How to blend road, sea and rail to reduce risk and cost.
A resilient network combines modes deliberately, not reactively. Start by mapping service windows and acceptable risk per lane, then evaluate which legs can shift to sea or rail without harming SLAs. For example, cross‑Channel moves with one‑day slack often suit unaccompanied ferry solutions with local pickup on arrival. Use data to compare door‑to‑door time, variability and cost. Dedicated express remains unmatched for urgent movements, but many weekly flows benefit from a multi‑modal design that reduces exposure to a single bottleneck. Contracting with carriers that can flex across modes gives you optionality when disruptions occur. Finally, align your packaging and palletisation with the toughest leg in the chain. Standardising on durable packaging, stretch‑wrap and clear labels reduces damages and helps each handover run smoothly, whichever mode is in use.