Unusual solutions in logistics

The transportation of problematic goods is a serious challenge for the logistics industry. Some shipments pose difficulties in handling (e.g. oversized goods), others absolutely must be delivered quickly (e.g. blood). Sometimes reloading from one means of transport to another (e.g. from road to rail) is also difficult. All branches of transport need solutions that facilitate the transport of such unusual shipments. The article below presents some of them.

Flexitank – Affordable and Efficient Liquid Cargo Transport

A flexitank is a specialized tank resembling a large, multi-layered bag made of polyethylene, reinforced with polypropylene fibers for durability and leak resistance. Originally developed in the 1960s to transport water and diesel fuel for the U.S. military, flexitanks are now widely used for transporting bulk liquid food products and non-hazardous chemicals. Common cargo includes water, juice concentrates, vegetable oils, machine oils, and fertilizers.

The flexitank is installed inside a standard shipping container, then filled, which prevents movement during transit. It is further stabilized using a septum. This transforms the container into a cost-effective, lightweight, and environmentally friendly tanker. Compared to traditional methods, such as bottled transport, flexitanks save up to 60% of cargo space, requiring only 6 cm² of packaging material per liter of liquid.

However, the container must meet specific requirements to ensure safety and hygiene. Its interior must be clean and free of dust, filings, sharp edges, or physical damage. Additionally, the container should be lined with paper or corrugated cardboard for added protection.

Flexitanks offer a modern, sustainable, and cost-efficient solution for liquid cargo transport, combining practicality with significant environmental benefits.

Drones in Logistics

Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are remotely controlled or autonomous flying systems that follow pre-defined routes. In recent years, they have increasingly been used in logistics, particularly for parcel deliveries. This innovative application offers several potential advantages, including cost reduction, greater delivery flexibility (unconstrained by courier working hours), faster delivery times, and a reduced environmental footprint.

However, the use of drones in logistics also comes with challenges. These include limited battery capacity, high sensitivity to adverse weather conditions (e.g., low temperatures or precipitation), the risk of collisions with obstacles such as trees, buildings, or power lines, and the possibility of theft or hijacking of the drone.

The AirVein project is an innovative initiative in Poland aimed at creating a drone-based system for transporting blood, serum, and medicines. This system envisions delivering vital medical supplies from regional blood donation centers to selected hospitals, with the goal of significantly reducing waiting times in critical, life-threatening situations. With increasing traffic congestion in Polish cities, even ambulances with sirens face difficulties navigating busy streets in large urban areas. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offer a promising solution to this challenge, enabling faster and more efficient deliveries. If the initial test deliveries are successful, the program will be further developed, with plans for full implementation originally set for 2018–2019.

Semi-Trailers for road transport of houses

Transporting entire houses is a relatively common practice in countries like Australia and New Zealand, where houses are typically lightweight, wooden structures without conventional foundations. However, these buildings are particularly vulnerable to changes in angle during transport. Any incline or uneven terrain could risk structural collapse.

To address this challenge, specialized semi-trailers with height-adjustable platforms—capable of reaching over 2 meters—are used for this unique type of road transport. The platform's height ranges from a minimum of 75 centimeters to a maximum of 290 centimeters. Its standout feature is the ability to adjust the platform's angle, allowing one side to be lowered while the other is raised. This ensures the house remains upright even when navigating hilly or uneven terrain, as the platform aligns itself with the slope.

This adjustability is also beneficial on flat terrain. Houses, by nature, are wide loads, making it difficult to maneuver through narrow passages such as bridges with high barriers or tight urban areas. By raising the platform, these obstacles can be avoided, enabling smoother transport through challenging routes.

Railway Transport Wagon – A Revolution in Intermodal Transport?

Technologies facilitating the reloading and rail transport of semi-trailers and road sets are already effectively utilized in Europe's intermodal transport market. However, such solutions have yet to be widely implemented in Poland, where road transport remains dominant. This is largely due to the lack of properly equipped land transshipment terminals. Adopting such infrastructure would require significant financial investment in specialized equipment. A potential game-changer in this area is the innovative "Railway Transport Wagon," developed by Professor Mirosław Nader of the Warsaw University of Technology and entrepreneur Marian Sala.

This invention addresses key barriers to intermodal transport by eliminating the need for additional technical equipment. The wagon's design features a low horizontal platform mounted on a lowered frame plate, allowing for quick and straightforward loading operations. The system incorporates a movable loading platform, which removes the necessity of additional loading devices. Trucks can drive onto the platform, which then shifts along with the truck onto the railcar into the designated transport position. This simplifies the loading and unloading process and enables efficient, seamless transport of road vehicles by rail over long distances.

Could this innovative solution become a staple of Poland’s rail transport system and boost the share of intermodal transport in the country? The answer may emerge in the coming years, as the practical application of this technology is tested and its potential benefits are realized.