Available freight tonne kilometer

Key takeaways

• Definition: Available freight tonne kilometer (AFTK) measures freight efficiency by multiplying cargo weight in tonnes with distance traveled in kilometers.
• How it works: For each transport mode, calculate AFTK using the formula: AFTK = weight (tonnes) x distance (kilometers).
• Types: Various transport options exist for freight: road, rail, air, maritime, and pipeline. Each serves different needs and scenarios.
• Pros and cons: Each mode has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, road freight offers flexibility but is limited by capacity, while air freight is fast but costly.
• Explore your options: Understand the specific requirements of your cargo, such as speed, cost, and volume. Then select the transport mode that best matches these needs.

How it works

An available freight tonne kilometer (AFTK) is a metric used to measure the efficiency of freight transportation. It's calculated by multiplying the weight of the goods (in tonnes) by the distance traveled (in kilometers).

Road freight: Trucks carry goods over roads. Distance and weight are recorded to calculate AFTK.

Rail freight: Trains move large quantities of goods. The total weight of the cargo and distance are used for AFTK.

Air freight: Airplanes transport goods quickly over long distances. Cargo weight and flight distance determine AFTK.

Maritime freight: Ships carry large, heavy cargo across oceans. AFTK is based on weight and nautical miles converted to kilometers.

Pipeline: Pipelines move liquids or gasses. AFTK is calculated by weight and distance, often on a continuous basis. AFTK allows comparison of different modes of transportation in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.

Pros and cons

Pros

Road freight

• Flexibility: Can reach remote areas
• Speed: Faster for short distances
• Door-to-door: Direct delivery possible

Rail freight

• High capacity: Can carry large quantities
• Energy-efficient: Lower carbon footprint
• Safe: Lower accident rates.

Air freight

• Speed: Fastest for long distances
• Security: Tight security measures
• Perishables: Good for time-sensitive goods

Maritime freight

• Cost-effective: Economical for bulk goods
• Versatile: Can transport varied cargo types
• Global reach: Major international routes

Pipeline

• Continuous: Operates 24/7
• Low cost: Economical for liquids/gasses
• Safe: Low risk of spillage

Cons 

Road freight

• Traffic: Delays and congestion
• Limited capacity: Smaller loads
• Emissions: High carbon footprint

Rail freight

• Limited reach: Requires rail infrastructure
• Transshipment: Additional handling needed
• Schedule: Less flexibility

Air freight

• Costly: Expensive for bulk goods
• Limited: Weight and size restrictions
• Emissions: High environmental impact

Maritime freight

• Slow: Long transit times
• Documentation: Complex paperwork
• Weather: Susceptible to conditions

Pipeline

• Fixed routes: Limited flexibility
• Initial cost: High setup expenses
• Product limitation: Specific types of cargo

Explore your options

Now that you're familiar with the concept of Available Freight Tonne Kilometer (AFTK) and its importance in gauging freight efficiency, you might be considering various transport modes for your logistical needs. 

Companies like Maersk, FedEx, and Union Pacific are industry leaders, providing a range of freight options with varying AFTK values. Leveraging their services can give you access to optimized freight solutions tailored to your cargo's specific requirements. This enables you to make informed decisions that can improve your supply chain's efficiency and overall performance.