Transport Logistics

ii) Need for standardisation to provide seamless services

Intermodal systems can be improved through standardisation. Physical standardisation of

equipment or vehicle dimensions and procedural standardisation of operational, documentation and

information systems have to be further encouraged or promoted in order to standardise logistics

systems.

Standardisation of logistics and physical distribution systems also requires standardised customs

clearance in order to facilitate legitimate borderless intermodal transportation. Unnecessary and poorly

co-ordinated bureaucratic practices and red tape will hamper the seamless and smooth distribution of

goods. There are several ways of streamlining customs procedures across countries. However, as

mandated by law, governments still require the same customs forms and other traditional procedures.

Adoption of a single and standard form for the processing of papers based on the United Nations

format is one means of standardisation. Another method would involve the introduction of modern

customs procedures and techniques such as pre-arrival processing of data and documentation.  This

could include “risk assessment” in which importers or exporters with a known compliance record are

exempted from physical inspections and rapid “green channel” release of goods with no or little duty

to be paid, and automatic transfer of data from importers to customs authorities.

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In attempting to “standardise” logistics systems, the institutional aspect of logistics and

intermodal systems needs to be reformed in order to accommodate innovations in technology. Industry

acknowledges the benefits brought about by innovations in technology and strongly urges legislative

measures to adapt to the innovations and practices coming on stream. Without regulatory reform to

accommodate innovation, any new approaches to improve the logistics system would be futile.

Therefore, it is imperative that institutional measures be introduced, especially through legislation to

allow industry to be responsive to new technologies, such as those available under ITS, and novations

in the intermodal system. This will provide better opportunities and competitiveness in global trade.

The establishment of a single processing area for import/export EDI would further support and

enhance standardisation. Several countries in the Asian region, like the Philippines, have already

established a single processing area, which has significantly reduced the clearance time of goods.