Added a new page discussing a categorization of how countries participate in global value chains. This classification is coming from the 2020 World Development Report. The core issue is the difference between backward participation having outputs created by previous stages in the value chain and forward participation producing goods used
Continue readingAuthor: Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Cross-docking distribution center (update)
Since it is the holiday season, it is worth noting that the capability of large retail stores to be supplied relies on cross-docking distribution centers. Orders coming from several suppliers or distribution centers can be sorted so that each individual store receives customized orders. For e-commerce, the cross-docking principle (sortation
Continue readingTypes of freight facilities (update)
Updated a page describing the main freight facilities, which come into five main categories. Each facility is a combination of the functions of fabrication, storage, and distribution. Types of Freight Facilities | The Geography of Transport Systems (transportgeography.org)
Continue readingRetail logistics and e-commerce (update)
Updated a page discussing the main differences between conventional retail and e-commerce. Since e-commerce is distributional consumption, logistics plays a more important role than standard retail, which is accessibility-based consumption. Retail Logistics and E-commerce | The Geography of Transport Systems (transportgeography.org)
Continue readingTypes of manufacturing clusters (update)
Updated a page presenting the three major types of clusters supporting manufacturing activities. The propensity to cluster has characterized manufacturing from artisan guild towns of the Middle Ages to contemporary logistics zones. Types of Manufacturing Clusters | The Geography of Transport Systems (transportgeography.org)
Continue readingBasic location factors (update)
Updated a page discussing location factors and location theory. Three scales of locational analysis are considered: the socioeconomic environment (macro), accessibility (meso), and the site (micro). Basic Location Factors | The Geography of Transport Systems (transportgeography.org)
Continue readingThe dawn of containerization (new)
Added a new page showing global container port activity in 1970, which is pretty much the oldest year where statistics are available (1968 was the year that the TEU became a standard). At that time container shipping was strongly oriented around direct trade partners with the United States. The Dawn
Continue readingNetwork connectivity options (new)
Added a page providing a simple explanation of the main differences between the least cost to build and the least cost to use networks. Network Connectivity Options | The Geography of Transport Systems (transportgeography.org)
Continue readingGrowth Poles Theory (update)
Updated the material discussing the foundations of the growth poles theory leaning on the principle of leading firms, supply chain linkages and economies of agglomeration. The concept is behind the agglomerative effects of many transport terminals, particularly ports. Growth Poles Theory | The Geography of Transport Systems (transportgeography.org)
Continue readingConditions and outcomes of intermodal transport
Updated the page discussing under what main conditions intermodal transportation is taking place and with expected outcomes. Conditions and Outcomes of Intermodal Transport | The Geography of Transport Systems (transportgeography.org)
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