Global Network Strategies (Geography of Transport Systems) - Essay Example

However, this does not mean that regional and national centers will cease to exist. Some products still require a three-tier distributing that consists of regional, national as well as international centers. Network structure is adapted in order to meet the requirements of IFT demand. This can adapt numerous forms operating at various scales. There are various strategies employed in distribution networks. The choice of one strategy over the other mainly depends on the nature of the cargo and the environment it is operated from.

They include point to point distribution, corridor structures of distribution, hub and spoke networks, fixed routing networks and Flexible Routing networks. This is usually used when there is need for satisfaction of specialized and specific one time orders. This often leads to the creation of empty return problems and less than full load. This structure requires minimal logistics but the efficiency is compromised. A good example of point to point network is the point to point transportation system.

This system transports containers from one location to a second address. It consists of a transport channel, propeller, operator, numerous containers and an operative communication. The controller is configured to receive instructions for transport between the locations. The controller instructs the operator, who then communicates with the propeller. The propeller moves the cargo to move from the first location to the second. It is important to have a way to between two addresses by use of a channel type system with containers moving rapidly and directly between start points and finish points.

It is also important to have a way of monitoring the movement of the cargo in the system and rerouting cargo should there be any delays arise in any section of the system as well as any other complications. Moreover, it is vital to have a system which can allow various container sizes. This is what point to point distribution network offers. The size of the containers can be selected. This helps in meeting traffic and cargo constraints. A system to transport cargo within various containers from the first address to the second consists of various tracks between these addresses to engage and support plurality of the containers.

The invention of point to point transportation enabled cargo transportation by the use of containers. Corridor structures of distributionThese usually help in linking services, like land bridge that connect container trains to seaboards, with high density agglomerations. Loading and unloading of traffic along the corridors can be done at local and regional distribution centers that act as sub hubs in the distribution system. This is especially applicable in large transport and logistics companies (Rodrigue et al, 2006).

Hub and spoke networksThese have come with high throughput distribution centers and the emergence of air freight distribution. These are in great favor of parcel services. This structure is only possible if the hub is capable of handling big amounts of consignments where time is important. It requires logistics that are extensive since efficiency comes from the terminal of the hub. A main distribution cente