Survey backs portcentric model

Portcentric logistics provides benefits in terms of time, cost and carbon savings, according to the respondents of a survey of UK retailers and their suppliers.

The finding forms part of a research paper into portcentric logistics produced by Southampton University on behalf of 3PL Import Services.

The paper summarised benefits as:

- Time: product simply gets to market more quickly.
- Cost: less handling at intermediary sites and consolidation at the port is thought to equal a reduction in delivered unit cost. This research asserts this is particularly marked where products are delivered direct to store or, as an internet order response, direct from port to customer's home.
- Carbon emissions: a direct consequence of the more cost-effective delivery process.

The survey also found that retailers have embraced the portcentric model more rapidly than their suppliers.

You can read the paper here