Load Optimization

With fuel prices on the rise, drivers in short supply, a diverse product mix and strict customer requirements, order fulfillment has become an increasingly complex process. Consumer goods (CG) manufacturers are faced with uncontrollable costs that are squeezing the margins in an already competitive market, and the spotlight is turning to transportation management to help manage costs. Specifically, companies are looking to optimize the loads being shipped via various methods, whether truck, ship or rail. In addition to keeping on top of the rising cost of fuel, pressure to be green has companies striving to make shipments more efficient.

To get a better understanding of current transportation utilization in the CG industry, CGT partnered with ORTEC this month to ascertain what the challenges are in this critical process and how companies are attempting to improve their load efficiency. We also took a closer look at who is responsible for load management, how much flexibility companies have in adjusting orders to optimize shipments and if technology is being leveraged. The results aren't surprising - current load optimization rates leave room for improvement and companies who take advantage of existing technology to make improvements will realize substantial cost savings, particularly for fuel.