Learn how to enhance your logistics transportation resilience and mitigate the risks of disruption with six practical strategies, such as contingency plans, technology, and adaptation.

To increase the resilience of a logistics transportation system, diversify transportation modes/carriers, build redundancy, use technology for visibility/tracking, and invest in disaster preparedness/recovery planning. Examples include using multiple modes/carriers, having multiple routes, GPS tracking, RFID tags, and transportation management systems. Further tips include regular communication, monitoring global events, investing in employee training, and being flexible.

- Utilize real-time tracking systems to monitor the movement of goods and the status of transportation vehicles. - Establish efficient communication channels to keep all stakeholders informed about any disruptions or changes in the transportation process

Resilience increase by doing below. 1. Anticipation of events like political visits where route diversion is key to mitigate the abnormal delays. 2. Dynamic changes in network schedule to ensure early departures which can cover enroute delay with same time landing. 3. Creation of Virtual hubs to connect max locations to mitigate the impact if the major hub location is disturbed due to geopolitical issues, disturbance, some other restrictions which not allow vehicular movements.

How can you increase the resilience of your logistics transportation system?

Logistics transportation is the backbone of any supply chain, but it also faces many challenges and uncertainties, such as natural disasters, accidents, congestion, cyberattacks, or geopolitical conflicts. These can disrupt the flow of goods and services, cause delays, damage, or losses, and affect customer satisfaction and profitability. Therefore, it is essential to increase the resilience of your logistics transportation system, which means the ability to anticipate, absorb, adapt, and recover from disruptions. In this article, you will learn some practical strategies to enhance your logistics transportation resilience and mitigate the risks of disruption.

1 Assess your transportation risks

The first step to increase your logistics transportation resilience is to identify and evaluate the potential sources of disruption, their likelihood, and their impact on your operations. You can use tools such as risk matrices, scenario planning, or SWOT analysis to map out the different types of risks, such as environmental, operational, financial, or strategic. You should also consider the interdependencies and vulnerabilities of your transportation network, such as the availability and reliability of modes, routes, carriers, or infrastructure.

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Kiran G

"Experienced Logistics and Transport Professional | Regional Head (West) | Driving Operational Excellence and Growth in the Transportation Industry"
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To increase the resilience of a logistics transportation system, diversify transportation modes/carriers, build redundancy, use technology for visibility/tracking, and invest in disaster preparedness/recovery planning. Examples include using multiple modes/carriers, having multiple routes, GPS tracking, RFID tags, and transportation management systems. Further tips include regular communication, monitoring global events, investing in employee training, and being flexible.

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Nitesh Sharma

Ecom Express Limited
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Resilience increase by doing below. 1. Anticipation of events like political visits where route diversion is key to mitigate the abnormal delays. 2. Dynamic changes in network schedule to ensure early departures which can cover enroute delay with same time landing. 3. Creation of Virtual hubs to connect max locations to mitigate the impact if the major hub location is disturbed due to geopolitical issues, disturbance, some other restrictions which not allow vehicular movements.

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2 Develop contingency plans

The second step to increase your logistics transportation resilience is to prepare contingency plans for different scenarios and levels of disruption. Contingency plans are sets of actions and resources that you can activate in case of a disruption to minimize its negative effects and restore normal operations as soon as possible. For example, you can have backup modes, routes, carriers, or suppliers, alternative distribution centers or warehouses, emergency stocks or inventory buffers, or crisis management teams or protocols.

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Shimon Gowda

Program Manager | Supply Chain Management | Supply Chain Digital twin
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In enhancing the resilience of logistics transportation systems, it's crucial to address the growing threat of cyber attacks, exemplified by recent incidents like the one impacting Estes Express Lines. This underlines the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate disruptions to operations and uphold the integrity of the supply chain. Additionally, understanding and adapting to market conditions, particularly fluctuations in freight rates, is pivotal. Strategic management of contracted lanes further contributes to stability, safeguarding transportation against unforeseen challenges.

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Bello Oyedolapo

Logistics Operations Strategist | I specialize in optimizing processes and reducing costs for businesses through streamlined logistics operations.
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Having a contingency plan is very important. I learned this the hard way. I once relied on a 3PL for logistics solutions. Whenever they had an internal issue with their drivers, my operation would be disrupted. I had to get a backup for such days. Having a contingency plan helps you respond quickly to disruptions with little to no negative effect on your operation.

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3 Implement monitoring and communication systems

The third step to increase your logistics transportation resilience is to implement effective monitoring and communication systems that can provide you with real-time information and alerts about the status and performance of your transportation network. Monitoring systems can help you track and measure key indicators, such as delivery times, costs, quality, or customer satisfaction, and detect any deviations or anomalies. Communication systems can help you share and exchange information and feedback with your internal and external stakeholders, such as suppliers, carriers, customers, or authorities, and coordinate actions and responses.

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Mohammad Safari

Fulfillment Center & Inventory Management | Experienced Supply Chain & Logistics Professional
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- Utilize real-time tracking systems to monitor the movement of goods and the status of transportation vehicles. - Establish efficient communication channels to keep all stakeholders informed about any disruptions or changes in the transportation process

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Bello Oyedolapo

Logistics Operations Strategist | I specialize in optimizing processes and reducing costs for businesses through streamlined logistics operations.
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Track KPIs and other relevant data. Whatever you don't monitor and measure, you can't improve. This is best done in real-time. Tracking in retrospect only serves to correct further occurrences. Also, don't just track and gather data. Proper analysis, and inference should be done. The wealth of information is best utilized when communicated to the relevant stakeholders and acted upon.

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4 Leverage technology and innovation

The fourth step to increase your logistics transportation resilience is to leverage technology and innovation to enhance your capabilities and flexibility. Technology and innovation can help you optimize your transportation processes, improve your visibility and transparency, automate your tasks and decisions, and increase your efficiency and productivity. For example, you can use digital platforms, cloud computing, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, or Internet of Things to manage your transportation data, optimize your routes and schedules, forecast your demand and supply, secure your transactions, or monitor your assets.

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5 Foster collaboration and learning

The fifth step to increase your logistics transportation resilience is to foster collaboration and learning among your transportation partners and stakeholders. Collaboration and learning can help you build trust and relationships, share best practices and knowledge, align your goals and expectations, and create value and synergy. For example, you can establish strategic partnerships or alliances with your suppliers, carriers, or customers, join industry associations or networks, participate in training or certification programs, or conduct audits or reviews.

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6 Adapt to changing conditions and needs

The sixth step to increase your logistics transportation resilience is to adapt to changing conditions and needs in your internal and external environment. Adaptation can help you anticipate and respond to emerging trends, opportunities, or threats, and adjust your transportation strategies and operations accordingly. For example, you can diversify your transportation portfolio, adopt new business models or practices, explore new markets or segments, or innovate your products or services.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you increase the resilience of your logistics transportation system?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your transportation risks

2 Develop contingency plans

3 Implement monitoring and communication systems

4 Leverage technology and innovation

5 Foster collaboration and learning

6 Adapt to changing conditions and needs

7 Here’s what else to consider

Transportation Management

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How can you increase the resilience of your logistics transportation system?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your transportation risks

2 Develop contingency plans

3 Implement monitoring and communication systems

4 Leverage technology and innovation

5 Foster collaboration and learning

6 Adapt to changing conditions and needs

7 Here’s what else to consider

Transportation Management

Rate this article

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