Transport and logistics plays a vital role in the economy on a local, regional, national and international level. And businesses across all sectors are looking to make their processes more efficient in a bid to cut costs and maximise profits.
The logistical side of the operation is certainly one where such improvements can be made, but what are some examples of these? Read on to find out more – but first, let’s start with some of the associated costs of transporting goods around the country or even further afield.
What are the costs involved?
One of the major overheads for businesses are the costs of the transportation vehicles themselves, which typically run into the tens of thousands of pounds. And if your company requires a large fleet to service your customers, that will soon add up.
On top of that, there’s the price of petrol and diesel, which has risen significantly in recent times – particularly off the back of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. There’s also maintenance to cover, with regular servicing required to keep your vehicles in good condition.
How can you cut these costs?
One potential avenue worth exploring is the use of alternative fuel sources. For example, Sainsbury’s has recently announced its first store with a fully electric fleet. Many major organisations are doing the same and although the upfront expense for an electric vehicle may be higher, the cost of recharging typically works out cheaper than refuelling a combustion-engine model. So, it could prove a tactic that will pay off in the long run.
How can you ensure safe transportation?
Damage to or loss of product can cause significant delays and major financial headaches for your business – not to mention the potential reputational harm among your customer base. With that in mind, safe and secure loading ready for transport is absolutely paramount. That means storing the materials in the appropriate containers, and fixing goods firmly in place with bungee cords and hooks to ensure they don’t move about or become loose during transit.
How can you plan the optimal route?
Route planning forms an essential part of ensuring your logistical operations are running as efficiently as possible. Where multiple drop-offs are required, you need to map out a journey that will take in all destinations while covering the fewest miles possible. These plans should also extend to the way you load your vehicles, making sure that any goods for the first drop are the most accessible. That way, your staff can minimise the time spent at each delivery location and quickly move on to stay on schedule.
