What is shared logistics?
The shared economy (or collaborative economy) is already a global reality applied to various segments – including logistics.
In the case of applying the shared economy model to logistics, the use of the methodology and technological tools that allow such logistics management comprise the structural basis of this process.
Shared logistics is nothing more than the shared use of resources (housing, transportation, equipment, office, and so on) by more than one company or more than one person with the same interests and needs, and aims to make products and services cheaper.
What are the benefits of shared logistics?
Shared logistics thinking involves defining logistics strategies that aim to reduce environmental impact, reduce costs and optimize process time.
A good example of shared logistics is Airbnb ‘s proposal – where users can rent existing homes that will be available for use during certain periods.
Important market players, such as AMBEV , already apply the shared logistics model in their operations.
Since 2009, the company has been working with its “Shared Fleet” project, where, in partnership with other companies, it optimizes the journeys of trucks that distribute the companies’ products and thus reduces CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.
In 2015, AMBEV reduced carbon dioxide emissions from its logistics operations by 3,000 tons, in addition to saving 5 million liters of diesel oil with collaborative transport projects.
Furthermore, over the last four years, the company’s collaborative trips have increased by 210%, including the Circular Fleet – a project in which the same truck is used to transport different brewery inputs.
How to apply cost sharing in shared logistics?
It is worth remembering that variable costs must be covered by those using the service.
Fixed costs can be accounted for in the following ways:
Division of fixed costs for shared logistics fleet
- Based on the ABC model (Activity Based Costing);
- Through a distribution proportional to a certain production variable.
The division of fixed costs can be done by day of vehicle use or by percentage relative to the mileage covered in a month.
Division of fixed costs for shared warehouse
To calculate the variable costs of shared storage, simply check the area or cubic capacity used and the total number of days of use – including the proportional amount associated with variables such as: warehouse rent, salary of the people who work there, among others.
How to add partners for the shared logistics application?
There are already numerous players on the market that make it possible to hire partners of this type, such as Jadlog .
Another way would be to look for cooperatives, unions and/or propose such a practice directly to other businesses/industries.
The choice of the ideal partner(s) must meet the needs of each operation.
How to manage Shared Logistics?
Shared logistics management must be carried out, as well as all logistics management itself, in a logistics management system (if possible, customized).