riyadh.transolved, Author at TruckLoader

Truck loading and weighing process

Thu, 05 May 2022 13:38:53 +0000

Have you ever wondered, how the truck loading and weighing process works? What role TruckLoader plays? This blog post explains the process involved.

Weighing trucks is an important aspect of accurate reporting. Its important to realize, that scale used for weighing trucks loses its accuracy over time. This may result in inaccurate reporting. To avoid this happening, it is a good practice to follow the procedure below.

Note, the accuracy of TruckLoader reports is dependent on the accuracy of input. Thus, it is essential to provide accurate data to TruckLoader.

Obtaining the parameters from an empty truck

This is the initial stage of the truck loading process. Firstly, we determine the dimensions, weight, number of axles, and vehicle axle configuration. We want to identify weight of an empty truck. For this reason, this process must takes place when the vehicle is empty.

There are four different ways to get this information:

You can find this information on the truck plate of your vehicle. Enter this information in TruckLoader.
Take a photo of your vehicle and upload it to TruckLoader. This feature is unique to TruckLoader software! Using the photo image TruckLoader will identify your vehicle. In this case, your parameters are adde from our database.

3. Select from hundreds of models available in the TruckLoader database to match your vehicle. By selecting the correct model, corresponding parameters are automatically entered in TruckLoader.

4. Determine the weight of the vehicle by using scales. Equally, the dimensions are obtained by measuring the vehicle. See PepsiCo video for more details.

Determine the load parameters

The load parameter should be easy to determine. In the first place, identify the load to place in the truck. Next, determine the quantity, size, and weight of the load. Enter this information in TruckLoader. It also offers a CSV file or Warehouse Management System (WMS) for data entry.

TruckLoader calculates the body length, center-to-center distance, axial loads, and maximum load capacity. Moreover, this information gets added to the database for future use.

In addition, it produces a report with optimal cargo arrangements. Equally important, the truck weight will comply with the transportation of goods regulation.

Moreover, it provides an optimized loading scheme for your truck.

The above image shows how the weight distribution based on the parameters provided. In the light of this information, you have the option to optimize loading scheme.

By the same token, the report will show the space utilisation, available space, and load arrangement.

Loading scheme optimization

Based on the report you can fine-tune your load arrangements.

You have the option of re-organizing the load. Add more load if space is available. Alternatively, adjusting the loading scheme. This is a great feature to have. It gives you the flexibility to rearrange the load based on your requirements.

Furthermore, another possibility is a multi-location drop. You can provide details about multiple locations and corresponding loads. TruckLoader arranges the load according to the information provided.

In the same fashion, you can perfect the loading scheme for your needs. Finally, you can print the report and give it to your warehouse operative for loading.

Truck loading in the warehouse

TruckLoader provides report with step-by-step loading instructions for the operative to follow. This avoids the need to make the decision about how best to arrange the cargo. With this in mind, they don’t need to work out and which order they need to put the goods in etc.

TruckLoader report display the load in 3D format, with colour coding. In the hope that, this makes it easy to identify diffent types/size of the load.

In other words, the loading plan is highly configured and optimised to utilise the space to its maximum.

Obtaining the parameters from full truck

Once the truck is fully loaded, weigh the truck again. Record this data in the TruckLoader. The purpose of this is to double-check the accuracy of output.

For demonstration, if you have an 18-tonne truck with a capacity of 9.5-tonne payload. Assume, you load a 9-tonne payload, you would expect the final weight to be (18+9=27) 27 tonnes.

Now compare the final weight with the output from TruckLoader. The two values should be equal. Of course, if there is a variation, then you may need to investigate further the reasons for this difference.

What if I don't have the scales?

Well, use the manual method. You can calculate the load weight based on your load. Add this to the truck weight. Now, you can compare this result with output from TruckLoader.

Would you like to know more?

Would you like to know more about the loading and weighting process? Do you have any specific questions? Please feel free to contact us. We will be morethan happy to help.

The post Truck loading and weighing process appeared first on TruckLoader.

What are the consequences of overloading a vehicle?

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 14:47:31 +0000

Transportation of goods is an integral part of the business world. A sensible and pragmatic approach is required when loading a truck or lorry. The truck’s size, type, payload, and axle weight all play an essential part.

An overloaded vehicle is likely to affect the driver’s ability to control the truck directly. Furthermore, you could be breaking the law. Putting yourself, other people, and your vehicle in danger. And, what about your company’s reputation? That is an important consideration.

Let’s look at issues when overloading the vehicles:

Difficulty in driving the vehicle

The vehicles, by design, carry a specified amount of weight. Overloaded vehicles are difficult to drive. It becomes less stable, hard to steer, and takes longer to stop.

It makes it much harder for the driver to control the vehicle. Also, the safety of the truck is compromised. In some cases, this can lead to a fatal accident.

Fuel cost increase

The heavier the vehicle, the more energy is required to move it. Overloading the truck increases fuel consumption. It is advisable to load the cargo to the specified weight limit. Keeping the load to the weight limit is for your and other people’s safety.

Our TruckLoader application helps to ensure that your vehicle is not overloaded.

Damage to vehicle tires

When the vehicle is loaded, the weight of the cargo translates directly on the tires. The heavier the payload, the greater the pressure put on the tires. The tires undergo tremendous strain and start to overheat.

In addition to overheating, the overloading can result in rapid wear on the tires. As a result, the vehicle may suffer a tire blowout. This could be catastrophic! It could also lead to premature, dangerous, and costly wheel failures.

You would certainly require to repair and replace the tyre more often.

Damage to the road work

Overloaded vehicles impact the tires. It has similar effect on the roads and bridges. Heavy goods vehicles are responsible for the most damage to roads and bridges.

Ultimately, the road’s surface carries the weight of the payload and the truck. Roads can take only a certain amount of stain. Like anything, putting the strain above its limit leads to deterioration.

The road surfaces, bridges, and pavement will suffer excessive wear and damage over time. As a responsible road users we need to take care.

Invalidate insurance cover

Insurance covers are specific when it comes to road safety. In the event of an accident, insurance companies will look at the circumstance that led to the accident. Overloading the vehicles beyond their specified limit is unacceptable to the insurance company. It is illegal to drive a goods vehicle over its specified limit. The insurance cover immediately becomes void.

Legal action

Any legal action will harm the reputation of the company and prove costly.

For more information on Excess weight offenses and penalties, please refer to the government website.

Summary

In summary, an overloaded vehicle is not a good idea. Always opt for safer transportation of goods. Overloading can have a devastating effect on your company. The best way to avoid overloading is to make your staff knowledgeable about its impact.

Always, ensure that overloading doesn’t take place.

This is where TruckLoader comes in very handy.

TruckLoader will assist you in organising your goods. It will ensure that you don’t exceed your weight limit. More importantly, it calculates axle weight. The axle weight is difficult to calculate manually.

With TruckLoader, your vehicle will comply with gross and axle weight limits. They are protecting you from overloading the vehicle.

Remember! A safe journey is the best journey. Get loading with TruckLoader.

The post What are the consequences of overloading a vehicle? appeared first on TruckLoader.

What are the key benefits of using TruckLoader?

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 13:17:04 +0000

TruckLoader is a very versatile truck and container loading software application. Let’s look at some of the key truck loader benefits and how it relates to TruckLoader.

Expand transport capacity

Every organization aims to use its resources most efficiently and effectively. Hence, the cargo load efficiency can be achieved using the space available to its greatest. TruckLoader uses complex mathematical modeling. Also, it uses an iterative process.

As a result, it works out the most efficient layout for your goods. So that, you are able to fit more in a lorry or container. Important to note, it expands the transport capacity.

Another great feature of TruckLoader is utilizing empty space. For example, if you are transporting tubes of different sizes and different diameters. In essence, TruckLoader works out the most efficient way of packing smaller tubes in bigger ones. As a result, making most of the space available and saving you space!

Reduce time spent on planning and loading

Another critical resource is time spent on planning and loading. Under those circumstances, planning is very critical here. Failure to plan will mean more time spent on loading and unloading to get the load allocation right.

Most people will find planning tasks very challenging and time-consuming. TruckLoader will use mathematical formulas and algorithms. For this reason, it provides you with the most accurate layout of the cargo loading.

Besides, you have the option to rearrange your cargo for many location drops. A neat feature to explore!

The power of TruckLoader lies in the quick rearrange of the cargo with our 3D scheme viewer. The visual display makes it very intuitive.

Minimisation of the human factor in cargo allocation

TruckLoader estimates optimal cargo allocation. So it instantly reduces the human factor in load planning. They don’t need to make their own decision or think about how to put the boxes. They already have the instruction, step-by-step guide, and the loading scheme.

Compliance with gross and axle weight limits

Overloading the truck is a common and punishable offense. Organizations should avoid overloading in relation to the axle and weight limit. It is important to realize, the axle and weight limit will vary from country to country.

You can find axle weight from your vehicle plate.

Another key feature, TruckLoader comes with data on local regulations and limitations. Generally speaking, weight allowance will vary from country to country. TruckLoader contains the weight allowance on one axle.

When you select your country, TruckLoader populates the local itinerary. Thus, local data are available in your calculations. The loading plan report will show the load scheme that is compliant with local rules.

Any breaches of loading compliance are highlighted at the planning stage. In essence, you can take corrective action to rectify issues.

Avoid the need to spend time calculating the gross and axle weight limits. You are in safe hands with TruckLoader!

Data analysis on loading efficiency

TruckLoader offers features for data analysis and loading efficiency measures. For example, if you measure an empty truck with the scale. Compare that with data available on the TruckLoader. You may see a discrepancy in the measurement over time.

Professional scales have a measurement error of around 2% on average. Given that the user complies with all the requirements for installation and measurement. Some manufacturers warn that the measurement error in actual conditions can reach 10%. This can give you inaccurate final results.

Also, the scales give you the load on every axle. You have the opportunity to compare the estimated and real-life figures. Over a period, you see a trend of overestimation or underestimation. At this point, you can take corrective action to improve the load efficiency.

Reporting Features

Once you are happy with the loading plan you can generate a report.

To simplify the process, the report will give you box-by-box, step-by-step loading instructions. If you are familiar with IKEA furniture instructions. You will have no problem. It is self-explanatory!

Your warehouse operative needs no further instruction. The visual report with a loading plan makes cargo loading much easier and more precise.

You are sure to save time and money!

Conclusion

TruckLoader offers many benefits in truck loading. It will undertake many complex tasks and simplify the whole process. Without delay, you can load trucks quicker and enjoy the efficiently.

Do you have any questions about TruckLoader? Do you want to findout how TruckLoader can be of benefit to your organisation? Please contact us. Let’s explore the possibility of using TruckLoader in your organisation.

If you would like to talk to us in more details, please fell free to contact us.

The post What are the key benefits of using TruckLoader? appeared first on TruckLoader.

Weighing scales or software for axle loading?

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 14:13:10 +0000

An axle load is a very important consideration when it comes to the transportation of goods. Many carriers and shippers face high fines (Excess weight offences) for overloading vehicle axles. There are two options: weighing scales or software program. This blog post looks at these options in more details.

What is the difference between a vehicle weight scale and a software program?

Let’s look at both the weighing scale and the software program options:

Vehicle weighing scale

A vehicle weighing scale is a purpose-built scale for weighing the vehicle. Like weighing scales for humans or luggage. In like manner, there are scales available for weighing vehicles!

Simply, drive the vehicle over the vehicle scale. That is to say, as each axle rolls over the weighing scale, it shows the axle weight.

Software program

“A program is a means of “designing” loading, in advance to carry the maximum capacity.”

TruckLoader is a software program. Specially designed to maximize the loading capacity and optimize the load.

Ok! So now let’s put them to a test!

Conduct multiple tests

As stated above, using a program is an option. But, can the program do the job? And, How accurate is a program?

The best way to decide the accuracy is to conduct multiple tests. Then, compare program estimates with the scale readings. The test showed that the program could predict the readings. As well as, it improves the loading schemes. In fact, using TruckLoader increases the loading weight by 25% without axle overload.

Loading Speed

Time is money! Thus, the speed of loading is also an important factor. Weighing of the truck takes 10-15 minutes. If an overload is found, it is necessary to change cargo allocation: unload, reload and weigh it again. That’s a lot of work! Several such attempts, 3-4, take 500-800% more time than single loading.

Using the program, you plan the load on the computer. In other words, make adjustments based on the result. This is a fast and efficient way of rearranging the load. This kind of simulation is quick to do. It takes 1-10 minutes.

Great for saving time and human resource!

Accuracy

The whole purpose of measuring is to get an accurate measuring result. So, the accuracy of the measurement is an important factor.

Professional scales have measurement error of around 2% on average. Given that, the user complies with all the requirements for installation and measurement. Some manufacturers warn that the measurement error can reach 10%.

This is huge!

The scale readings made on-site are not guaranteed! In comparison to the same vehicle measured at another location.

But, why? Different scales may produce different results. This is an issue. Now, how do you prove which measurement offers greater accuracy?

In contrast, the program estimates without error. The results are formula-based. This is a provable calculation for a particular vehicle. The program calculation is useful in disputing an overestimated reading of weighing scales.

Accounting for restrictions

Every country has its own permissible axle load that the vehicle must abide by. The permissible axle loads depend on roads, season, number and type of axles. Also, the distance between axles, and the type of wheels matters too. All these factors are considered when weighing and deciding on the shipment.

The program allows restrictions setting. It will not allow them to be exceeded. Scales do not show precisely when the overload occurs. The operator should make judgments. Meaning that a human factor come into consideration. Hence, the process is prone to errors.

Several points of unloading

Let’s take an example where there is a need to unload at several locations. At each location, the gross weight will change. This reflects on the axle load.

For each stop, re-calculation is required. This is because the remaining cargo rests on the hitch and the second axle of the vehicle.
Thus, when the load changes, it is likely to overload one of the axle.

In this case, the cargo allocation needs to be simulated in advance. Otherwise, you risk overloading the axles even with lower tonnage weight.

Vehicle planning

Vehicle planning is an important consideration when you have a large load volume. The first consideration is how many. And, the type of vehicles required.

Obviously, the scales are useless for this task. Your option is to use a spreadsheet or calculator. This can be a time-consuming and error-prone option!

TruckLoader can handle this beautifully!

Costs

Price is the most important consideration in deciding between program and scale. Scales are much more expensive than a program subscription. The price may exceed £15000, and besides, it requires an operator to perform weighings. But, the program can be run by anyone in the enterprise.

It could be a sales manager to determine the order. A specialist in the logistics department or a warehouse employee.

The program is easy to use. It can be learned in a few hours. The costs of scale increase when used without the program. The program complements the scale. It removes the need to reload products and reduce the weight of the shipped cargo.

Over the period, there is a likelihood of wear and tear on the scale. Besides, there may be repairs and maintenance costs. Programs are updated to reflect new laws and legislations. Scales may need costly upgrades.

Functionality

The purpose of the scales is to measure the weight. Right! This is what it meant to do. A program offers multiple functionalities. For example, simulation, country-related parameters, and reporting. Also, the program offers options to integrate with your systems. WMS, TMS, scales etc. Also, more functionality can be added to the program.

Conclusion

In summary, the scales are a means of measuring. In other words, it represents an actual situation. Scales have their values. But, it does not offer loading planning or optimizing.

Also, optimizing the loading scheme by trial and error is a very expensive process. As multiple reloading attempts will result in a much longer loading. Furthermore, it lowers carrying volume.

A program, on other hand, is a means of “designing” loading. You can rearrange the load in advance to maximum capacity. In general, fine-tune the load. The load can be fully optimized.

The biggest advantage of a program is the ability to store data. The Historical data are very useful for the comparison and fine-tuning of the system.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact us!

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