Overview

ICD movements refer to the movement of cargo to and from an Inland Container Depot (ICD). An Inland Container Depot is a facility designed to handle the storage, consolidation, and distribution of shipping containers in areas that are located away from seaports. ICDs play a crucial role in the logistics and transportation industry, providing a point of convergence for containerized cargo between different modes of transportation, such as sea, rail, and road.

Here's how ICD movements work and their significance:

1. Import ICD Movements:

• Import cargo arrives at a seaport and is offloaded from the ship.
• The cargo is then transported to an Inland Container Depot (ICD) located closer to the inland destination using trucks or trains.
• Distribution and further transportation of the cargo to various destinations within the country are managed from the ICD.
• At the ICD, the cargo is unloaded, inspected, and stored.

2. Export ICD Movements:

• Export cargo is transported to the ICD from various locations within the country.
• At the ICD, the cargo is consolidated, inspected, and loaded into containers.
• The containers are transported to the seaport for loading onto ships bound for international destinations.

Significance of ICD Movements:

• Proximity to Customers: ICDs are strategically located to bring the shipping container facilities closer to manufacturers, importers, and exporters. This reduces the need for long-haul transportation of empty containers to and from seaports.
• Efficient Multimodal Transportation: ICDs facilitate the seamless transfer of cargo between different modes of transportation, such as ships, trains, and trucks. This enhances the efficiency of cargo movement and reduces transit times.
• Decongestion of Seaports: ICDs help alleviate congestion at seaports by providing storage and handling facilities for containers. This is especially important in regions where seaports may be constrained by limited space.
• Customs Clearance: ICDs often have customs clearance facilities, allowing for quicker customs procedures and reducing delays in cargo release.
• Trade Promotion: ICDs promote international trade by making containerized cargo movement more accessible to businesses located away from seaports.
• Distribution Efficiency: ICDs facilitate the distribution of cargo to various regions within a country. Goods can be consolidated and deconsolidated for easier distribution to end customers.
• Cost Savings: ICD movements can lead to cost savings for businesses by reducing transportation costs, port charges, and demurrage fees.
• Supply Chain Optimization: ICDs play a role in optimizing supply chains by offering centralized locations for cargo handling, storage, and distribution.

ICD movements contribute to the efficient functioning of supply chains, supporting the growth of international trade and ensuring that cargo reaches its destination in a timely and cost-effective manner. They are particularly important in regions where transportation infrastructure connects distant locations to major seaports.