Far-sighted thinking: SPC reviews Knauf transport operations.

Because of the high volume of its freight and the diversity of its products, Knauf Gips KG is very much in favour of using the rail and waterborne modes of bulk transport. In order to enhance the economic efficiency and environmental acceptability of its freight operations, the globally operating manufacturer of construction materials would like to have selected existing routes reviewed to determine whether there is any further potential for added value.

The initial situation

Given the structure of its goods, this manufacturer of construction materials is keen to use the waterborne and rail modes. In order to further enhance the efficiency of its freight operations, the SPC is to review selected routes to determine if there is any additional potential for added value.

The requirement

The SPC’s task is to optimize 30 existing freight routes in Europe. Major challenges are posed by the wide range of products, the transport cost sensitivity of the goods and the multiplicity of modal combinations.

The result

On the basis of its market knowledge, the SPC was able to examine the existing routes in detail and offer creative solutions in all cases. Thus, for instance, the SPC team has linked up various routes within one logistics chain. By using mafi trailers and bulk carriers with their own deck crane, it is also possible to make transhipment operations economically efficient.

• Economical freight operations despite the bulkiness of the products.
• Efficient transport management through cross-route planning.
• Optimum use of freight space resources.
• Improved delivery and service quality.
• Optimized environmental performance