Released on = April 16, 2007, 4:32 am

Press Release Author = Bharat Book Bureau

Industry = Marketing

Press Release Summary = The movement of goods from point of manufacture to the end
user relies upon the four basic transport modes: road, rail, water and air. Each
mode has evolved independently of the others, and each has its roots embedded in its
own particular social and industrial history.

Press Release Body =
Rail Transport Logistics Market Focus

The movement of goods from point of manufacture to the end user relies upon the four
basic transport modes: road, rail, water and air. Each mode has evolved
independently of the others, and each has its roots embedded in its own particular
social and industrial history. The four sectors have become industries in their own
right with their own infrastructure, cultures, jargon and identity.

It is, therefore, not surprising that these industries - road haulage, the railways,
shipping and aviation - are often seen taking robust positions to lobby for, and
protect, their particular interests. Today, however, there is a greater awareness of
the benefits of integrating one transport mode with another: this has resulted in
providers of one type of distribution service moving across into what was the
traditional domain of others.

Since 1997, there have been radical changes in the way freight transport and
distribution is organised. Today, the principles of logistics are applied to the
distribution industry to achieve savings and efficiencies. These changes have come
about as a result of competitive market forces, through political, economic and
social pressures, and as a result of technological advances. Another important
influence has been the evolution of supply-chain management (SCM), which has forced
managers to optimise the flow of goods by employing more efficient logistical
practices.

The future holds many further developments as the business of freight logistics
evolves and as greater economies and efficiencies are achieved. The sector is,
therefore, at a dynamic and exciting stage in its evolution, presenting both risk
and opportunity for those involved.

The report explains the evolving relationship between the supply chain and the
business of freight logistics. It reports on the way in which the different
transport modes serve that market, how they compete and integrate with one another
and how their respective infrastructures are also developing.

Other influences are also at work. To stay ahead, companies are continuously
rethinking their strategies, acquiring and merging with others, and forming
alliances with customers in ways that would have been unimaginable a decade ago.

The globalisation of both the production and retailing of goods has had the effect
of internationalising the freight-logistics business. Today\'s logistics providers
must build both a global network of their own offices or partner companies, and an
effective communication system for the flow of data and information. Software that
facilitates the control of goods in transit and delivers savings and efficiencies
within the supply chain is now available.

Security has also taken on a new significance as managers question perceived wisdoms
concerning cargo safety and the interruption of the supply chain by acts of terror
or theft of cargo.

Finally, the problems of pollution and congestion are increasingly influencing the
way in which goods are transported and distributed. Regulation and legislation will
increasingly dictate these issues, but there are also real savings to be made by
adopting a more sustainable approach to distribution. Both service providers and
users are scrutinising their logistics policies with a view to achieving such gains,
whether through better utilisation of existing arrangements or by the more radical
solution of modal shift.

We expect both the movement towards consolidation amongst logistics providers and
the integration of logistics providers\' services into the activities of their
customers\' supply chains to continue. SCM itself will advance as inefficiencies are
squeezed out of the system. Internet-based IT, such as the evolving freight portals,
will also contribute to greater efficiencies. In addition, both EU and national
transport policy, responding to social and environmental imperatives, will offer
incentives and impose stricter controls to set the business of freight logistics on
a more sustainable course.

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