Logistics

World trade continues to grow, resulting in a doubling of global transport and traffic volumes over the last decade. This economic growth leads to congestion and bottlenecks at seaports and logistic hubs as well as in urban areas. These effects jeopardize the economic viability of the transport sector and whole economies alike. At the same time, ecological challenges associated with transport have also intensified, including health and climate impacts. However, solutions exist and are being gradually implemented worldwide.

Logistics has an important role in tackling these challenges. Germany follows the principles of green logistics by designing efficient supply chains, using low-emission vehicles, developing energy-efficient logistic facilities and a strong integration of different transport modes. Many goods in Germany are moved by combined transport using multiple modes. High-performance logistics hubs ensure that goods are smoothly transferred from river and sea to rail, from rail to road and the other way around. This guarantees the highest cost-efficiency and limits environmental impacts. The World Bank has repeatedly ranked Germany first on the Logistics Performance Index—the latest 2014 ranking included.

Well-connected partners with highly trained personnel, continuous quality management and efficient processes ensure that goods are transported safely and smoothly to their ultimate destinations. The demands placed on logistics providers are as diverse as the solutions that the German sector provides.

Further Links and Downloads

Interested in calculating the environmental impact of freight transport on a specific route? The calculation of energy consumption and emission data of a worldwide transport chain can be done quickly online, using tools from EcoTransIT World: http://www.ecotransit.org/index.en.html

 

Interested in studying logistics in Germany? Visit http://www.mastersportal.eu/search/?q=ci-11|kw-logistics|lv-master||6e28b83c

Fact and Figures

Did you know that in Germany:

  • Logistics can be studied at 27 universities, 93 technical colleges, 5 vocational academies and 3 dual study colleges
  • The German logistics sector employs about 2.7 million people
  • German car manufacturers often require parts from over 1000 different suppliers during the final assembly process
  • About 70 per cent of freight traffic volumes are carried on the road, followed by rail with a share of 17 per cent
Products

The CarGoTram is an urban freight tram in Dresden that supplies Volkswagen’s “Transparent Factory”—located in the central city—with parts for automobile production:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CarGoTram

 

The BentoBox is a new logistics project based in Berlin, serving as an urban hub for courier trans-shipment and consolidation, as well as a parcel pick-up station for customers. It was designed for parallel usage by various couriers, express and parcel (CEP) services. Project results are positive so far: the BentoBox enables bundling of orders, allowing about 85% of car deliveries to be done instead by cargo bike.

Berlin Innovation (berlin-innovation.de)

Logistics made in Germany