It is a business that has long been typified by the open road, wide, deserted expanses of the Nullarbor or the endless length of bitumen between Sydney and Perth. This would mean that the drivers would take weeks along the road, fighting against fatigue and loneliness. However there is a significant change that is being put in place.
The fact that the simple line haul relay model is being transformed into the more advanced model is changing not only the efficiency of the supply chain; it is changing the quality of life of those behind the wheel radically.
Death of the “Stint” how the labour Haul Relays
The outdated logistics operated under the following situation, where a single driver transported a load along the route between points A and B regardless of the distance. The new relay system on the other hand takes the trip as a sequence of implemented sections.
A driver can pick up a load in half way say, in Melbourne to a mid point such as Hay and swap trailers with an Adelaide driver and get home the same night through a network of strategic points. This line haul mechanism is in operation to ensure that the freight is constantly moving during the 24 hours as the driver sleeps in his or her bed. It renders the life of nomads to be a planned and forecastable occupation.
The Relay Model benefits in Australia
The implementation of this model over the whole of the Australian mainland has three main advantages rather than the simple measures of transport.
Enhanced Retention and Wellbeing of Drivers
Relay Revolution is a solution to the shortage of drivers who is endemic. As the working schedule of nine to five can be predicted in the line haul structure and is offered, the companies can think about the hiring of more diverse workforces.
Utilisation of assets
There are minimal or no holds ups in a relay system on the truck and the trailer which are the assets. When the drivers make a turn around to follow the stringent fatigue management regulations, the engine keeps on running. It causes faster interstate shipment and a significant reduction in the miles of empty trailers (deadhead) which is essential to the sustainable carbon footprint.
Summary
This replacement of the line haul system by a relay-based type of switch is a win-win scenario to the Australian logistics market. It is a substitute of the marathon work of the old trucking which is more of a relay race high-performance and is not detrimental to human health. For more information contact DSE Transport.
Media Contact
DSE Transport
Address: 57 Metrolink Circuit, CAMPBELLFIELD VIC 3061
Tel :(03) 9464 4605
ops.vic@dsetrucks.com.au
