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| ICS HANDBOOK ON LOGISTICS AND MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT |
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Ana Cristina Ferreira Castela Paixão Casaca, ‘World of Shipping Portugal’, Parede, Portugal and CIMOSM - Centro de Investigação em Modelação e Optimização de Sistemas Multifuncionais, ISEL, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal.  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3925-473X |
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| SUMMARY |
| International trade and multimodal transport constitute the backbone of the global economy, enabling the movement of goods, services, capital, and information across national boundaries. This handbook provides a comprehensive examination of the principles, structures, and operational practices that underpin international trade, logistics, supply chain management, and multimodal transport systems in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic business environment. |
| The opening chapters explore the evolution of the global economy, the relationship between economic cycles and transport demand, and the fundamental concepts of international trade. Particular attention is given to trade agreements, free trade zones, trade analysis, and the critical role of logistics in facilitating economic development, including in landlocked countries. The handbook further examines the characteristics of cargo flows and the suitability of different transport modes for various commodity groups. |
| Building upon these foundations, the text investigates international distribution channels, including traditional and electronic commerce platforms, and analyses the strategic management of distribution networks and channel performance. The various stakeholders involved in international trade are examined in detail, including commercial parties, financial institutions, insurers, transport providers, logistics operators, regulatory authorities, and specialised intermediaries. |
| A substantial portion of the handbook is devoted to the structuring of international commercial transactions. Topics include international sales contracts, Incoterms®, trade finance mechanisms, risk management, customs procedures, commercial documentation, liability regimes, insurance, and the growing importance of paperless trading systems. These discussions provide readers with a practical understanding of the legal and financial frameworks governing cross-border trade. |
| The handbook also presents a thorough analysis of logistics and supply chain management, covering logistics systems, inventory management, warehousing, materials handling, risk assessment, sustainability initiatives, and specialised applications in military and humanitarian contexts. Transport management is explored through the examination of transport services, modal characteristics, modal competition, transport costs, and mode selection criteria. |
| Special emphasis is placed on multimodal transport systems and infrastructure. The text analyses intermodal transport concepts, freight units, terminal operations, infrastructure requirements, sustainability considerations, and the expectations of shippers. It further addresses the planning, operation, and pricing of multimodal services, including information systems, tariff structures, freight rates, and strategic pricing methodologies. |
| The later chapters focus on the organisational, commercial, and managerial dimensions of multimodal transport operations. Corporate structures, strategic alliances, market research, demand forecasting, business development, financial evaluation, management control systems, and quality management practices are examined as essential elements of successful transport enterprises. |
| Finally, the handbook reviews the international legal and regulatory framework governing multimodal transport. It discusses conventions related to the carriage of goods, cargo-specific regulations, safety and security requirements, customs conventions, competition regimes, and the regulation of transport operators. Supporting appendices provide examples of internationally recognised transport documents used in multimodal operations. |
| Combining theoretical foundations with practical applications, this handbook serves as a comprehensive resource for students, academics, transport professionals, logistics practitioners, and policymakers seeking an in-depth understanding of international trade and multimodal transport in the contemporary global economy. |
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| KEYWORDS |
| International Trade. Logistics. Supply Chain Management. Multimodal Transport. Intermodal Transport. Transport Management. Distribution Channels. International Commercial Terms (Incoterms®). Trade Finance. Customs Procedures. Freight Transport. Container Shipping. Transport Infrastructure. International Commercial Documentation. Risk Management. Sustainable Logistics. Transport Economics. Freight Pricing. Trade Facilitation. International Transport Law. |
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| A DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT |
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| In an era of increasingly integrated supply chains and global commerce, professionals require a thorough understanding of the commercial, logistical, operational, and regulatory dimensions of international trade. The ICS Handbook on International Trade, Logistics and Multimodal Transport brings together these critical elements in a single authoritative volume. From trade agreements, Incoterms®, customs procedures, and trade finance to logistics management, transport modes, multimodal operations, freight pricing, sustainability, and international conventions, the handbook provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how goods move across the global economy. Whether you are a shipbroker, freight forwarder, logistics manager, transport operator, trader, consultant, academic, or student, this handbook offers valuable insights and practical guidance to support professional development and operational excellence. |
| Available through the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), this handbook is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in international trade, shipping, logistics, and multimodal transport. |
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