Blog 3/9: Logistics

Blog 3: Transportation and Freight

Planes, ships, trucks, and trains — without transportation, the world of logistics would stop moving.

The Role of Transportation in Logistics

Transportation is one of the most critical parts of logistics. It connects every stage of the supply chain — from raw material suppliers to warehouses, and finally, to the end-user.

Goods may be transported by air, sea, road, or rail depending on their size, weight, urgency, and destination. The cost, speed, and environmental impact of each mode must be considered.

Transporting goods internationally requires detailed documentation, coordination with freight forwarders, and compliance with customs regulations. A mistake at this stage can cause delays, added costs, or even loss of goods.

Script: Freight Arrangement Call

Setting: A logistics coordinator is confirming international shipment details with a freight forwarding company.

Anna (Logistics Coordinator): Hi Jack, I wanted to confirm the freight details for the order shipping from Hamburg to Singapore.

Jack (Freight Forwarder): Sure, Anna. We’re booking it via ocean freight. The container will be loaded this Friday.

Anna: Great. Has the bill of lading been issued yet?

Jack: Not yet. We’ll issue it after the container is sealed and cleared. Customs inspection is scheduled for Thursday.

Anna: And what about incoterms? The client requested DAP.

Jack: Got it — Delivered at Place. That means we’ll handle everything until it reaches the destination warehouse.

Anna: Perfect. Please make sure the cargo insurance is in place.

Jack: Already done. I’ll send you all documentation by Friday.

📚 Key Vocabulary

Term	Definition	Example
Freight Forwarder	A company that arranges transportation and shipping logistics	We hired a freight forwarder to manage the export.
Bill of Lading	A legal document listing the goods and contract of shipment	The bill of lading must be presented at customs.
Customs Clearance	Approval required for goods to enter or leave a country	The shipment is waiting for customs clearance.
Incoterms	International trade terms defining seller/buyer responsibilities	Under DDP incoterms, the seller pays all duties.
Cargo	Goods transported by ship, plane, or vehicle	The cargo must be packed in waterproof containers.
Consignment	A batch of goods sent to someone for delivery or sale	This consignment contains 200 units of electronics.

Grammar Focus: Modal Verbs for Obligation & Permission

Modal verbs are often used in logistics to express necessity, permission, or requirements.

Modal	Use	Example
Must	Strong obligation	The cargo must be inspected before shipping.
Have to	External requirement	We have to follow customs regulations.
Need to	Necessary action	You need to include the invoice in the documents.
Can	Permission or possibility	You can ship by air if it’s urgent.

👉 Practice:Complete the sentences with the correct modal:

1. You ___ label each package before it is loaded.

2. The shipper ___ provide the bill of lading.

3. We ___ ship this by road; it’s too heavy.

4. They ___ get customs clearance before departure.

💬 Discussion Questions (Conversation Practice)

Use these in pairs or groups to encourage speaking:

1. What is the most common method of transport in your country? Why?

2. Have you ever experienced a delay with international shipping? What was the cause?

3. Do you think air freight is worth the cost for urgent deliveries? Why or why not?

4. What challenges can occur during customs clearance?

5. How does technology help with transportation logistics?

Task: Match the Freight Mode to the Scenario

Choose the most suitable mode of transport for the following situations:

A. RoadB. RailC. SeaD. Air

1. Transporting fresh seafood from Norway to Japan

2. Moving heavy machinery across Germany

3. Delivering a small package overnight from the UK to France

4. Shipping low-cost clothing from Vietnam to the USA

Answers: 1D, 2B, 3A, 4C

Writing Task: Describe a Shipment

Write a paragraph describing a shipment your company is sending or receiving. Include:

• Type of product

• Mode of transport

• Destination

• Required documents

• At least 3 new vocabulary words

• 1–2 modal verbs (must, have to, etc.)