Editorial Team, Author at TruckLoader

ANALYSIS OF AXLE OVERLOADING OFFENSE

Wed, 25 May 2022 14:10:04 +0000

We were asked to analyse one axle overload offence and propose options to prevent similar situations in future. We applied TruckLoader, breaking the task into the following stages:

Model loading, as a result of which a fine was imposed for exceeding the axle load.
Determine the possibility of carrying out the same loading without axial excesses.
Determine the likelihood of reloading additional pallets into the lorry.

Initial data for analysis:

The protocol of offence and the waybill
Tractor unit Scania + semi-trailer Schmitz
29 Euro pallets, gross weight of one pallet: 740 kg

Taking the data on the vehicle from the TruckLoader database, we modelled axle loads. We then compared them with the measurements obtained whilst weighing to replicate the cargo allocation during that transportation. The data perfectly coincided with the recorded overload on the second axle.

Next, we try to rearrange these pallets to avoid axle overload. Finally, we run TruckLoader in Balance mode, and it selects the best pallet allocation without axle overload.

Note that the loads are not exceeded even for roads with a normative load limit of 10 tons per axle. So let’s try to increase the number of transported pallets and reduce normative axle restrictions to 10 tons per axle. We again use the automatic TruckLoader algorithm to find the optimal allocation without overloading the axles.

As we can see, a solution for 30 pallets was found even for reduced axial limits. Thus, you can carry an order that is heavier than the original without fines.

Conclusion:

To analyse the case, we simulated 3 LGV container loading options for the selected vehicle. We showed that using the TruckLoader algorithm, it is possible to plan the loading of vehicles without exceeding the axle loads while increasing the number of products transported.

The following video shows how TruckLoader works for analysing this case. Would you please turn on subtitles in your preferred language?

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INTEGRATION WITH WMS AND SCALES

Tue, 17 May 2022 10:09:06 +0000

To ensure the loading process is optimised and effective while gross and axial load control is in place, TruckLoader can be integrated with the information systems used at the company.

Scales – transmitting data on unloaded vehicles. Also, the weighing readings of loaded vehicles can be accounted for in statistics and the estimated data for analysis. Integrations are successfully implemented with CAS and ASI scales.
WMS – any system with order information listing cargo that needs to be optimally placed in the vehicle. For example, SAP, 1C, Solvo and other systems.

The integration enables users to:

upload data to TruckLoader without file sharing
receive the loading scheme automatically within a few seconds (automatic program calculation mode)
select tasks for loading and automatically receive a set of goods and a vehicle in the loading list (manual program calculation mode)
Accurately account for all the nuances of loading and composition of final documents for the customer.
use familiar enterprise software rather than get used to the new program interface
keep statistics and save the history of the calculations
provide 500 or more loads per day with correctly calculated loading plans

Various integration options are available with the TruckLoader software package:

Automatic – perform auto calculations without the TruckLoader interface. When you apply this integration option, the customer’s information system forms a loading task. It receives a cargo loading scheme (with various presentation formats and a set of results) from the TruckLoaderWS web service. In this case, the user may not run the TruckLoader program if the received loading scheme fits for purpose.
Automated – receive data from WMS and process with minimal operator involvement. The user only needs the initial data sent by the customer’s information system to the server with TruckLoaderWS. The receipt and calculation of this data can also be carried out automatically. The operator only coordinates or adjusts the loading task if required.

Microsoft Internet Information Server (MS IIS) has to be deployed on a server running Windows (included with Windows Components) to apply any of the options. The user has to setup and install the required TruckLoaderWS library. The server can be physically located either on the customer’s local network or the internet.

” We have successfully implemented TruckLoader in automatic mode, which allowed users to systematise shipments and raise their quality and volume.”

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WEIGHT CONTROL FOR HIRED TRANSPORT

Sun, 15 May 2022 13:57:00 +0000

The vast majority of companies use hired vehicles for transportation. However, organising weight control for such a wide variety of vehicles is far from easy. In a previous article, we examined the organisation of weight control for a company’s fleet. The organisation plan will be a little more complicated for hired vehicles since the vehicle’s parameters that arrived for loading are unknown.

To start, we need to clarify vehicle parameters. The best approach is to weigh the vehicle on axle scales and measure the dimensions. As a result, loading optimisation will be as accurate as possible. The guidelines for correct measuring are provided in the following video. Would you please turn on subtitles to your preferred language?

The error will increase if you take the standard sizes of your vehicle type (or a similar one) from the TruckLoader database rather than input the results of measurements. If you do not have scales at hand, take the vehicle weight as stated in the truck registration document, add 0.5-2 tons to it (depending on the year of manufacture) and use an average vehicle.

You can plan loading in advance and recalculate the result on the day of loading if an arriving vehicle is non-standard or heavier than expected.

If you have scales and a vehicle is loaded at maximum capacity, we recommend double-checking the result of the program estimations by weighing.

TruckLoader LGV container software can be integrated efficiently to automate data input from the scales to the program, calculations and comparison of scale’s readings and program estimates for loaded vehicles.

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WEIGHT CONTROL FOR OWN FLEET

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 13:17:11 +0000

Loading planning for your fleet is not a difficult task because all the parameters of transport and cargo are precisely known. Therefore, loading is possible with maximum potential for the company. Furthermore, it implies no overload on the axes at the maximum possible mass of the transported cargo.
For a start, we need to measure the parameters in advance and add all types of available vehicles to the database. Depending on the make, year of manufacture or modification of the truck, tractor or semi-trailer, the initial data can vary greatly. Depending on the vehicle fleet, the transport is entered in the database by type or number plate.

Similarly, we fill out the cargo database, namely the dimensions and weight of each load in the order. For the correct allocation of goods in the body, it is necessary to set in advance the optional restrictions on turns, loading in tiers to account for the fragility and other parameters. If the goods can be packaged with each other, we need to set relevant permission.

Now we are ready to upload the product order awaiting transportation to TruckLoader. The product order may include several points of unloading, i.e. require different loading sequences. The user can import the product order from an Excel file, calculate the loading and issue the optimal loading scheme to the warehouse. If necessary, one can increase or decrease the product order flexibly.

In integrating with enterprise systems, the described chain can be performed automatically without the user’s intervention. Tasks from WMS are loaded into TruckLoader, where they are automatically calculated to return the loading scheme.

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How to avoid axle overload

Sun, 30 May 0202 11:20:55 +0000

There are several options to avoid overloading the axles, which are discussed below.

1 Train warehouse workers to load “correctly.”

This is challenging for many reasons:

It is not visible from a warehouse which vehicle is present for loading, how much it weighs, and its capacity.
It is practically impossible to place several dozens of loads with various weights in the truck body. The standard centre of mass is in the right place with an accuracy of several centimetres without long preceding calculations.
A warehouse employee is paid for loading speed and not for balancing axial loads.

2 Reduce the total mass of cargo

It sounds like an obvious idea – take less not to overload the axes. But in practice, even reducing the load to 18 tons per truck did not improve statistics. And that’s why the load must be “stretched” as far as possible over the entire length of the body, taking into account the stability rules. For example, do not allow more than three rows of single pallets sequentially. And if the pallets are heavy, weighing 1 ton or more, the whole load is placed closer to the end of the trailer, intensifying overload on the drive axle. It turns out that if in such a case, 3 additional tons were loaded, then the balance could have been levelled.

3 Control the loading with scales

Scales are an excellent means of checking completed loading, but they are not cheap and require constant maintenance, inspection, repair and are often unstable under snow and low temperatures. In addition, scales will not tell you exactly how to load. If there is an overload, you need to return the vehicle to the warehouse to unload and reload, increasing the loading time several-fold.

4 Loading simulation

If you want to carry more and load the first time correctly, use the loading simulation in the program. It determines the centre of gravity of the load and accurately constructs an optimal loading scheme, which will allow you to increase the average weight of the order and avoid axial overload.

We have considered four options. Let us know your favourite way of avoiding axle overload.

If you have further questions please contact us!

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