In recent years, the logistics has grown exponentially thanks to the development of new enabling technologies and the spread of ecommerce. The possibility of buying products online has multiplied the worldwide exchange of goods and the need for reliable and fast logistics services to which one can entrust one's products.

La transport logistics is a complex sector that includes multiple professional figuresall essential for the proper functioning of the supply chain. Whether moving goods locally or internationally, each actor has a clearly defined role, from organising logistics flows to the actual transport of goods.

To work in logistics or to open a business, understanding how each role works and how they work together is crucial. Therefore, having professional training behind you can be a great advantage. The ITS Course of the ITS Move Academy in Sustainable Logistics and Mobilityfor example, is structured with the aim of creating experts capable of planning, managing, and controlling the flow of vehicles, goods, and people, governing IT, logistics, and legislative aspects with a strong focus on environmental, economic, organisational, social, and safety sustainability issues.

Key figures in transport logistics

Among the main figures involved in transport logistics, the shippers and the master trainers are two key professions.

The shippers are responsible for organising and managing the transport of goods on behalf of customers. Their task includes several activities:

  • Transport planningThey evaluate the most suitable method of transport (road, rail, ship or air) according to the type of goods, destination and delivery time;
  • Documentation ManagementEvery shipment involves a lot of paperwork, especially when it comes to international transport. Freight forwarders deal with the preparation and management of customs documents, bills of lading and other authorisations needed to ensure that the goods reach their destination;
  • Cost optimisationOne of the main objectives is to find the most economical and efficient solution for transporting goods, taking into account the customer's needs and the restrictions imposed by routes or delivery times.

I master trainersUnlike freight forwarders, they are directly involved in the transport of goods. These independent hauliers are owners of their own vehicle and often work as freelancers or under contract for larger companies.

Their role is crucial in the transport logistics sector, especially with regard to short- and medium-haul deliveries. Some of their main responsibilities include:

  • Direct transportThey are responsible for loading, transporting and delivering goods, ensuring that they are handled correctly during all stages of transport. They often operate on a regional basis, but can also make longer journeys depending on the customer's needs;
  • Vehicle maintenanceBeing the owner of their own vehicle, owner-operators must also take care of its maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of transport operations;
  • Deadline ManagementAs independent hauliers, they have to manage their assignments autonomously, respecting the deadlines imposed by their customers and ensuring punctual deliveries.

Freight forwarders and owner-operators often work closely together to ensure that goods arrive at their destination safely and on time. Once the transport is planned, shippers often entrust the physical transport of goods to the master carriers, especially for local or regional deliveries.

In fact, owner-operators offer a flexibility that many large transport companies cannot always guarantee since, working independently, they can accept assignments at short notice, adapt to flexible schedules and cover routes that might not be profitable for large carriers.

This synergy makes it possible to optimise transport operations and meet different customer requirements, making transport logistics an efficient and well-organised system.

Author of the article

ITS MOVE - Editor