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Changes in The Trucking Industry

The trucking industry has changed a great deal in the past decade. With the entire pandemic situation, more drastic changes have been expected. The rules, regulations, and methods have developed a lot since the introduction of new administrative authorities.

The pandemic has made it certain that rules and concerns related to health and safety are being given utmost importance. Without proper precautions and hygiene measures, none of the trucking businesses are given permits since last year. This article will explain some of the changes or measures that have been taken in the past few years.

Speed limit

Mandates on speed limiting have become stricter, with the crime rates going upwards since the past year.

  • The limit also depends on the kind of vehicle or truck that is on the road and even the weight that they are carrying.
  • Anything over 26000 pounds will be limited to a certain speed, and if the driver crosses it, they can be heavily penalized.
  • The only way to stop people from disobeying the rules is by enforcing stricter sentences and punishments. That way, fewer people would break the law.

Driver assistance technologies

With rapid growth and development on the technological front, the logistics industry is benefiting from it. These systems are usually implemented to ensure the safety and security of the drivers. As they have to drive long distances each day, their safety must be made a priority.

The administration believes that their commitment towards the work will also increase if they feel a sense of security. Assistance technologies make sure that the drivers receive guidance and aid in their jobs.

Eco-friendly initiatives

With the world coming to an all-time high with regard to pollution, eco-friendly initiatives are the only way to sustain the world. The trucking industry has taken a few initiatives to help save the environment and cut down on fuel costs.

The primary initiative is that of electric vehicles replacing the older ones. However, it won’t be possible to replace all the vehicles at once. The process is going to be time-consuming, but the initiative will certainly help the environment. It will make transportation logistics more affordable for the sellers and the buyers as well.

Contactless technology

Paperless and contactless technology is purely based on the pandemic situation. Since the past year, the trucking industry has faced several challenges. This initiative will help minimize contact and count as a drastic change in the trucking industry.

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Five Essential Customer Service Elements You Can’t Overlook

If you are new to the business and are looking for a chance to grow, customer service should be on your priority list. What makes a new business catch everybody’s attention is its customer service.

No matter what you offer, it won’t get the business anywhere as long as there is no support from your end to the customers. Here are five essential elements about customer service that you cannot overlook.

Communicate

Engagement is crucial when you are talking about customer service. The customer may have issues concerning a certain something, but you have to deal with them with utmost sincerity.

The best way to fix these situations is by communicating better. Without proper responses, the customer is likely to get more dissatisfied. Always convey your response with calm and patience.

Promptness

Quick responses play a big part in customer service. Be it any sector or company, each and every customer would expect quick services.

  • If you make them wait too long, it is considered inefficiency.
  • Prompt replies to emails, phone calls, etc., are great for the reputation of any business.
  • It is mostly because word of mouth and reviews hold a lot of importance in your business’ growth.

So, make sure the employees are well-equipped with quick problem-solving.

Patient listening

Patience is a great virtue when it comes to business and customer service. In order to garner more attention and growth, make sure that you are patient enough to deal with any situation at hand.

Things might get tricky with certain customers, but you have to manage it with patience. Listen to what the customer has to say or what their complaint is. This helps a lot to understand what step you need to take next.

Serve better

Do not make any inconsistent claims to help grow your business. If your business is based online, make the website more easily accessible to everyone. The interface should be user-friendly, and make sure that you take up calls from the clients.

Clear their doubts immediately, if they have any. This would imply that you hold their feedback valuable and are willing to provide better services.

Be respectful

You must always stick to your work ethics, despite the situation. Remember that the client should be above all, and that means you have to be respectful at all times. If there are any grievances on their end, make sure you resolve them as politely as possible.

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Challenges faced by the logistics sector in Dubai

Any economy would require a strong logistics sector to function properly. Despite the logistics and transportation sector of Dubai being strong, there are a few drawbacks. Every sector faces challenges.

What matters is how it deals with the situation and emerges stronger. It seems to be a difficult way for smaller enterprises in today’s time, owing to the cut-throat competition that they face from the big industrial giants.

Balancing transportation costs

Transportation costs can get quite tricky if not handled in time. The transportation cost accounts for approximately thirty percent of the total cost.

  • With the fuel prices at an all-time high, it is getting more difficult to manage the expenses.
  • The logistics sector in Dubai is quite big, and the trucks travel long distances.
  • This leads to increased expenses that can accumulate into a bigger sum for the entire shipment.
  • The total expense includes the bulk rates, fuel expenses, etc. All of this needs to be taken into consideration to avoid any excess costs.

Poor customer service

Customer service is one of the most crucial aspects of the logistics business. However, every company needs to make sure that it retains its loyal customer base. In order for that to happen, every business should improve its customer service policies to keep its customers satisfied with it.

Poor customer service may include not picking up calls promptly or resolving issues at the correct time. This can lead to customers being disappointed and can become a challenge to the logistics sector to maintain their reputation.

Standardizing customer service is essential in this case. It would ensure that no customer is left dissatisfied, and every company gets its chance to flourish.

Lack of technological advancement

Technological advancements all around the world have become primary for running any business.

  • As for the logistics sector, these technological developments must be put to use.
  • Not adopting these can lead to a failed business system as the whole world runs on data now.
  • Right from keeping track of the inventory to setting up the customer database- technology is important at every step.
  • Those companies that fail to adopt these changes end up facing multiple issues.
  • Understanding and incorporating new technological advancements should be on the top of the list for any business.

 

These help in multiple ways, such as on-time deliveries and keeping track of the payments without much hassle.

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5 important roles of truck drivers!

The role of a truck driver is, without a doubt, a tricky one. Trucking is a field, which is growing day by day. People involved in the business of trucking have high turnover. But anything rewarding does not come without hard work. The role of truck drivers is not just delivering the freight; it is much more than that. We are going to discuss five important rules of truck drivers below:

Planning and organization

A driver has to plan and organize all his routes and ways before starting his journey. Right from the pickup point to the delivering point and then back at the pickup point, all that driver has to do is organize his trip in such a way that he and the freight are delivered safely. Some primary planning skills a driver has to keep in mind are:

  • Looking for the best routes
  • Scanning the place of delivery properly
  • Ensuring best ways to keep the freight safe
  • Regular contact with the customer as well as their superior.

Handling stress

It is essential for a truck driver to know how to handle stress. The circumstances for a truck driver are not always straightforward and the same. On his way, he has to deal with many stressful situations, such as,

  • Bad weather conditions
  • Bad routes
  • Long routes
  • Unforeseen tear of vehicle
  • Wear of tires
  • Irresponsible customer with no sense of respect
  • Getting late because of traffic

Familiar with equipment and repairing

Truck drivers have to be familiar with the equipment and repairing of the vehicle which he is in, as there are a lot of chances of wear and tear of the vehicle or the tires on a long route. Especially when the road is not in good condition, there are higher possibilities of damaging tires.

On long routes and highways, it isn’t easy to find repairing services. Thus, the driver himself has to cope with such situations by taking care of such problems by himself. Large vehicles require special skills to get them fixed.

Truck drivers have to take care of the trucks, which come under heavy vehicles. Thus, their equipment, such as tires, engines, etc., is also heavy and can only be dealt with by a proper technician with good repairing knowledge.

Unloading freight

One of the duties of truck drivers is also unloading freight. Once he starts his journey by loading the cargo in his truck, then after completing the trip, while delivering the freight to the customer, he has to unload the freight by himself. The driver has to unload the freight.

Ensuring the safety

A truck driver needs to ensure the safety of the freight that he is carrying. There can be unforeseen events such as rain, heavy wind, insects, etc., that can harm the cargo or the vehicle’s goods. Thus, ensuring the goods’ safety from the starting of the journey is the driver’s duty.

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5 Ways to Reduce Transportation Costs Efficiently in 2020

The turbulent economy has lately made it difficult for transportation businesses and field service to flourish. There are many reasons why your transportation logistics costs are skyrocketing. For example, a lack of proper planning and transparency or bad decision-making can lead to increased overall costs, failed delivery or appointment targets, unhappy customers, and ultimately a business loss. Five ways to reduce transportation costs are as follows:

Reasons for high transportation costs

  • Lack of planning: Proper planning plays a vital role in reducing expenses and for a peaceful journey. There should be a more conventional plan which should include knowledge of well-optimized routes, vehicle capacity, etc.
  • Lack of transparency: Transparent and accurate data helps in effectively managing transportation costs and outcomes. By gaining increased clarity into fuel and freight expense, shippers can develop a transformative organization strategy.
  • Bad decision making: It is on the driver to make all the decisions related to vehicles, roads, etc., which leads to an increase or decrease in costs.

Knowing the well-optimized routes

A lousy route can make your entire trip more hectic, time-consuming, and stressful. The poor path will cause your driver to spend more time on roads, being stuck in the traffic, and traveling long distances, which will skyrocket fuel usage and expenses. Thus, make sure that you provide a 100% accurate route to your drivers, which could be done using an advanced technology solution, e.g., route planner.

Confirm regular vehicle maintenance.

One should have a proper preventive maintenance program in place because regular vehicle governance/inspections and maintenance will prevent breakdowns and keep your vehicles in a better condition which will help your vehicle achieve the best mileage and will thus save your money. You must keep changing the air filters, replace spark plugs, and change the oil and oil filters within regular intervals. The reporting nature of a route planner will also be helpful here.

Decrease the percentage of failed deliveries

Most failed deliveries happen because of errors in the warehouse, e.g., wrong freight label, inappropriate content of the shipment, or mins sorting before handover to the shipper. One of the best ways to improve first-time delivery success is allowing your customers to choose their preferred delivery windows. This will ensure that someone will indeed be available at the location when the driver shows up.

Monitor your drivers

Following proper routes is an essential step, but it will not be practical or will not help you reduce the cost until and unless the driver follows it. All such actions, which include frequent brakes, harsh acceleration, etc… lead to increased fuel expenses. Therefore, you should track your drivers and vehicles and see what the drivers do on the road by using a GPS tracker.

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How Short Haul Trucking Can Bring Unimaginable Benefits

The logistics industry contains various shipment options that one can choose based on their preference or need. One of the major factors which decide the shipment types is the distance required to cover a particular shipment. Within this faction is the short-haul trucking option. It is the shipments that are required to be transported within a radius of 150 miles. Contrasting to long-haul or ‘over the road’ trucking, which requires covering long distances, short-haul trucking is more convenient for truckers who do not want to stay away from home for too long. Other than that, short-haul trucking also comes with some fascinating benefits.

More consignments

While long-haul trucking can be a long process and thus a long investment, short-haul trucking can cover many smaller job requests within a particular period. It implies that with short-haul trucking, your business can get quick cash in a short period. It is a short-term investment with good returns. It allows you to take on more shipment requests than take a few long-haul trucking. Also, as the radius of short-haul trucking is lesser than long-haul trucking, you get to operate locally, gaining more loyal clients for local businesses.

Less expense

For long-haul trucking, the costs required are comparatively higher than short-haul trucking. Be it from the fuel perspective, road tolls, shipment formalities, or the drivers’ pay scale, the investment is relatively lower. With short-haul trucking, a company can take on more consignments without investing a lot in one go. Also, because the shipments are within a small radius, the company does not require too much technological investment to track the vehicles or shipments, unlike long-haul trucking.

Content staff

Long-haul trucking usually caters to shipments that require to cover a more significant distance. This means that truckers and drivers need to stay away from their homes for more extended periods. This can create fatigue and discontentment within them, causing a conflict in their mental health.

However, with short-haul trucking, the drivers do not need to stay away from home too long. This allows them to be happier and more content with their job, uplifting their morale. Also, as short-haul trucking is seasonal many times, the drivers can take a break from long chains and rest up. This keeps them in a healthy state of mind and more loyal to the company.

Therefore, short-haul trucking can be unbelievably beneficial if a company were to utilize these services well. A good solution would be to have well-balanced long-haul and short-haul trucking consignments to get the maximum benefits out of them.

 

 

 

 

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Dubai redesigns its logistics sector with an eye on future

If the one thing the pandemic’s harsh times we’re able to show us were the flaws and loopholes in the supply chain. The world suffered from the sudden difficulties faced by the supply chains due to the outbreak of the virus. However, one can only realize, learn, and move on to the next stage to cope with all the loss.

Dubai was able to do the same by recognizing the flaws and quickly working towards a solution. One prominent answer to the problem was technologies. It would be a fatal move not to acknowledge the power technologies hold in their entirety, and we can only use it to make the full out of it. With that in mind, Dubai is now redesigning the logistics sector with the future in its vicinity.

Fleet management and telematics

Managing the vehicles and fleet has never been more accessible and efficient than in today’s time. GPS is the new basic, and it has helped logistic companies have better control and management over their vehicles, the routes taken, fuels, and so much more. With the help of GPS trackers, every vehicle out on the road can be mapped and supervised, which means constant updates on the shipment status. Also, it helps the process become quicker due to real-time location and route prediction.

It is now easier to track driver hours, set up geo-fences, track vehicle activity to avoid overconsumption of fuel, and ensure the driver’s safety, the vehicle, and the shipment. It heavily contributes to a more efficient and well-administered system that delivers and makes immediate scope for improvement, if any.

Cloud-based operations and analytics

Data is an integral part of any sector that one can think of. The logistics department is no different. Data here is one of the core elements that is required to keep the industry afloat. Now, fusing it with technology, we get the master system of cloud-based storage.

With days the system is taking a more advanced shape that helps the sector coordinate and controls the data flow with incredible precision. This implies that each activity within the supply chain is taken down in detail, and the process flow is monitored every step. It also helps in providing suggestive changes that allow the system to improve consistently.

Safety and security

Cybersecurity is not a light matter anymore. With everything turning digital, cybersecurity is evolving itself to be at par with the changes. It has become more active and robust to protect the information and system used in the logistics sector and process. Continuous rectifications make it even more durable and dependable.

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Fighting the Status Quo in Your Logistic Department

As technology is developing, the various industries are trying to keep up with the global trends, including logistics and Supply Chain Management. With forecasters agreeing that an upsurge in shipping costs would be noticed, logistics are finding ways they could improve the economic climate for their company. Following the age-old practices will not only decrease the cost but profit (if only) will never be satisfactory either.

  • Are you happy with your logistics tracking system?
  • How much is the shipping time?
  • Are you still emailing your tracking information?

If these questions are offering you unsatisfactory answers, here are pointers you could improvise on that to protect your business and your money.

Reducing Touchpoints To Save Business Money

The more the products would be changing hands while shipping, the more costly they would be. Even while two routes might have the same distance, you would be paying for the one which comes with a greater number of touchpoints. When you stop at different shipping areas, you would be giving more and, with multiple handling, chances of error are more.

There are ways by which you could reduce the number of touchpoints by decreasing the use of the warehouses for several locations. You could also look for other forms of transportation, offering simpler routes and also locating nearby suppliers.

Strategize On Using Your Inventory Space Smartly

Semi-filled trucks and using small vehicles for the same route not just wastes your business money but cuts on productivity too. You can maximize your cost in terms of shipping and the way you use your warehouse space. Always go for large shipments, which would help in utilizing space to its maximum and hold on to inventory too.

Store the inventory after strategizing so that you know where everything is and, even during expedited shipments, you face no hassle. Maximizing space means keeping accurate inventory notes and also sales statistics.

Collaborate and Maintain Supply Chain Flexibility

Co-operating with other logistics businesses for shipping will, in turn, reduce your costs. Look for logistics or suppliers near your area; when working together, you would be paying prices keeping in mind bulk purchases. This will help in finishing shipping routes faster and also less fuel consumption.

Sticking with your status quo, the same supply chain strategy that you have for decades will do your business no good. Sticking with the status quo, can cause you to lose your position in the competition. Evaluate to figure out if the supply chain works for you efficiently or not.

With time, technology, including blockchain technology to other complex logistics software, has changed how supply chain and management are looked after. If still not benefitting from it, consider going for one; it can simplify your SCM and also reduce your costs for shipping and others.

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E-logistics, Distribution, And Supply Chain Management

Logistics is a term that often denotes supplying necessary labor and material to any supplier or industry as and when needed. With digitalization, logistics has stepped up their game further to keep up with global demand. Considered the best, the E-logistics process is fully automated, making the supply chain easier for the logistic partner and supplier.

To keep up with customers and organization and to meet deadlines and expectations, logistics are now looking for an advanced solution for warehouses. Implementation of new technology like AI, drones alongside robotics is changing the way of supply chain and also logistics.

The Three Crucial Components of E-Logistics

  1. Request For Quotes
  2. Shipping
  3. Tracking

With the help of an intercommunication channel, the business process execution is communicated by the logistics. As the RFQ process is initiated by a business process executive, simultaneously order placement is done automatically. The whole process might take days depending on the order and, then the shipping progression is initiated. As the foods are transported or shipped, tracking digits are given to the consumer for tracking purposes.

The whole process has been automated to offer convenience not just to logistics but for the customer too with easy tracking.

SCM and Its Need For Companies

For a manufacturer, to keep the economic climate and their production going, especially to far distant lands, advanced SCM is a necessity. Most suppliers are now looking for a supply chain company that would reduce cost, help in building profile and reduce delay. Supply Chain Management is all about effective implementation, planning as well as controlling to make logistics as simple as possible.

SCM would include

  1. Storing as well as the movement of raw materials
  2. Managing present inventory
  3. Transporting product from the origin point to the supply chain end- consumption point

To survive in a thriving market and to keep up with the economic climate, it is vital that companies are able to rely on an effective supply chain and logistics.

Distribution and Its Point of Difference

Distribution is the endpoint where the product reaches the last stage- the consumer. While distribution, logistics as well as supply chain might overlap, there is a distinct division when it comes to basics. Logistics is the overall method or strategy to help function the different aspects of the industry united.

It helps in optimizing the inward alongside the outward goods flow from warehouses to consumers. Distribution is a subset, and while logistics would include everything from the raw stage of the product to the consumption point, the distribution would include packaging, vendor return, and customer handling. With time as companies are becoming more aware of advanced distribution processes as well as streamlining product fulfillment through software, staying on top of the latest market evolution is vital.

 

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5 Insights for Managing Your Fleet Strategy

Managing your fleet of vehicles is a challenging task. Somebody in this trade will have to deal with problems ranging from driver training and safety needs, maintaining vehicle records, to spending hours and hours finalizing the schedule. Here are 5 interesting insights for managing your fleet strategy in a better way –

Comprehensively monitor vehicles

Comprehensively monitoring vehicles helps you ensure deliveries are made on time and the drivers stick to their assigned routes. Delivery fleets commonly make use of GPS or some form of vehicle tracker that keeps a check on the driver’s productivity. Also, the use of fleet management software can not only keep track of fuel costs and consumption but also help in setting service reminders based on mileage. The use of such software is instrumental in tracking every aspect of your fleet.

Identify critical areas of improvement

To identify critical areas in fleet management, it’s important to use all available knowledge judiciously. Sometimes the drivers are aware of key areas where things can be improved. To effectively manage your fleet strategy, companies can take motivation from organizations like Toyota that have developed a culture of identifying the root of the issues and then find an appropriate solution. Also, getting all people involved in the process not only helps to find the best solutions but also makes sure that the employees feel a part of the team.

Analyze cost/benefit of employee use

The companies have to take a call on the personal use of the fleet vehicles by its employees. Several factors like the after-work use, employee’s location, and other benefits will certainly influence this decision. Sometimes the employees are allowed to use the fleet vehicle overnight to reach the work site directly. It saves time for both the employees and the company. A logical and not an emotional call must be taken by the management after estimating the maximum cost-benefit in such a scenario.

Improve driver productivity

Setting clear expectations and keeping open communication with the drivers gives them the necessary support to improve their efficiency at work. Companies must look to invest in driver safety and training- educating them about driving postures and healthy habits certainly goes a long way in creating an effective workforce and a positive environment. By imparting the requisite training, the drivers can look to apply the necessary changes in their mode of operations.

Find ways to implement changes effectively

Bringing about the necessary changes with the least interruptions in your fleet functions will be a key to manage your logistics seamlessly. A happy and motivated team certainly goes a long way in implementing new and innovative ideas into your fleet management. It’s thus important that you involve all your employees concerned to get the best results.