What is Transport and Logistics Data? Definition, Datasets & Providers

Transport and Logistics Data Explained

Examples of Transport and Logistics Data include shipment tracking information, delivery schedules, vehicle location data, fuel consumption records, and warehouse inventory levels.

Transport and Logistics Data is used for optimizing supply chain operations, improving delivery efficiency, managing inventory, analyzing transportation costs, and enhancing overall logistics performance.

In this page, you’ll find the best data sources for logistics datasets, logistics databases, and transportation and logistics data.

How is Transport & Logistics Data collected?

As transport and logistics datasets cover two terms, there are different ways of collecting relevant data for these datasets.

Transportation data - Data about transport routes are collected using location data, like current fleet coordinates and routes, and general location information, such as map details and road or route information. This information is used to make the transport of goods as efficient as it can be and transport and logistics datasets are often used to predict potential problems or plan the quickest way from supplier to consumer.

Logistics data - There are multiple sources of logistics data. This may be information about the transportation vehicle or storage equipment or the goods that are being transported themselves. Logistics data may also be collected from the supplier of the goods, such as their location and entity details and description.

Main Attributes

As with the sources of transport and logistics data, the typical attributes of this information can normally be split into two parts.

Transportation data

Information about the transportation of goods itself will make up one part of a transport and logistics dataset. Commonly, this will be details such as the best routes from supplier to consumer or retailer, stops that can be made en route, and even real-time road traffic conditions. Often, map data will be provided which can present alternative routes for transportation vehicles or fleets if there are issues with the planned route.

Logistics data

The rest of a transport and logistics dataset will consist of logistical information to ensure that the process of moving goods is as efficient as possible. Logistics information can include details about the pick-up and drop-off locations to ensure goods are loaded and unloaded swiftly. It may also provide useful insights into how to optimize your logistics by presenting key analytical information, such as how to combine routes to multiple locations.

What is Transport & Logistics Data used for?

Many businesses and companies use transport and logistics data to ensure that their business runs smoothly and efficiently. Companies that are selling goods rely on this information to ensure that their shipments are coming on time and that the process will be quick. Transportation and logistics companies especially rely on these datasets because they can provide real-time solutions to problems that drivers and transportation fleets can experience while on the move.

Companies also use the information provided by transport and logistics datasets to reduce excess costs and increase their profit margins by highlight potential problem areas and then resolving these issues. This can be anything from traffic problems on the road to issues in the warehouse.

How can a user assess the quality of Transport & Logistics Data?

The best transport and logistics datasets will provide real-time and accurate information. This is crucial especially when it comes to route planning and problem solving while on the move and for this reason businesses need datasets which are accurate and reliable.

Historical transport and logistics data is often less important for the best quality datasets, however it can be useful in identifying issues that appear regularly and helping businesses resolve these.

Always read the transport and logistics data provider’s reviews before you buy any transport and logistics data and make sure to ask for a data sample in advance of purchase to ensure that the data provided matches your needs.