Zamówienia, łańcuch dostaw i obsługa rynku części zamiennych

Agricultural machinery is transported using different modes of transport depending on its size, weight, destination, and operational condition. Smaller components or partially disassembled machines can be shipped in ocean freight containers or by standard road transport, while larger equipment such as tractors, combine harvesters, and other self-propelled agricultural machinery is typically transported via Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels or as project cargo on flat rack or open-top containers. For continental destinations, low-loader trailers and other specialized road transport equipment are commonly used.

The most suitable transport solution depends on factors such as whether the machine is operational, its overall dimensions, and whether it fits into standard loading units.

To enable containerized transport for machinery that exceeds standard container dimensions, many agricultural equipment manufacturers use the following export concepts for intercontinental shipments:

CKD (Completely Knocked Down)

The machine is fully disassembled into individual components and assemblies before shipment and reassembled in the destination country.

Typical components include:

• Engine
• Transmission
• Axles
• Cab
• Wheels
• Electrical systems
• Attachments

Final assembly is carried out almost entirely at the destination.

SKD (Semi Knocked Down)

The machine is shipped largely pre-assembled, with only selected components removed for transportation or customs purposes.

For example, a tractor may arrive with:

• Chassis assembled
• Engine installed
• Cab mounted

Only the following components are installed locally:

• Wheels
• Mirrors
• Attachments
• Minor components

Typical export configurations

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) transport is the preferred option for self-propelled agricultural machinery, such as tractors and combine harvesters.

Machines are either driven directly onto the vessel or loaded onto a MAFI trailer before being secured for transport. At the destination port, they are simply driven or unloaded off the vessel. This minimizes handling, reduces the risk of cargo damage, and provides an efficient solution for oversized machinery that cannot be shipped in containers.

Agricultural machinery that exceeds standard container dimensions or weight limits is typically transported using flat rack containers, open-top containers, or breakbulk shipping, depending on the cargo's specific requirements.

Each shipment is individually engineered, including cargo securing (lashing), weight distribution, and port handling. Pre-carriage and on-carriage are also carefully planned using specialized road transport solutions tailored to the dimensions of the equipment and the destination.

During harvest season, speed is critical. Essential spare parts such as hydraulic components, filters, bearings, and electronic modules are distributed through regional distribution centers or shipped directly via express services, including air freight or expedited LCL and FCL ocean freight solutions.

The goal is to minimize machine downtime through rapid delivery, often offering same-day or next-day service depending on the region.

When a combine harvester fails during harvest, every hour counts. Critical spare parts are typically dispatched from central distribution centers using air freight or priority road transport.

Modern logistics networks are designed to quickly identify, consolidate, and deliver urgent components directly to dealerships or repair workshops, including across international borders when required.

Agricultural equipment is transported using a variety of transport modes, including:

• Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) for self-propelled machinery
• Ocean freight (containerized or breakbulk) for smaller or disassembled equipment
• Air freight for urgent spare parts shipments
• Road transport for regional distribution
• Multimodal transport solutions for international supply chains

The optimal transport mode depends on the cargo's size, urgency, destination, and supply chain requirements.

Before export, agricultural machinery is thoroughly prepared for transport. Depending on destination requirements, machines are cleaned, partially drained of fuel or other fluids, secured, and, if necessary, partially disassembled.

For container or flat rack transport, specialized lashing and securing systems are used to prevent movement and ensure safe transportation throughout the journey.

Transporting agricultural machinery worldwide involves several challenges, including:

• Non-standard equipment dimensions
• Seasonal demand peaks during planting and harvest
• Long transport distances to rural or remote locations
• Country-specific customs and import regulations
• Time-critical spare parts requirements
• Geopolitical uncertainties

Managing oversized cargo while meeting tight delivery schedules is one of the industry's greatest logistical challenges.

Agricultural spare parts are typically distributed through a network of central and regional warehouses.

From there, shipments are delivered by road freight, courier services, or air freight depending on urgency. Many manufacturers also strategically position inventory in advance to shorten delivery times during seasonal demand peaks.

Efficient logistics is essential for minimizing equipment downtime.

Reliable spare parts availability, end-to-end supply chain visibility, well-planned transportation processes, and strategically located warehouses help keep agricultural machinery operational—particularly during critical planting and harvest periods.

Packaging solutions vary depending on the product being shipped and may include:

• Heavy-duty industrial packaging for machine components
• ISPM 15-compliant wooden crates for export shipments
• Pallets for spare parts
• Custom transport fixtures for sensitive components
• Small load carriers (KLT containers)
• Roll cages where appropriate

The primary objective is always to protect cargo against vibration, moisture, and transport-related damage.

Hellmann provides integrated logistics solutions for agricultural equipment manufacturers, dealers, and spare parts networks worldwide.

Its services include international transportation, project logistics for oversized machinery, warehousing and distribution solutions, and customs services. A key element of Hellmann's aftermarket support is **Night Star Express**, a specialized network for time-critical spare parts deliveries that ensures reliable supply to workshops, dealers, and customers.

Together, these solutions help maintain global spare parts availability and efficient agricultural supply chains.

Delivering agricultural machinery to rural or hard-to-reach areas often requires multimodal transport solutions.

This typically combines ocean freight, rail transport, and regional road transport to reach dealers or end customers. In some markets, local distribution hubs support efficient last-mile delivery.

Many agricultural machines exceed standard container dimensions or require customized handling due to their size and weight.

Project logistics enables tailored transport planning for heavy, oversized, or irregularly shaped equipment, including route planning, port operations, specialized cargo securing, and coordinated multimodal transport.

Hellmann combines a global logistics network with deep industry expertise in agricultural logistics.

From international transportation and customized logistics solutions for manufacturers, dealers, and service networks to fast and reliable spare parts distribution, Hellmann supports every stage of the agricultural supply chain. Through specialized solutions such as the **Night Star Express** network for time-critical spare parts deliveries, Hellmann helps customers maximize equipment uptime and keep agricultural operations running efficiently.

Automotive Logistics covers the planning, management, and execution of complex supply chains within the automotive industry. It includes the global transportation of raw materials, components, spare parts, and finished vehicles from suppliers to manufacturing plants, distribution networks, and end customers.

Modern automotive logistics relies heavily on time-critical concepts such as Just-in-Time (JIT) and Just-in-Sequence (JIS). It requires maximum reliability, transparency, and flexibility across all transportation modes and supply chain processes.

Automotive logistics solutions cover global transportation flows across international supply chains as well as regional logistics solutions, such as dedicated distribution networks within Europe.

Services include inbound logistics, production supply, spare parts distribution, and reverse logistics. Hellmann combines air, ocean, road, and rail freight with contract logistics, customs services, and digital visibility solutions to create seamless end-to-end supply chains.

Automotive supply chains are globally interconnected, making them increasingly complex and vulnerable to external disruptions.

Key challenges include international supplier dependencies, fluctuating demand, shortages of critical components such as semiconductors, geopolitical uncertainties, and increasing cost and efficiency pressures.

At the same time, the transition towards electromobility is fundamentally transforming automotive supply chains. New supplier structures, changing production processes, and additional requirements for supply security are creating new challenges. Alongside these developments, companies are facing growing demand for more sustainable logistics solutions while maintaining competitive cost structures.

Just-in-Time (JIT) and Just-in-Sequence (JIS) are production concepts where components are delivered to the manufacturing line exactly when they are needed and in the correct sequence.

These approaches help reduce inventory costs and increase production efficiency. However, they require highly reliable logistics processes, precise coordination, and real-time visibility throughout the entire supply chain.

Automotive Aftermarket Logistics focuses on supplying workshops, dealerships, and service networks with spare parts and components after a vehicle has been sold.

The goal is to ensure fast and reliable spare parts availability while minimizing vehicle downtime. For particularly time-critical requirements, specialized solutions such as Night Star Express enable deliveries outside regular business hours and support efficient supply to service partners.

Automotive spare parts logistics includes the global storage, transportation, and distribution of vehicle components.

Key elements include regional distribution centers, consolidated shipments, time-critical deliveries, and integrated IT systems that provide real-time visibility of inventory levels and shipments.

Hellmann provides end-to-end logistics solutions for OEMs, Tier suppliers, and automotive aftermarket networks.

Services include global transport management, contract logistics, inbound and outbound logistics solutions, customs services, and digital supply chain visibility. Within the automotive aftermarket, Hellmann also supports fast and reliable spare parts distribution through specialized solutions such as Night Star Express, ensuring efficient supply to workshops and service partners.

Electromobility is fundamentally changing the requirements of automotive supply chains.

The transportation and handling of batteries, high-voltage components, and compliance with specific safety and transport regulations create new logistical challenges. At the same time, supplier networks and production landscapes are evolving, increasing the need for flexible and scalable logistics solutions.

Hellmann supports this transformation with customized supply chain solutions and its comprehensive global network, enabling safe, compliant, and efficient e-mobility logistics worldwide.

Automotive logistics relies on a multimodal approach combining:

• Road freight
• Rail transport
• Air freight
• Ocean freight

The choice of transport mode depends on factors such as urgency, cost considerations, shipment type, and specific supply chain requirements.

Resilient automotive supply chains are built on diversified supplier networks, digital visibility, flexible transportation solutions, and proactive risk management.

Companies are increasingly focusing on strategies such as nearshoring, alternative transport routes, and real-time tracking systems to improve flexibility and reduce supply chain risks.

CO₂ emissions in automotive logistics can be reduced through various measures, including optimized transport planning, improved utilization of transport capacities, shipment consolidation, and shifting transportation to lower-emission modes such as rail or ocean freight.

Reducing unnecessary air freight shipments and using alternative transport concepts such as sea-air solutions can also contribute to lowering environmental impact.

Hellmann supports customers in developing sustainable logistics strategies and implementing efficient, resource-conscious supply chain solutions.

Hellmann combines global logistics networks with specialized automotive expertise and digital solutions.

Through dedicated automotive teams and comprehensive logistics capabilities, Hellmann supports customers with integrated end-to-end supply chains, multimodal transportation solutions, and transparent supply chain management.

This creates customized logistics solutions for OEMs, suppliers, and aftermarket partners – from inbound logistics and production supply to spare parts distribution.