SUPPLY CHAIN ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Meeting Transportation Needs Efficiently
The supply chain is a hierarchy of multi-modal and integrated functions that must all be preserved and protected together from disruption. Bottlenecking or eliminating any link in the chain will impact the flow of goods throughout the whole system.
To that end, the exhibit below identifies the critical freight transportation and logistics functions and roles that should be part of a detailed national standard – across all modes, for shippers of all sizes, and for both domestic and international shipments.
All of the entities shown are critical to keeping supplies flowing: Makers – such as manufacturers, packagers, and distributors – produce and direct goods through the transportation system. Movers – such as ports, motor carriers, railroads, and third-party logistics providers – physically move or coordinate the movement of goods. And mobilizers –from hotels and fuel stops to spare parts makers and repair services – provide the support services necessary to keep the system functioning…
Essential Freight Transportation and Logistics Functions and Roles
MAKERS
Pull products through the supply chain
Producers
Domestic or international manucfacturers, assembers, packages, growes, and any entity involved in creating goods for consumption
Interact with distributors, shippers, and retailers (what to make and how sell it)
A producer can also be a shipper (e.g., of inbound materials for production)
Distributors
Importers, exporters, and third party warehousing providers that facilitate the distribution of goods Interact with shippers and retailers (where to send which goods)
Providers
Shippers or retailers that pull product through the system to demand
Must retain functions that prioritize and execute the order to cash cycle
MOVERS
Move or coordinate the movement of goods
Carriers
Carriers Companies that physically move goods, such as trucking, parcel, air, ocean, rail, etc.
Rely on equipment providers, transfer points, third-party loglsitcs, maintenance/repair
Connectors
Transfer points and movement facilitators, Including ports, airports, truck stops, container/ trailer yards, fuel providers
Coordinators
Third-party logistics providers, forwarders, brokers, transport managers, etc.
Coordinate shipments and facilitate the movement of goods for shippers
Equipment providers
Provide equipment, such as trailers, containers, chassis, railcars, etc.
MOBILIZERS
Provide essential support services
Crew support
Hotel rooms for mobile workers and crews, truck stops.and rest areas
Equipment/ infrastructure support
Maintenance and repair vendors to keep equipment/ infrastructure in working order
Spare parts providers than manufacture/distribute parts for critical equipment
Fuel suppliers and fueling stops
Technology/communications
Infrastructure and systems support backbone, including transporation managmenet, communications infrastructure, and cloud services providers
Real-time transportation network monitoring and updating services