Full-Truckload (FTL) planning is the process of determining how to effectively allocate products to full trucks to transport goods from one location to another.
Traditionally the process of full truckload (FTL) planning has been carried out using manual methods, such as paper-based planning or digital methods that involve manual calculations. However, this approach leads to miscalculations, which can result in problems and errors for the shipping company and its customers.
Truck load building software enables you to optimize cost and fill rate by efficiently fitting and distributing items in trucks, streamlining the FTL planning process.
As it involves various complex variables like product priorities, different product dimensions, delivery deadlines, and available truck space, the FTL planning process is an ongoing and challenging task that requires constant improvement and re-evaluation.
The challenges in FTL planning
When planning FTL shipments, it's important to consider a range of factors:
- Dimensions and weight of the goods being transported,
- Route and delivery schedule,
- Availability of trucks (and types of trucks) and drivers.
FTL planning can be a complicated process, particularly when 3D truck loading comes into play.
Unlike traditional 2D loading, 3D loading involves the stacking of items on top of each other to maximize the use of space.
However, this can pose a challenge as it requires a meticulous approach to ensure that products are not damaged during transport, and that the truck's weight capacity is not exceeded.
In 3D loading, the planner needs to carefully consider the dimensions of each item and how they can be arranged to form a stable and secure load.
This involves determining the correct sequence in which items should be stacked (and if they can be stacked) and the orientation of each item to ensure that it fits with the other items without causing any imbalance or instability.
In addition, the planning must consider the available truck types, as different types of trucks have different weight capacities and loading requirements.
During peak periods, there may be a shortage of available trucks and drivers, which can lead to increased costs and delays. Understanding the availability of different types of trucks and drivers can help in ensuring that the right equipment is used for the shipment and that there are enough drivers to transport the goods.
The challenges of FTL planning are compounded when 3D truck loading is involved, as it requires careful consideration of the many factors involved in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of goods. Proper planning and attention to detail can help minimize the risks and ensure successful delivery of products to their destination.
Iterative Process in FTL Planning
The iterative nature of FTL planning is characterized by the constant adjustments and fine-tuning made by planners as they receive new information on the delivery priorities and requirements. This also means that every planning is different and tailored to specific circumstances.
Typically, planners initiate the planning process days in advance of the shipment date, utilizing the following steps to create the plan:
- Determining which orders or products should be shipped first,
- Identifying which products will fit in a truck,
- Calculating how many trucks are needed to transport the products,
- Determining which type of trucks are best suited for the shipment,
However, even with careful planning, unexpected changes occur.
For example, the production of products may be delayed, or a customer may change their product priorities. When this happens, planners need to re-evaluate the plan and make adjustments accordingly.
Fine-tuning of FTL planning is an essential process that occurs regularly due to the constantly changing nature of the logistics industry.
This can be a daunting task for planners as they are required to solve complex 3D puzzles repeatedly to ensure that the plan is optimized for the most efficient and cost-effective delivery.
Additionally, the need for frequent changes means that planners must quickly identify and resolve potential issues while ensuring that the plan remains on track.
How 3D Truck Load Building Simplifies FTL Planning
Truck load planning software plays a significant role in supporting FTL planning by providing tools and algorithms that help by optimizing the loading and delivery process and improve the overall efficiency of logistics and supply chain operations.
Some of the ways in which truckload planning software supports FTL planning:
- 3D Load optimization: Optimize load plans based on criteria such as product size and weight, delivery deadlines, and available truck space.
- Load balancing: Ensuring that the load is distributed evenly, reducing the risk of damage to the products and truck.
- Capacity planning: Provide insights into the available capacity of trucks (and types of trucks) and help to plan future deliveries based on current and past data.
- Data analytics: Provide data analytics and reporting, allowing logistic managers to track KPIs such as delivery times, costs, and efficiency.
In addition, truck load planning software can integrate with other supply chains systems, such as warehouse management systems (WMS) and transportation management systems (TMS), to provide a more holistic view of the entire supply chain.
This integration can help in better coordinating the different parts of the supply chain, resulting in reduced errors and delays and improving overall supply chain performance.
Conclusions
FTL planning is an iterative and time-consuming process, especially when there is a 3D packing challenge. These steps can be partially automated by software to assist planners and help them save time.
Learn how Optioryx truckload building software can help you manage your supply chain more effectively.
