Improving truck turnaround to help optimise logistics

Optimising truck turnaround is a key factor in the efficiency and competitiveness of logistics operations.

Introduction

Reducing the time trucks spend waiting to drop off or pick up goods, measured by indicators such as Dwell Time or Truck Turnaround, plays a key role in optimising any logistics operation.

These indicators are based on the time elapsed from the truck entry on the customer's or supplier's premises until it leaves.

An efficient check-in, unloading/loading and check-out process makes it possible to reduce and make predictable operation time (essential for implementing milk run circuits), reduce cost and, as a result, increase customer satisfaction and improve the company's bottom line.

Improving truck rotation must consider the main following aspects:

• Minimising truck downtime

• Optimising the workforce involved

• Ensuring safety

1. Minimising downtime

One of the biggest challenges in logistics is minimising truck downtime, whether they are waiting to pull up to the dock or are stopped at the dock during the loading and unloading process. Several factors contribute to this minimisation:

• Use of information technology: The use of transport planning and management systems (TMS) and route optimisation software contributes to vehicles arriving at the platforms at the required time, with high reliability, avoiding unnecessary waiting.

• Infrastructure design and management: Facilities, particularly loading and unloading docks and platforms well adapted to the goods and vehicles, can play an important role in optimising operating time. The organisation, signposting and visual management of spaces, by ensuring that they are always clear and free of obstacles, also facilitate the rapid and safe movement of people and materials.

• Type of vehicle: depending on the materials being transported and the dock or platform available, the type of vehicle used can also play an important role in minimizing downtime. Think, for example, of quick opening and closing systems for side loading/unloading. In this respect, it is worth noting the absence in the West of trucks with tilting side openings (gullwing type), which are very common in Japan.

• The loading and unloading method: It is important that the method used ensures that everything that can be done while the truck is not occupying the dock is done (preparing the next load, checking and storing the unloaded goods...). The SMED method, well known in manufacturing, applies perfectly to optimising loading and unloading.

2. Optimising the workforce involved

Optimising the workforce involved in the operation is a fundamental goal, as it has a direct impact on cost, as well as on reducing operating time. Here are some factors to consider:

• Standardisation of tasks: ‘standardised work’ can be described as the best way to carry out a task. The definition of the different tasks involved in the unloading and loading process must include an analysis of their added value and actions to eliminate waste, such as waiting, excessive motion, tasks that don't add value or are carried out using inefficient means and methods, etc.

• Training, coaching and versatility: once the work content has been defined, the team members must be trained and coached so that everyone acts consistently, according to best practices, and with high productivity. The TWI model of on-the-job training has proved extremely effective in promoting the desired consistency of results.

• Mechanisation and automation: the intelligent use of simple or sophisticated handling equipment, from the usual pallet jacks, stackers and forklifts, through low-cost systems using natural energy, conveyor belts and roller conveyors, to automatic systems such as ATLS (automated truck loading and unloading systems), AMR (autonomous mobile robots) and others, reduces the need for labour and speeds up loading and unloading.

• Digitisation: the digitisation of processes, particularly checking and recording of incoming or outgoing goods, through technologies such as scanning bar codes QR codes or RFID tags, among others, also frees up labour time and shortens operating time, as well as making all information processing more reliable.

3. Operational safety

Security is naturally a priority in any business activity, including logistics. Everything mentioned in the previous paragraphs cannot, of course, be at the expense of the safety of people and assets.

• To avoid any risk of accidents during loading and unloading, a proactive and preventive attitude must be taken from the outset, through risk analysis and the identification of near misses, to eliminate any potentially risky situations.

• Immobilising vehicles: Vehicles must be correctly parked before loading or unloading begins. This can be achieved using devices that guarantee the immobilisation of the vehicle, including automatic locking technologies on the bays.

• Protection systems such as signalling, mirrors, video cameras, security systems such as motion and proximity detectors, speed limiters, among others, are crucial for safe operation.

• Standardised work and safety: previously mentioned standard operating procedures (SOPs) will necessarily consider all the precautions to be taken regarding safety and ergonomics, to avoid accidents and injuries.

• Use of PPE: following risk analysis and as part of work standardisation, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used must be specified. Their correct use should be ensured through regular audits.

Conclusion

Improving truck turnaround is one of the keys to the success of any logistics operation.

The clever combination of technology, methods, good practice, training and coaching makes it possible to reduce the downtime of the vehicles involved, reduce the labour involved, increase the safety of the operation and guarantee the integrity of the goods.

And, as a result, reduce costs, increase customer satisfaction and improve the profitability of logistics operators.