Source: Expanded from: Beškovnik B. & Zanne M. (2018). Business process re-engineering of a maritime car terminal: Changing from inbound to outbound intermodal node in Finished Vehicle Logistics (FVL). Polish Maritime Research, Vol. 25(3), 54-61.
Note: Some car terminals in Chinese (Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta) and European ports (Rhine Basin) also use barges to transport cars.
Car terminals depend on finished vehicle logistics (FVL), which are complex chains as every car production plant uses customized logistics chains and provides all the necessary services expected by both the automotive industry and the final consumer. In response, a car terminal works to secure different operational services such as loading, discharging, and storage. Moreover, the terminal is often requested to inspect vehicles at different manipulation stages, pre-delivery inspections (PDI), maintenance, car customization, and defects/damage assessment.
Sometimes, terminals and ports offer other services, such as dissembling and assembling operations or car postponement services. The FVL chain can be organized as a simple service for moving cars or a higher-value chain where additional services are performed on the handled vehicles. The latter process requires knowledge and skills to ensure safety and security levels for cargo and logistics providers, with carmakers expecting additional services to be provided as part of the car terminal activities.
Car terminals for inbound or outbound car flows are almost always quite distinct. This is because they require different processes and different infrastructure. The requested services are organized in logistics nodes closer to the production point or the end consumer. More services related to car logistics and customization are often provided in inbound flows, where the node (terminal or dealer’s depot) is closer to the end consumers and offers more opportunities for customization. Such a position usually requires different buffer strategies that are tailored to groups of customers. Consequently, the terminal operators monitor and adapt internal processes to the changing market and customer expectations.