Dry Ports, Why are they so important?

You may never have heard of dry ports, however, they are very important for logistics and the supply chain in international trade. Moreover, Spain is one of the gateways to Europe for all types of goods, so the country’s logistics ecosystem must be efficient, and this is achieved, among other things, through dry ports.

Dry ports, also know as inland ports play a key role in connecting maritime ports with inland destinations. They act as intermediaries and serve as transportation and distribution centres. These ports combine different modes of transportation, such as roads, rail and even air, offering an effecient alternative to traditional port-to-port transportation. In addition, rail transport is a much more environmentally sustainable option as it reduces the number of long-distance trucks on the roads.

They offer connectivity and accessibility by integrating these means of transport, creating opportunities for national and international markets. Another significant advantage is their ability to reduce congestion at seaports, sometimes these are too small for the volume of trades and therefore operations are slowed down by the lack of infrastructure.

Last but not least, dry ports represent a development opportunity for the area in which they are established as they attract investment and companies that generate employment. For that reason, it can be affirmed that the future of this type of ports is assured, as international trade is booming and therefore, the efficiency in the supply chain will depend on them, specifically in Spain, the dry ports of Madrid or Zaragoza will be of great importance in Europe if they do not already have it.

The Port of Valencia. The first of Spain and the fourth of Europe.

The aim of this post is to make the port of Valencia better known. Despite living in this city, many people are not aware of the importance of the port at European and world level.

The port of Valencia is the largest port in Spain and one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, handling a significant amount of cargo traffic each year. The port is located on the eastern coast of Spain, and it serves as a vital gateway to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. It is the best connected port in Spain and the fourth in Europe, behind Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg.

Logistics in the port of Valencia are highly efficient, with a range of infrastructure and services designed to meet the needs of businesses and shippers. The port has a variety of terminals dedicated to handling different types of cargo, including containers, bulk goods, and vehicles. These terminals are equipped with modern handling equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, and conveyor belts, to ensure smooth and efficient cargo handling. In 2021 alone, the port of Valencia mobilised more than 85 million tonnes.

In recent years, the port of Valencia has invested heavily in digitalization and automation to improve its efficiency and competitiveness. It has implemented a digital platform that provides real-time information on vessel schedules, cargo status, and port operations. This platform enables shippers to optimize their supply chains and improve their delivery times.

Overall, the logistics in the port of Valencia are highly developed, offering a range of efficient and cost-effective services to shippers. With its strategic location and modern infrastructure, the port is well-positioned to continue to play a key role in global trade in the upcoming years.

Logistics Involved In a Beach Club

During the past years, I have been working as a waiter in a lounge that serves food and drinks in the beach of Castellón, LAPLAYA. Two years ago, I became the person in charge during my shift and so I can now talk about my experience in the logistics of this sector.

Managing a bar or restaurant requires careful attention to logistics. From ordering supplies to managing inventory, staff and scheduling, there are many moving parts that must come together to create a successful operation.

One of the most critical logistical considerations is ordering supplies. This involves creating a list of necessary items, such as food, beverages, and cleaning supplies, and placing orders with vendors. The process must be managed to ensure that supplies arrive on time, and in the right quantities, to avoid running out of products or overstocking.

Managing inventory is another important aspect of bar or restaurant logistics and it is very related to oredring supplies. It involves tracking the use of products and maintaining an adequate level of inventory to meet demand. Inventory must be monitored regularly to ensure that the restaurant always has the necessary supplies on hand.

Staffing and scheduling are also crucial considerations. Scheduling must be carefully planned to ensure adequate coverage during busy times, while minimizing labor costs during slow periods. Staffing decisions also involve selecting and training employees, ensuring that they have the necessary skills to provide quality service.

Finally, another critical aspect of bar or restaurant logistics is food and beverage preparation. This involves organizing the kitchen, ensuring that equipment is maintained and functioning correctly, apart from developing recipes and menus that appeal to customers. Food and beverage preparation must also meet health and safety standards to avoid potential health hazards.

In conclusion, managing a bar or restaurant involves many complex logistical considerations that may not be seen from the other side of the bar. From ordering supplies to managing inventory, staffing, and scheduling, to food and beverage preparation. Giving attention to detail is essential to ensure a successful operation and by carefully managing these logistics, restaurant owners and managers can create a thriving business that attracts customers and generates profits.

Here I attach the links to the Instagram profiles and bars the group has, so you can come and visit us on summer.

LAPLAYA https://www.instagram.com/laplaya_bardeverano/

GREENWAVE https://www.instagram.com/green_wave_naturalfood/

Last Mile Delivery in European cities and its challenges.

Last mile logistics refers to the final stage of the delivery process, which involves transporting goods from a warehouse or distribution center to the final destination, typically a residential or commercial address. In European cities, last mile logistics is an increasingly important issue due to the growing demand for e-commerce and same-day delivery services.

One of the major challenges faced by last mile logistics in European cities is the high population density and limited space for delivery vehicles. This has led to increased traffic congestion, longer delivery times, and higher costs. To address these issues, many cities are exploring alternative delivery methods such as electric vehicles, cargo bikes, and even drones.

Another challenge is the lack of standardized delivery processes across different countries and cities in Europe, which can lead to inefficiencies and delays. For this, there have been efforts to develop standardized delivery protocols and regulations at the EU level.

In addition to these challenges, there is also growing concern about the environmental impact of last mile logistics, particularly with regard to emissions from delivery vehicles. Many European cities have set ambitious targets for reducing emissions, and last mile logistics is seen as a key area where these targets can be achieved.

Overall, last mile logistics is a complex and multifaceted issue in European cities, but in my opinion, critical to the success of e-commerce and the broader economy. As such, there is a growing focus on developing innovative solutions that can address the challenges while also promoting sustainability and efficiency.

In addition to this, below there is a link to a report where it is possible to find some interesting information about last mile logistics in Europe. Hotspots of demand are identified and locations where a high growth is expected.

Click to access european-logistics-report-2022-europes-last-mile-9379.pdf