Intermodal Solution for Modern Logistics
An insight from our Transport Manager Luke Williams
Here at Newell & Wright Transport we are embracing the latest technological shifts and implementing them throughout our supply chain network. By doing so we’re encouraging our partners to utilise and unlock the power of AI.
AI is present in all facets of life, like it or loathe it it’s here to stay, in our industry AI is helping logistics providers optimise routes, forecast demand, and automate scheduling. This means fewer container moves, lower costs, and faster deliveries.
Digital Twins
Digital Twins create real-time virtual models of ports, terminals, and supply chains. Operators can simulate congestion, test new rail schedules, refine container yard layouts, and optimise container flows before making real world changes. Ports like Rotterdam are pioneering digital twin technology to simulate ship arrivals, terminal capacity, and cargo flows. Benefits include real time operational insights, reduced congestion, and better container flow management.
Synchromodal Transport
Synchromodal Transport allows companies to switch transport modes dynamically depending on real time conditions, unlike traditional logistics planning where a route is fixed in advance. A synchromodal network uses data platforms and AI systems to monitor rail network capacity, port delays, weather disruptions, terminal availability, and fuel prices to highlight a few. The benefits, greater supply chain flexibility, lower carbon emissions, and network efficiency.
Internet of Things (IoT) Tracking
IoT devices track cargo and containers in real time. Typical sensors monitor location using GPS, in some cases temperature, vibration, humidity and if a door is opened at any point in transit. Shipping companies like Hapag Lloyd use smart containers to provide continuous tracking across sea, rail, and road transport. The technology provides full shipment visibility, can highlight early disruption detection, and adds another layer of protection for sensitive cargo.
Autonomous Vehicles & Robotics
Automation isn’t a new concept, and examples can be found as far back as 300BC however, in its current guise automation is prevalent throughout ports and distribution centres across the globe. Robotic warehouse picking, automated stacking cranes and autonomous container vehicles can be found with regularity embedded into existing supply chains. Automation encourages faster cargo handling, reduces labour shortages and increases terminal throughput, port terminals such as DP World have introduced highly automated container handling systems and are reaping the benefits.
Blockchain in Supply Chains
Blockchain technology provides secure and transparent documentation for freight, it can digitalise bills of laden, custom documentation and cargo ownership records. Blockchain digitalisation provides end to end visibility of cargo movements across the globe. Companies like DHL & Maersk have experimented with blockchain-based tracking platforms, benefits include improved transparency, reduced disputes, and faster issue resolution.
Predictive Maintenance for Logistics Infrastructure
AI combined with sensor data can detect potential failures before they occur, applications for this technology already exist in rail track condition monitoring, port crane maintenance, and truck fleet diagnostics. Rail infrastructure operators like Network Rail use predictive systems to monitor track conditions and reduce disruptions.
Newell & Wright have harnessed the power of AI to boost its day to day productivity. Our planning systems can predict seasonal demands, equipment shortages, and container volumes. Crucially, these predictive capabilities also take into account global and macroeconomic trends, for example using fuel price forecasting informed by real time events such as current Middle East disruption, meaning our predictions reflect the world as it is today, not just historical patterns. We can also use AI to analyse trade flows, port congestion, and historical imbalance patterns recognising where empty containers should go thus reducing costly repositions. Our planners work in tandem with AI by optimising routes, identifying patterns such as driver frequency at certain locations and tip and turn times which in turn limit unnecessary idling. Telematics are used to analyse engine data, braking systems and tyre wear predicting breakdowns before they happen.
At our inland rail terminals in Sheffield and Rotherham AI can determine where containers should be stacked, what can be accessed, resulting in preferential lift sequencing. This reduces rehandling and speeds up truck turnaround times. AI intervention is actively shortening waiting times, maximising yard flow and improving driver productivity.
We have also invested significant time in understanding which parts of our business would benefit most from AI, working closely with colleagues to train models in the right priorities and developing clear AI guidelines. This ensures our models are well trained and tailored specifically to NWT, reflecting how our business operates today as well as our target operating model for the future. This process does not stop once a model is deployed. It becomes a continuous cycle of improvement, with models refined over time as our business evolves and new data becomes available
The industry is moving towards an age of fully integrated digital supply chain where cargo is visible in real time, routing decisions are becoming more automated which means transport modes can be switched dynamically. Infrastructure is digitally simulated and stress tested before changes are made in real life which is leading to more resilient and sustainable intermodal logistics networks. We’re at the cutting edge of new supply chain technologies powered by AI and here at Newell and Wright we’re embracing the evolution of emerging logistics models
