Geologistics is an umbrella term that covers many other shipping and transport terms. In its purest form, geologistics covers anything that involves moving cargo from one place to another. In reality, geologistics covers two main areas: the software that tracks cargo and the transport systems and companies that move goods all over the world.

Geolgistics software typically comes from two sources. Major shipping companies provide access to their geoligistics software, but it only works when shipping with their company. Third party companies make geologisics software that will work with any shipper. You can also find geologistics companies that specialize in integrated worldwide transport. They will work with your company to ensure that your goods are shipped using the methods you desire. Consider the following when looking into geologistics:

1. Geologistics software can help your company track goods and transport all over the world.

2. The major shipping companies provide access to their geologistics software and will handle the movement of your goods.

3. Large geologistics companies will move your goods all over the world using methods and means that you choose.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find software that provides geologistics information

There are many types of logistics software, but only a few that are truly geologistics. These programs have tracking systems for packages, cargo and transport vehicles. Some will help your drivers or dispatchers plan routes and schedules to maximize the efficiency of shipping. These integrated software packages can quickly become the backbone of your shipping system.

I recommend: Appian Logistics has a wide range of geologistics software options. They make software that will help with every aspect of your shipping from planning to execution. HK Systems makes a wide range of logistics programs including a geologistics planning system. They also make a warehouse manager that ties into their shipping program.

Use well-known companies for their knowledge of geologistics

Both FedEx and UPS have software packages available for businesses that will tie them into the companies' shipping systems. These programs provide realtime data on the movements and progress of your packages or cargo. While using these shippers may not always be the most cost effective, they can't be beat for coverage or transport speed. They are a perfect first step for smaller companies getting their feet wet with global shipping.

I recommend: The UPS Worldship program and the FedEx Ship Manager program work along with the shippers themselves to provide small shippers all the information and services they require.

Utilize large international geologistics companies

There are a handful of well-known companies specializing in the geologistics. These companies handle the shipping and movement schedules of other companies. With them you get more than you would picking a company out of a geologistics directory, as they pride themselves on being able to change their methods based on the situation. They will work with their clients to make sure things are done when and how they want them to be.

I recommend: Geo-Logistics was one of the world’s leading logistics firms, and since Agility purchased the company, it has improved and expanded the services offered to its clients. Expeditors is an American logistics company offering a full array of services and tools.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking for a geologistics provider, it's important to research the company carefully and not just choose it off a geologistics list. These programs quickly become the cornerstone of your shipping system and having to change companies because of an unexpected bankruptcy can cost your firm a lot of money.