What does the term On-Carriage?

The word On-Carriage s the opposite term to the familiar pre-carriage. Both terms stand for the on-carriage or pre-carriage in connection with the transport of different goods or commodities. They always refer to the selected means of transport, i.e. ship, plane, train or truck, as well as the main leg. For example, in the case of container transport by sea, the respective container ship is also the main means of transport.

The transport from the port of loading to the port of unloading is referred to as the main carriage. The term On-Carriage stands for any inland movement that takes place after unloading the container at the port of discharge to the final destination. However, in logistics, the term "last mile" is often used, although this is generally used more colloquially. The term "pre-carriage" therefore describes every inland movement from the actual place of dispatch to the port of loading itself.

This is followed by the logistical onward carriage. This is normally always carried out by truck, which is also the easiest way. The responsible recipient forwarder now delivers the actual consignment to the selected or specified recipient.

Combination of different modes of transport

This option means that onward carriage can be done by ship, barge or rail without any problems and is very common.

It is also important to know that pre-carriage, main carriage and On-Carriage always form a transport as well as a supply chain and therefore build on each other.

In most cases, two different modes of transport are combined.

This also means that several carriers are usually involved in the transportation of goods.

Therefore such transports always require suitable control and complete logistical planning, so that the transport can always be optimally planned before it begins.