Make most of fleet capacity, urges industry expert
1 min read
Manufacturers are being urged to maximise their transport fleet flexibility and should ensure they have explored all possibilities such as tapping into unused capacity at other sites or subsidiaries. The recommendation comes from Andy Smith (pictured), senior consultant at logistics advisory firm Davies & Robson.
"In many cases, fleets based at other factory locations or on the books of sister companies may be underutilised and could be redeployed to meet the need elsewhere," says Smith.
The call comes as some manufacturers find themselves struggling to meet the distribution requirements of changing order profiles. For many businesses, third party logistics providers have become an essential tool to pick up the slack. "There are lots of outsource options available, some of which require a little effort to coordinate, but all are ideal to supplement a stretched in-house operation," says Smith.
Davies & Robson recommends that manufacturers look to local hauliers for subcontracted loads or full days; for one-off loads, the web-based networks can identify hauliers seeking backloads in the area; and for part loads, the groupage and pallet networks offer a range of solutions to meet all sizes and sectors.
For more on this subject, see the transport and distribution feature in WM's May issue.