand without increasing the fleet.
Outlook and innovations
The road transport of containers is evolving rapidly, driven by new technologies that enhance the efficiency and visibility of operations. A modern TMS is no longer just a planning tool: it is becoming a true innovation platform.
IoT for enhanced tracking
The integration of IoT sensors directly on containers or chassis enables real-time monitoring of position, door opening, shocks or even temperature in the case of reefers. Coupled with the TMS, this data enables immediate reaction in the event of an incident or non-compliance.
Predictive AI and dynamic planning
Artificial intelligence paves the way for more agile planning. By analysing route history, congestion trends and weather hazards, a TMS equipped with predictive functions can automatically propose alternative routes or reorganize rounds to limit delays.
Towards a container "Control Tower"
The trend is to centralize information in a single interface, connected to all players: carriers, terminals, shippers, customs. This "control tower" makes it possible to :
- Supervise all road container flows in real time
- Prioritize exceptions and incidents
- Anticipate congestion and adjust schedules before costs accumulate.
These developments confirm that the TMS is becoming a strategic tool, capable not only of optimizing the present, but also of preparing carriers for future challenges.
Conclusion
Road container transport is an essential link in the logistics chain, but also one of the most exposed to unforeseen and hidden costs. Between strict port slots, loading delays, empty runs and complex documentation, every decision counts to preserve profitability.
A Sinari TMS dedicated to this activity enables you to regain control: more precise planning, real-time visibility, automation of critical tasks and cost management. It's a concrete lever for increasing efficiency, improving customer service and boosting competitiveness in a demanding market.
Contact our experts to find out how our TMS offer can transform your organization and reduce your carbon footprint.
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