The transportation network manages product delivery. There are several different kinds
of transportation networks: direct shipping, milk runs, crossdocking and tailored networks. The direct shipping network delivers products from suppliers to their customers. Apparently,
if a shipment consists of a full truckload, it is economical to ship directly from the seller to the buyers.
The direct shipping network delivers products from suppliers to their customers. Apparently,
if a shipment consists of a full truckload, it is economical to ship directly from the seller to the buyers.
However, when orders are less than a truckload (LTL), the other three approaches can be considered. For
example, the milk run transportation network shares vehicles among either suppliers or customers, since
any individual order cannot fill a full truck. For example, as the illustration in 7-Eleven implements its milk run network by using one vehicle to serve several retail stores.