Transport, Distribution, and Storage Explained
Transport, distribution, and storage are three core concepts in logistics. They are often mentioned in the same breath, but they do not mean the same thing. Together, they form the backbone of every supply chain.
To optimize your logistics, it is important to understand the difference between transport, distribution, and storage — and especially how they complement each other.
What is Transport?
Transport is about the physical movement of goods from one location to another. This can be by road, air, rail, or sea. Transport is the engine of logistics: without transportation, no product reaches its intended destination.
The challenge lies in organizing reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport flows. Delays or interruptions have a direct impact on the entire chain. The blockage of the Suez Canal in 2021 showed how vulnerable global supply chains can be. Companies with flexible transport partners could adapt more quickly. Read more about this in our blog:
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/blog/suez-kanaal
What is Storage?
Storage — also known as warehousing — is the keeping of goods in a warehouse or storage facility until they are needed for production or distribution.
A well-organized storage system prevents stock shortages and ensures products are readily available. Modern warehouses use advanced systems to monitor inventories in real-time and optimize order picking.
At Van der Helm, we combine storage with transport and customs handling, allowing goods to flow faster and inventory to remain transparent.
For international trade, customs also play an important role. With an
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/blog/aeo-certificering-voordelen
What is distribution?
What is distribution?
Distribution is the
The last mile delivery, the final stretch to the customer, is often the most complex and costly phase of distribution. By using smart technology and collaborating with reliable partners, you can speed up and make this process more sustainable.
How Transport, Distribution, and Storage Work Together
Although transport, distribution, and storage each have their own role, they are inextricably linked.
A well-functioning supply chain ensures that goods are transported from production to the warehouse just in time, stored efficiently, and then delivered to the customer without delay. When one link falters, the entire chain is disrupted.
That’s why more and more companies are opting for an integrated approach, where all components are brought together under one logistics partner. With a 3PL solution (Third Party Logistics), transport, storage, and distribution are coordinated from one system. This reduces errors, shortens lead times, and increases efficiency. Read more about this in our blog:
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/blog/wat-is-3pl
Control and Efficiency in a Changing Market
The logistics sector is changing rapidly. The growth of container volumes in the Port of Rotterdam is putting more pressure on capacity and infrastructure. Companies that smartly integrate their processes maintain oversight and can respond flexibly to growth. Read more about this in our blog:
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/blog/containervolumes-rotterdam
Additionally, digitization and security are becoming increasingly important. Innovations such as the digital
https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/blog/geen-pincodes-meer
Conclusion: one Chain, Three Links
Transport, distribution, and storage are three different components, but together they form a whole. By integrating these processes, you save time, reduce costs, and improve the reliability of your deliveries.
At Van der Helm, we bring all the links of logistics together under one roof. This way, companies maintain control over their supply chain and benefit from a single point of contact for transport, warehousing, distribution, and customs.
👉 Want to know how we combine transport, distribution, and storage into one efficient solution? Get in touch with our team via https://vanderhelmlogistics.com/contact and discover the power of a partner who understands the entire chain.