Transport and distribution are structures or infrastructures endowed with internal coherence inscribed in the territory with the purpose of transporting people, goods or materials. Due to their complex articulation and their heritage value, they may or may not be associated with industrial infrastructure. For example, the water distribution network or the electricity supply system.

Distribution is linked to the movement of the product and therefore includes transport and delivery operations after leaving the production chain. There are several distribution channels and their selection is related to the maximum customer satisfaction and the lowest associated cost. The technology associated with new management systems (Digital Revolution) has allowed issues related to the delivery of goods, stock management, raw material or final products, allowing real-time monitoring.

The choice of location of an industrial infrastructure has systemic preoccupations and is conditioned by the presence and proper functioning of transport and distribution networks. Workers are a relevant actor in transport and distribution operations. The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) promotes practical international cooperation and joint action to ensure that European integration results in progress for workers, based on the establishment and implementation of high social standards. In particular, the ETF Dockers Section represents dockers, white-collar employees in terminals and port authorities, maintenance workers, and other categories of workers in port operations and port logistics. They act at various levels to steer these changes for the benefit of port workers and their communities.