In our last article, we talked about how important Galicia is in the logistics sector. It is true that logistics, as well as transport, in our region have many points in their favour, but at Conde Fernández Hermanos we are not going to lie and say that there are no aspects that can be improved. Currently, there are many transport and logistics challenges in Galicia that should be faced as soon as possible.
These challenges in both sectors test the management, adaptation and efficiency capacity of our sectors in an increasingly globalised context. Some of these obstacles are the responsibility of public bodies, but logistics operators also have unfinished business in this regard. At Conde we believe that these are the challenges that we in the Galician transport and logistics sectors must overcome.
Challenge 1: more modern infrastructures
As we pointed out at the time, Galician infrastructures are key to international transport and logistics. In particular, our ports in A Coruña and Vigo have a high commercial relevance, and we have a network of roads and motorways that allow for fluid circulation. Our weakness, like the rest of Spain, is the particularity of our railways, their special gauge. Although rail freight transport is effective at national level, this gauge, which differs from the European standard, hinders the sector’s activities at international level, and vice versa.
In this respect, it is becoming increasingly clear that our rail infrastructures need to modernise and evolve in order to make transport more flexible. The same applies to the rest of our infrastructures. For, although we enjoy a unique position on the international scene, our geographical remoteness is both an advantage and a disadvantage. To avoid the latter, our infrastructures must facilitate transport from abroad, motivating activity in our Autonomous Community and improving its accessibility.
On the operators’ side, what we can contribute here are our logistics centres, strategically located to make the shipment and collection of goods more accessible.
Challenge 2: More sustainability in our sectors
Perhaps the biggest challenge we face today in logistics and transport is sustainability. Of course, we are not the only sectors that are increasingly looking for green solutions. Respect for the environment is one of our top priorities, especially for those of us who offer road transport services. It is no mystery that shipments and collections of goods have a considerable impact on our ecosystems. Therefore, even the smallest actions are essential to make our services more sustainable.
For example, a pooled freight service is essential for any self-respecting operator. At Conde, we have found that Less than a Truckload is a very efficient road transport model. This allows us to mitigate the impact of our activities on the environment, without affecting our performance. It is not just a question of our fleet being less polluting, less consuming, but also of our work philosophy being environmentally friendly.
Challenge 3: a more digitised sector
On an internal level, digitisation is one of the tasks pending in Galician companies in the sector, especially in the logistics sector. Although the systems that we currently consider standard are totally efficient, the reality is that technology is advancing faster than the professionals in this field of work. Artificial Intelligence, in particular, is revolutionising the job market, and it is only a matter of time before it becomes a fundamental aspect of our logistics management systems.
But what exactly do logistics and transport operators in Galicia need to adapt to? At Conde, we believe that investment in digitalisation should be focused on developing greater shipment traceability, process automation and more precise inventory control. Therefore, the commitment to more advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) is essential. Tools dedicated to data analysis are also very important, as they contribute to a more agile and competitive logistics management.
Challenge 4: Training the order of the day
Of course, no advance in digitisation will do much good if the company’s staff are not trained to use it and make the most of it. The employees of a transport and logistics operator are the most important piece of the puzzle, and therefore need to be trained to be able to operate confidently and effectively. This is something that we at Conde always take into consideration, and that is that well-trained personnel help us to overcome the challenges of transport and logistics in Galicia.
Innovation, sustainability and adaptability. That is what we need in the Galician sector today, and what companies can contribute. On the other hand, we must also demand a substantial improvement in the infrastructures of the Community, in order to be able to guarantee faster and more efficient services.
At Conde Fernández Hermanos we work every day to do our bit. With a clear strategy and vision for the future, it is possible to undertake these changes and improve our position in the transport and logistics sector in Galicia.
We operate in the road freight transport sector, covering both domestic and international routes and providing our customers with logistics solutions for warehousing and distribution.
