Efficient logistics for the agrochemical industry

The agrochemical industry is characterized by specific logistics requirements, involving frequent and regular deliveries between factories, warehouses and customers. Due to the need for continuous supply and cost optimization, two delivery models have become popular: shuttle delivery and Milk Run.

What are shuttle deliveries?

Shuttle deliveries consist of regular, fixed courses made between two designated points. In the agrochemical industry, such a model is extremely effective, especially when there is a need to deliver raw materials or semi-finished products between two production sites multiple times a day. The main advantages of this solution are optimal use of the available transport fleet, shorter waiting times for deliveries, and lower transport unit costs due to the regularity and predictability of courses.

What is Milk Run?

Milk Run is a method of organizing transportation that involves planning a single route involving multiple pick-up or delivery points within a single transportation cycle. Analogous to a dairyman who visits several farms to collect milk, trucks in the agrochemical industry can collect raw materials from several supplier points and transport them to one main factory. The benefits of such a model are significant: fuel savings, reduced traffic, regularity of deliveries and better use of cargo space.

Comparison and model selection

Choosing the right delivery model depends on the specifics of your business. Shuttle deliveries will work perfectly when there is a large volume of goods being transported between two points. Milk Run, on the other hand, will be a better choice when suppliers or consignees are dispersed and the volumes transported from individual points are not large enough to justify separate courses.

Case study: Milk Run for fertilizer manufacturer

Consider the example of a fertilizer manufacturer that has implemented the Milk Run model to collect chemical ingredients from several smaller production facilities to a central production point. Implementation of this strategy has enabled the company to achieve fuel savings of 20%, reduce overall logistics costs by 15%, and improve delivery frequency to one cycle per day, ensuring consistent availability of raw materials for production.

The role of the logistics operator

An experienced logistics operator such as XL LOGISTICS plays a key role in the implementation of these logistics models. This company specializes in precise route planning, load synchronization and providing continuous service for transportation fleets. With its knowledge and experience, XL LOGISTICS is able to efficiently organize both shuttle and Milk Run deliveries, providing its agrochemical customers with cost optimization and production continuity.

Summary

Implementing appropriate logistics models can significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce costs for agrochemical companies. We encourage companies operating in this industry to consult the experts at XL LOGISTICS to optimize their logistics processes.

Contact us today and learn more about our logistics offerings!

The transportation of hazardous materials (ADR) is not limited to carrier responsibilities. The shipper also has to meet certain requirements to make the process safe, legal and hassle-free. So how do you properly prepare your company to ship such materials? Here is a practical step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Classification of goods

The basis of any shipment of hazardous materials is their correct classification. To do this, you must:

• Check the Material Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – this is the primary document that determines whether a material is considered hazardous.
• Identify the UN number (UN Number), which clearly identifies the type of hazard and the handling of the goods.
• Identify the ADR class, e.g., explosives (Class 1), flammable substances (Class 3), toxic materials (Class 6.1), etc.

Step 2: Packaging and labeling

The next step is to properly secure and label the goods:

• Use only approved ADR packaging adapted to the hazard class (drums, canisters, cartons, bags).
• Place appropriate warning stickers on packages to indicate the class of danger.
• Prepare orange signs that must be placed on transport vehicles (trucks, tankers).

Step 3: Documentation

Preparing complete documentation is the key to success in ADR transportation. Remember:

• Shipping document with the exact UN number.
• Safety instructions, or special safety data sheets designed for ADR transport.
• CMR waybill, which should include an endorsement for ADR carriage.
• Report the transport to the Inspection of Road Transport (ITD), if required by law.

Step 4: Select a carrier with authority

Choosing the right carrier is a key decision. The company you entrust with ADR transportation should:

• Have certified drivers trained in ADR carriage.
• Have specialized equipment and experience.
• Have adequate insurance for emergency situations.

XL LOGISTICS meets all of the above criteria, guaranteeing professionalism and safety of your ADR shipments.

Download our checklist!

To make the process of preparing an ADR shipment easier for you, we have prepared a practical checklist to make sure all requirements are met. Download it now and be sure that nothing will surprise you!

Summary

ADR transportation requires diligent preparation on the part of both the carrier and the shipping company. By using the services of XL LOGISTICS, you are assured that all procedures will be completed, avoiding stress, mistakes and potential costs.

Contact us today – transportation of hazardous materials with XL LOGISTICS is a guarantee of safety, professionalism and peace of mind.

We had the pleasure of attending a unique industry event – the presentation of the DAF XG anniversary model at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Eindhoven. This is not only a showcase of the latest technological advances of the DAF brand, but also an inspiring meeting that confirms that the future of transportation is just happening.

Modernity that impresses

During the presentation, we were able to get an up-close look at how DAF is consistently developing its line of premium vehicles. The DAF XG is the answer to the growing needs of trucking companies for driver comfort, fuel efficiency and smart solutions to support daily operations.

The technologies used in it, the aerodynamic lines of the cabin, increased space and driving assistance systems are just some of the elements that set this vehicle apart from the competition.

Thank you for the invitation

Participation in this event was more than just an opportunity to test innovative solutions – it was also an opportunity to exchange experiences and look at transportation from a broader perspective.

We are grateful for the invitation and the professionally prepared presentation. Meetings such as this reinforce our belief that the development of the XL LOGISTICS fleet towards modern and environmentally friendly solutions is the right way to go.

Innovations that inspire

The presentation of the DAF XG not only aroused our admiration for advanced technology, but also inspired us to go further. We believe that the future of logistics is smart, sustainable and reliable mobility – and DAF is constantly raising the bar in this regard.