All businesses have some form of online presence these days. At the same time, businesses with an online presence would definitely have an e-store associated with their official website.
Why?
To ensure that customers get their products delivered to their doorsteps in no time.
However, in order to ensure quick delivery of goods, a business would need a third-party delivery service. If this is not feasible then the business in question would need to maintain an in-house fleet of delivery vehicles.
Whichever delivery system a company chooses to use in their daily operations, fleet management will become an integral part of the business. Additionally, the fleet manager assigned to manage the delivery side of the business would need to prioritize load planning.
So what exactly is load planning?
The strategic process of cargo organization within a commercial vehicle in a bid to maximize space utilization is known as load planning. Load planning also allows a business to reduce the cost associated with maintaining an in-house fleet. Additionally, load planning also allows fleet managers to ensure timely and safe delivery of goods.
In a nutshell, when load planning is prioritized by fleet managers, a business becomes economically efficient and sustainable.
What are the primary strategies utilized for efficient load planning?
Fleet managers follow certain strategies to ensure efficiency in load planning and they look like the following.
By leveraging technology
Visionary fleet managers would first make sure that paperless fleet management is part and parcel of the company they are associated with.
Leveraging fleet management solutions should be the primary goal of an ideal fleet manager since it is one of the smart ways of fleet management. Additionally, one should also remember that fleet management solutions benefit the logistics and supply chain sectors.
For instance, the real-time location data of fleet vehicles can help a fleet manager minimize annual fuel costs.
How?
Well, let’s suppose a delivery point is 5 miles away from the distribution hub. The fleet manager has the real-time location data of two delivery vehicles that are in proximity to the delivery point.
However, one of the two fleet vehicles is 2 miles closer to the delivery point compared to the distance between the delivery point and the other delivery vehicle. The fleet manager can assign the delivery job to the fleet vehicle that is closest to the delivery point.
In this way, the delivery vehicle will consume less fuel to complete the job. As a result, the costs associated with operating the vehicle go down by a significant margin. Additionally, if the fleet manager is also tasked to reduce the carbon footprint of the company they are associated with, the above scenario also results in achieving the above objective.
It’s a win-win situation for all.
By training fleet drivers
Fleet managers can ascertain which fleet drivers have time to spare after their shift is over by referring to data projected by the GPS fleet management system.
The goal is to make sure that fleet vehicle drivers are trained in the latest stacking norms, weight distribution checklist and sensitive cargo handling practices.
In this way, load planning as well as subsequent fleet management practices can help a company minimize cargo damages and transit-related risks.
By optimizing delivery routes
Utilizing GPS fleet tracking devices, fleet managers can optimize delivery routes.
Why does route optimization matter?
Route optimization ensures deadlines are met at all times. Additionally, using the data from GPS fleet tracking devices, fleet managers can select a route based on the cargo a fleet vehicle is supposed to deliver. For instance, if the cargo is liquid and if spilled can lead to lawsuits for the business in question, a fleet manager can select a route that has minimal turns and undulations.
Additionally, if the fleet consists of used fleet vehicles with questionable structural integrity, fleet management software can help one plan load as per the capabilities of the delivery vehicle. In this way, accidents can be averted and a fleet manager can revamp the employee safety regulations followed within the business.
Load planning does have some challenges associated with it
Just like fleet management, load planning also entails its fair share of challenges. They are as follows.
Packaging and goods will never be similar
Every product comes with unique packaging and unique dimensions. Hence, even when the best fleet management solution is being used to plan loads, one cannot guarantee full utilization of available space within a fleet vehicle.
Hence, fleet managers would need to ensure that the real-time fleet tracking solution they are using is scalable.
Why does scalability matter?
Well, connected vehicle solutions like a vehicle tracking system designed for fleets allow a business to ensure the safe delivery of goods. Additionally, if the business in question sells fragile goods like consumer electronics or perishable goods like temperature-sensitive food items then investing in an OBD tracker for fleet and associated fleet management software is a good idea.
The outcome will be that fleet managers and the company they are associated with will have tailored solutions suitable for efficient load planning.
Deteriorating road conditions
All over the US, roads are deteriorating fast. Roads either need immediate repairs or a complete overhaul. Even with the best GPS tracker for fleet and accompanying fleet management solutions, it is pretty hard for a fleet manager to plan loads for fleet vehicles that won’t damage the vehicle or the goods.
For the best results, businesses should invest in fleet tracking devices that are robust, adaptable, and offer lots of scalability to the end users.
Load planning is yet to become the norm in fleet management
The logistics sector of the US is one of the most sophisticated in the world. However, the sector is yet to make load planning an industry standard. Sure there is some low-level load planning in revered shipping companies. However, the small and medium-scale business sector is yet to make fleet management a norm. This needs to change as soon as possible if businesses in the US want to stay ahead of local, national, and international competitors.