HIGH-TECH solutions such as warehouse automation, the use of GPS for route planning, and specially designed IT systems to reduce paperwork are having a significant impact on physical distribution efficiencies.
Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include improvements in the design of truck trailers, which in turn can provide fuel savings.
Logistics services provider AirRoad is a company that is implementing carbon management strategies and carbon footprint measurement processes that are benefiting both the environment and the bottom line.
Hybrid forklifts have been introduced and sensor lighting has been installed in the company’s Melbourne warehouse facilities with plans to roll out nationally. But the company’s most notable carbon management achievement is in its trailer design.
The company specialises in transporting high technology products, with chief engineer Michael Egan involved in designing trailers for the company that are not only freight friendly but are more efficient.
“New designs have resulted in B double and B triple trailers with larger cubic capacity while at the same time maintaining a focus on safety and stability,” Egan explains.
“While we are very conscious of sticking to the rules governing areas such as mass and fatigue management, there is an urgent need to rationalise and standardise prescriptive rules which vary in each state,” Egan told Manufacturers’ Monthly.
“We have made significant advances in designing smart trailers which incorporate innovations such as our own independent suspension with a low centre of gravity, and the ability to split trailers into two decks.
“A two-deck split significantly reduces freight compaction during long-distance haulage and provides better protection against damage to goods and cartons.”
According to Egan, the greater load stability that this design offers has resulted in the ability to carry more freight and achieve improved fuel economy per tonne of freight.
“In cubic capacity, one prime mover can now tow 35-50% more freight using the same amount of fuel. The face of competition in the logistics services industry is changing.
“As a key component of our customers’ supply chains, we are very aware that more companies are now choosing suppliers that assist them to reduce their carbon footprint – so we need to play our part in providing green and lean supply chain management,” he said.
Innovation centre
Global logistics company, DHL, has established an innovation centre near Bonn in Germany with the aim of developing marketable, highly innovative products in relation to logistics trends of the future.
In addition to serving as a laboratory of the future, the centre will provide a showroom to display the interrelationship of global product streams and logistics networks.
Prototypes of current development projects will also be on show including a robot that can unload delivery vehicles, and that can recognise different sized packages, pick them up and place them on a conveyor belt.
In Australia, DHL has launched GoGreen Express which is a carbon neutral shipping service for the Asia Pacific region.
Corporate communications manager, Sara Carden, says the service has been created for customers that are looking for a more environmentally-responsible shipping option.
“DHL calculates the carbon emissions generated by transporting each specific customer shipment from the country of origin to destination, and offsets these emissions by reinvesting in certified carbon management programs such as alternative vehicle fuel technology and solar panels,” Carden told Manufacturers’ Monthly.
“Other environmentally sustainable initiatives include the introduction of bio-fuelled or hybrid vehicles into our operations in various markets, including India and Japan,” she said.
“We have also launched a shipping service that eliminates the need for manual paperwork by enabling customers to submit shipment details electronically using DHL eMailShip,” she said.
A complimentary copy of eMailShip can be downloaded at www.dhl.com.au.
Carden says security is another area in global supply chain management that is receiving greater attention.
“At the DHL Express facility in Perth, some unique security features have been introduced including full CCTV monitoring of cargo process flow, and an X-ray machine has been installed to assist in checking all inbound shipments.”
As well as a focus on operational efficiencies, there is also a trend towards implementing greener solutions in freight logistics.
VP of global marketing at CargoWise edi, Melinda Elmowy, believes there are many obvious and cost–effective opportunities for companies to reduce their logistics carbon footprint.
“Greening issues are becoming more important with realisation that distribution services can account for some 75% of a company’s carbon footprint. As a result, relationships are changing between suppliers, partners and logistics providers.
“There is a growing recognition that many of the initiatives that companies can institute to achieve a greener environment simply involve eliminating waste while improving productivity,” Elmowy said.
“For example, software systems such as our ediEnterprise are now available to help companies green the supply chain by adopting a paperless approach and moving to automated documentation.
“Efficiencies can be created and overall operational costs reduced by ensuring that customer relationship management is an integral part of the supply chain process.”