GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Hub
Freight forwarders, parcel carriers and shipping lines build their networks around hubs: central transshipment nodes where consignments from multiple origins are consolidated, sorted and dispatched to their destination regions.
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hub_and_spoke_model
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Logistics Concept
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Freight forwarders, parcel carriers and shipping lines build their networks around hubs: central transshipment nodes where consignments from multiple origins are consolidated, sorted and dispatched to their destination regions. The hub-and-spoke model maximises load factors on main trunk routes, eliminating the need for direct connections between every origin-destination pair. A typical hub combines large sorting halls, automated conveyor and scanning systems, and real-time IT integration. Major seaports, international airports and express carrier sorting centres are the most prominent examples. Unlike a distribution warehouse, a hub prioritises onward movement – freight dwells for hours, not days.
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