𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀

In the modern automotive industry, auto spare parts logistics is a crucial link to ensure smooth vehicle maintenance and repair. However, this process involves multiple complex steps, from supplier procurement to final delivery, each with its unique challenges. The complexity of inventory management, the high requirements for flexible order processing, the diversity of parts packaging, and the efficiency of transportation and distribution are all key factors affecting the efficiency of auto parts logistics.

𝗦𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘂𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗔𝗪 𝗧𝗼𝘆𝗼𝘁𝗮

Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. (SFTM), established in 2000, is one of the joint ventures of FAW Toyota Motor Company in China, mainly producing Toyota brand sedans and SUVs. Its spare parts logistics is an important part of the company’s supply chain management, responsible for transporting auto parts from suppliers to production lines and repair sites.

𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲

In 2013, Sichuan FAW Toyota purchased and began using the LoadMaster 3d load calculator to solve the loading challenges of after-sales spare parts logistics at its logistics centers in Chengdu and Tianjin. They have been collaborating for over 11 years. Their daily orders can be divided into two types: 1) Stable orders; 2)Temporary additional orders.

The business process for these two types of orders in the logistics center is as follows:
1)Manually give an approximate design of a shipping plan based on stable orders. (A rough estimation of how the cargo will be loaded into trucks based on the volume of goods.) Then roughly estimate the model and number of vehicles required for transportation. In the end, draw the detailed packing plan.
2)If there are temporary additional orders, the 3d loading plan needs to be re-estimated manually, the model and number of vehicles required for transportation re-estimated, and the detailed loading plan redrawn.

Under such a process, the disadvantages are obvious:

1. The loading plan drawn based on the estimated cargo volume differs from the actual loading situation since it’s just a rough approximate one.
2. When there are urgent additional orders, the loading plan cannot be adjusted flexibly and immediately by manpower.
3. Manual drawing is time-consuming, labor-intensive, error-prone, and costly in terms of man-hours.

𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲

In this situation, they turned to the LoadMaster software, hoping it could help solve their current business challenges. After testing with real data and fully understanding LoadMaster’s powerful functionalities, they found that:

1. The LoadMaster software can quickly achieve a batch of cargo data imported and produce accurate loading plans quickly, which helps improve the loading rate of vehicles while meeting loading requirements.
2. When the cargo quantity in the order changes temporarily, the loading plan can be edited and modified flexibly to quickly get a new loading plan.
3. The software provides not only 3D loading plans but also detailed loading steps to guide on-site workers in loading operations.
4. The entire process becomes faster and more efficient, significantly shortening the cycle of calculation, loading, and transportation.

Delighted by how LoadMaster container loading calculator solved their difficult loading problems and brought such significant improvements, Sichuan FAW Toyota established a long-term partnership with LoadMaster.

In the future, LoadMaster container loading software will continue to empower Sichuan FAW Toyota, helping the company reduce costs and increase efficiency, and achieve more benefits from detailed operations!

Spare Parts Logistics: Ensuring Timely Supply for After-Sales Service

Spare parts logistics primarily involves the transportation of components needed for automotive repairs and maintenance from warehouses to repair stations, dealerships, or directly to customers. The process includes:

1. Parts Storage: Managing inventory and storage of spare parts.
2. Order Processing: Handling spare parts orders based on the needs of repair stations or customers.
3. Distribution Services: Timely delivery of spare parts to repair stations or customers.

Key Characteristics of Spare Parts Logistics:

1. Timeliness and Responsiveness
   Spare parts logistics emphasizes rapid response to customer repair and maintenance needs, requiring logistics systems with high flexibility and responsiveness. Timely supply of spare parts effectively reduces repair time and enhances customer satisfaction.

2. Diverse Material Types
   Spare parts logistics involves various types and specifications of components, ranging from small parts to large assemblies, necessitating robust capabilities in sorting, storage, and management to ensure accurate supply of parts.

3. Accurate Order Handling
   Efficient spare parts logistics requires fast and accurate order processing to ensure timely delivery of required parts. The accuracy and efficiency of order processing directly impact customer repair experience and satisfaction.

Advantages of LoadMaster container loading software in this Context:

1.Rapid Response to Orders: The software swiftly generates packing solutions based on order urgency and part characteristics, ensuring timely delivery of spare parts.
2.Improve loading rate and efficiency.

3.Inventory Optimization: By predicting and analyzing spare parts demand, the software helps optimize inventory management, thereby reducing inventory costs.

4.Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Efficient packing and distribution solutions improve the speed of spare parts supply, shorten repair times, and consequently enhance customer satisfaction.

Customer Case Study:

Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. is a joint venture between China FAW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation, primarily engaged in the production and sale of Toyota brand passenger and commercial vehicles.

Business Background:

1. SFTM’s cargo truck loading diagrams are currently manually drawn and sent to logistics companies one month in advance. Drivers load goods based on these diagrams.
2. Adjusting logistics systems according to production volume changes, requiring real-time adjustments in cargo routes and load calculation rates.

Urgent Issues to Resolve:

1. High error rate and significant time consumption in manual drawing.
2. Discrepancies between estimated cargo volumes and actual loading.
3. Inability to immediately adjust loading plans when additional orders are placed urgently.

With the assistance of LoadMaster container loading software, significant improvements have been achieved in container loading rates, load plan calculation time, and cargo placement rationality:

1. Greatly increased vehicle loading rates.
2. Rapid and efficient process, shortened cycles.
3. Ability to quickly respond to adjustments in order quantities.
4. High visualization of loading steps, enhancing clarity.

Conclusion:

LoadMaster container loading software provides robust support across various aspects of automotive parts logistics through its intelligent and efficient packing optimization features. From inbound logistics of raw materials and components to outbound logistics of finished vehicles and spare parts, LoadMaster enhances logistics efficiency, reduces costs, and boosts customer satisfaction. In the fiercely competitive automotive parts industry, LoadMaster container loading software undoubtedly serves as a critical tool for enhancing logistics management capabilities.

Export Logistics: Ensuring Products Arrive Safely and Timely

Export logistics of auto parts primarily involves transporting auto parts from manufacturing plants to domestic and international dealers, retailers, or direct customers.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀?

1. Combination of Multiple Transport Modes
   Export logistics often require a combination of various transport modes such as sea, air, rail, and road transport to achieve optimal efficiency and cost control. The coordination and management of multimodal transport are crucial in export logistics.

2. Efficient Space Utilization
   Due to the high cost of international transport, export logistics need to maximize the use of transport vehicle space. The LoadMaster container loading software uses intelligent packing algorithms to optimize packing plans, improving loading efficiency and reducing transport costs.

3. Compliance and Document Management
   Export logistics must strictly adhere to the import regulations and standards of the destination country, involving a large number of documents and procedures such as customs declarations, certificates of origin, and commercial invoices. Compliance management is key to ensuring smooth customs clearance and market entry.

   𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀:

4. Efficient Space Utilization: Through intelligent packing algorithms, the software can maximize the use of container space, improve loading efficiency, reduce the number of shipments, and lower costs.

5. Compliance Check: LoadMaster software provides center of gravity shift analysis for both rail and sea transport, helping customers better assess the overall weight distribution of goods. This allows for timely adjustments to avoid penalties. The “Cargo Trace” function can also help customers quickly locate specific goods within a container during customs inspections, facilitating faster clearance.

6. Tracking and Monitoring: By seamlessly integrating with the logistics management system, enterprises can track the transport status of goods in real-time, ensuring products arrive safely and timely at their destination.

𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆:

Shanghai Volkswagen is one of China’s leading automobile manufacturers, affiliated with SAIC Group. The company has strong industry strength, large production scale, a wide range of products, and significant market share and brand influence.

Business Background:
There are high requirements for the center of gravity of goods when loading containers.

With the help of LoadMaster container loading software, the container loading rate, calculation time, and placement rationality have significantly improved:

1. The container loading rate increased from 70% in the initial stage to 85%.
2. The container loading plan calculation time was reduced from 1 hour to 45 minutes.
3. The stacking of various cargo becomes more reasonable, improving space utilization and achieving center of gravity balance.

In today’s fiercely competitive automotive parts industry, improving logistics efficiency has become a key factor for companies to gain a competitive edge. Auto parts logistics mainly includes three aspects: inbound logistics, outbound logistics, and spare parts logistics. Each stage requires precise management and optimization. As a highly efficient container optimization tool, the 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 container loading software provides strong support for every stage of auto parts logistics.

Let’s have a closer look at Inbound Logistics!

𝟭. 𝗜𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀: 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗮𝘄 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Inbound logistics refers to the transportation of raw materials, components, and other production necessities from suppliers to the automobile manufacturing plant. The goal of this stage is to ensure the continuous operation of the production line and the timely supply of materials. Specifically, it includes:

1. Raw Material Transportation: Transporting raw materials from suppliers to the manufacturing plant.
2. Component Distribution: Delivering various components to the respective production workshops.
3. Warehouse Management: Managing the storage and sorting of inbound materials.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀?

1. High Frequency and Small Batches
   Inbound logistics typically involves high-frequency, small-batch transportation to ensure continuous supply to the production line. This model can reduce inventory pressure but also requires the logistics process to be highly flexible and responsive.

2. Precise Time Management
   Inbound logistics emphasizes 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁-𝗜𝗻-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 (𝗝𝗜𝗧) management, requiring materials to arrive precisely when needed for production. This management approach can reduce inventory costs but demands a high level of time control in logistics.

3. Diverse Material Types
   Inbound logistics involves various types of materials, including raw materials, components, auxiliary materials, and other production necessities. These materials vary in volume, weight, and shape, necessitating targeted containerization and transportation planning.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆?

1. Intelligent Container Planning: The software can automatically generate the optimal containerization plan based on the volume, weight, and shape of the materials, maximizing the use of transportation space and reducing transportation costs.
2. Real-time Data Analysis: By analyzing transportation data in real-time, the software helps companies adjust containerization plans promptly, avoiding production halts due to transportation delays.
3. Reduced Losses: Optimized containerization plans can reduce material losses during transportation, ensuring that components arrive at the production line in perfect condition.

𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆:

Global International Freight Forwarding (China) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Fortune 500 DB Logistics, is a world-leading logistics company providing integrated services including sea, air, and land transportation as well as contract logistics.

Business Background:
Among the company’s numerous clients, industrial and automotive clients’ inbound logistics are characterized by a wide variety of materials and diverse packaging sizes. Often, a single truck needs to load dozens of different types of goods. Additionally, in less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation, the complexity of dry-line goods, mixed with heavy and bulky items, presents a challenge that manual calculations can no longer adequately address.

With the Help of the Container Master Software:

1. Loading Efficiency: The time required for manual calculations has been reduced from one hour to 15 minutes.
2. System Maintenance: By maintaining the master data within the system, the daily scheduling workload has been significantly reduced.
3. 3D Loading Diagrams: The exported 3D loading diagrams can be handed over to our drivers to guide on-site containerization, reducing uncertainties in on-site operations. Additionally, a QR code for each container facilitates simultaneous loading operations for multiple vehicles.

After collaborating with the LoadMaster load planning software, our costs have significantly decreased, and our efficiency has greatly improved, enhancing our market competitiveness. Especially in the current economic downturn, leveraging the software to reduce costs and increase efficiency is beneficial for our long-term development.

This blog post aims to provide insights into the critical role of inbound logistics in the auto parts industry and how advanced tools like the LoadMaster container loading software can drive efficiency and competitiveness. Stay tuned for more insights into outbound and spare parts logistics in the upcoming parts of this series.

In the logistics and transportation industry, the efficiency of container loading directly impacts transportation costs and the safety of the cargo. A common misconception is that a fully loaded container equates to more cargo being loaded. However, this is not always the case. This article will explore why loading a container to its apparent full capacity does not necessarily mean loading more cargo and how to optimize container loading to achieve maximum transportation efficiency.

1. Load Full vs. Load More: Definitions and Differences

Loading full typically means that the container’s space is filled as much as possible, with no visible gaps. However, loading more refers to loading as much cargo as possible within the limited space, not just filling it up but effectively utilizing every inch of space to increase the quantity of the cargo.

2. Space Utilization and Loading Strategies

• 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝘇𝗲𝘀: Different sizes and shapes of goods need to be reasonably matched during loading to reduce gaps. For example, LoadMaster container loading software’s “stacking products with similar or identical dimensions” can improve space utilization.
• 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗽: High overlap rates can increase stacking stability, reduce the risk of sliding and shifting, and help better utilize vertical space.

3. Center of Gravity and Stability

When loading, it’s not just about the quantity but also the center of gravity and stability of the cargo. An uneven center of gravity can cause the cargo to tilt or even collapse during transportation, increasing the risk of damage. Therefore, a reasonable loading strategy should ensure an even distribution of the center of gravity to maintain cargo stability. LoadMaster container loading software’s 3d cargo loading plan provides a thorough and scientific balance analysis by referring to the standards of both maritime shipping and railway transport.

4. Loading Equipment and Technology

In modern logistics, the application of loading equipment and technology is also crucial. For example, using professional container loading software like LoadMaster can create the best loading plan, ensuring that more cargo is loaded while maintaining stability. Additionally, intelligent 3d loading solutions can improve loading efficiency and reduce human error.

5. Transportation Safety and Compliance

Loading more does not mean ignoring safety and compliance. Overloading or unreasonable loading methods not only violate transportation regulations but can also lead to serious safety hazards. Therefore, while aiming to load more, it is essential to ensure that the loading methods comply with relevant regulations to ensure transportation safety.

6. Customer Case: Practical Application of Optimized Loading

A customer had a batch of goods to be shipped to Africa, but the shipping costs had recently tripled. They loaded the containers manually and left out more than 70 boxes. If the excluded goods were to be shipped separately, it would cost an additional 10,000 RMB, and they might not even find available containers, leaving air freight as the only option, which is even more expensive. However, their loading workers said, “We have already loaded it to the full, there are no gaps.”

In reality, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺, 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀. By using professional loading software, they found that different placement combinations could fit all the goods into the containers. 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝟲 𝗥𝗠𝗕, 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗥𝗠𝗕 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀. It was incredibly worthwhile!

7. Conclusion

When loading containers, loading full does not equate to loading more. An effective loading strategy should consider various factors, including space utilization, center of gravity and stability, loading equipment and technology, and transportation safety and compliance. Through scientifically reasonable loading plans, it is possible to achieve loading more, loading stably, and loading safely, thereby maximizing transportation efficiency and reducing logistics costs.

In the future of logistics and transportation, with continuous technological advancements and the application of optimized loading plans, we believe we can more efficiently utilize container space, achieving higher loading efficiency and lower transportation costs.

One of our clients - HONDA-Sundiro bought LoadMaster container loading software, but due to insufficient communication, information asymmetry or any other factor that may affect, they didn’t make the right choice on the software version. They purchased a relatively simple version which is cheaper but then found when operating that it can not fully satisfy all their needs which can only be met by a relatively advanced version, leading to a waste of money, time and labor.

While in the process of requirement communication and confirmation, our staff asked if they have some complicated loading requirements that can only be satisfied by the advanced version and they regarded that they didn’t have that. it’s not only because of the insufficient communication, but different people’s levels of comprehension regarding the same stuff vary, which warns us of the significance of full and thorough communication.

But what is requirement communication? Why is it important to purchasing a load planning software? And how to effectively communicate? Let’s have a look!

Here “requirements” are not only related to the cargo stacking during on-site or transportation, but include all the apparent and potential needs that the company would like to achieve with the help of a 3d load planning software.

Starting from the actual loading of goods on-site, we hope to achieve accurate loading (for example, ①after reserving space for corner castings in the software, it can automatically avoid them when calculating; ②setting reserved dimensions in the container/trailer can simulate the manual placement gaps and carton expansion during on-site loading) and safe loading (for example, ensuring heavier goods do not press on lighter ones, changing the placement of the cargo near the container door to reduce the possibility of tipping and falling, and limiting the maximum stacking layers according to the bearing capacity of different goods) to prevent or reduce the chances of wrong or missed loading, thus minimizing unnecessary losses.

In addition to the specific needs of loading goods into containers/trucks, there are also some potential demands for intelligently choosing the right type of vehicle, container, pallet, thus selecting the most economical combination, whether the software-designed loading rate can be higher than manual calculation, thus reducing transportation costs.

Looking at “requirements” in a more broad view, after using the software, can the efficiency of communication between departments be improved (some companies experience conflicts between departments before using software due to the lack of clear 3D diagrams), can employee work efficiency be improved (with the help of software to quickly produce accurate schemes, the saved time can be used for more important managerial work), and can the communication efficiency with customers be improved (after seeing the clear 3D diagrams, customers can know how their goods are loaded, which will increase satisfaction and strengthen customer loyalty)? These needs play a crucial role in the company’s future development.

Looking at the entire process, the load planning software has helped starting from the customer’s order placement. The company’s front-end sales staff can use the software to produce clear 3D diagrams, Check with the customer whether the container space is fully utilized, and if not, negotiate to increase the order to try to fill the container and reduce sea freight costs, especially at a time when sea freight costs are rising, its significance is self-evident. After confirming the order with the customer, the logistics department can then accurately arrange for container/truck, then sort the goods in advance, and refer to the software’s step diagrams to achieve accurate and safe loading. After the goods are loaded, customs declaration materials can be prepared in advance for customs declaration, where the software’s packing list reports are useful again. Then the goods are transported and finally reach the customer safely and on time.

Throughout the process, from the initial communication of orders, to designing how to load the goods into the container, to safe and accurate loading, both the buyer and seller can clearly understand the whereabouts of the goods, and also clearly know at which stage they can try to reduce costs and increase efficiency, achieving a predictable, controllable, and traceable order shipping process, which undoubtedly plays a “wave-boosting” role in the sustainable development of the enterprise.

And all these ultimately are based on thorough and comprehensive communication of needs at the early stage. Only by understanding what each enterprise wants can we tell you how the software can help you. And this requires not only our effort but also your full trust and support.

Do you want to thoroughly know about your companies’ need sand learn how much costs can be saved for your future development? Welcome to try our loading requirement sorting service (http://loadmaster.biz) to help you better understand your business and recognize how and where you can make some improvement!

Recently, an IT director working for a famous logistics company came to us, hoping to improve their container loading process efficiency with the help of the container loading software. After in-depth discussions with this manager, I knew about some realities about their company’s business processes.

Despite being a globally renowned logistics enterprise, they still rely entirely on manual experience for cargo loading calculation. Their clients come from various industries such as automotive parts, household appliances, furniture, electronics, etc., outsourcing the transportation of goods to these logistics companies, which are responsible for the shipment. However, from conversations with this manager, I learned that even some manager-level staff are largely unaware of the necessary actions during the whole order shipping process, the diffeent stages in the transportation that incur costs, how these costs are precisely calculated, and which costs are controllable.

In short, the whole container allocation and loading process is entirely opaque, non-standardized, uncontrollable, and untraceable. Therefore, cost control can solely rely on the subjective experience of the personnel involved in container allocation and loading. As we know, any process becomes more risky and hazardous when human involvement rate is high. To achieve effective cost reduction and efficiency improvement, it is essential to minimize the subjective and uncontrollable factors introduced by human involvement throughout the entire order delivery process and instead increase the involvement of controllable tools. Ideally, humans should only serve the role of supervision and verification.

Even insiders within logistics companies are unclear about the costs incurred before goods are shipped and which of these costs are controllable, not to mention manufacturing companies who assign this business to them. However, in reality, this process is not as complex as it seems. Let’s take a look together!

For manufacturing companies, their main responsibility lies in production. When their customers make new orders, then they start the whole process to prepare for the delivery. Upon receiving orders, the flow of goods may have two different directions:

1. Some manufacturing companies are large in scale and have a well-established business system, with independent logistics departments capable of handling the transportation of goods. For them, the entire process from production to delivery to the customer’s hands is controlled by various departments within the company. This process includes receiving orders, arranging production (the sequence of these two stages varies among companies), warehouse sorting, container/truck loading plan calculation, scheduling, transportation, and delivery to the customer. For these companies, understanding the operations of their internal logistics department may be relatively easy and there might be fewer obstacles. However, according to our observation, even these companies have significant room for improvement in terms of internal informatization. Many companies are unaware of the cost composition at various stages, let alone cost control.

2. Many manufacturing companies are not very large in scale and only focus on production. In such cases, they outsource the transportation of products to professional logistics companies, which then handle the dispatch and transportation of goods. The logistics companies are responsible for container allocation and loading for these products, as well as subsequent scheduling and transportation. Details regarding the subsequent stages such as route optimization will not be elaborated here.

In conclusion, whether manufacturing companies independently control the process or outsource it to logistics companies, from order generation to goods being loaded onto vehicles/containers ready for shipment, there are various operations involved, which incur costs. It is worthwhile for us to delve deeper into understanding which costs are relatively controllable and contribute to the sustainable development of the company.

Once a batch of goods is ordered, we need to prepare the goods listed in the order and design how to pack/load them based on safety loading and business rules. Safety loading involves arranging goods in a way that minimizes tilting, shifting, and potential damage during transportation, thus ensuring the integrity of the goods. Business rules refer to the requirements that may arise during cargo handling and transportation. For example, if a batch of goods contains a large quantity of a particular product, it’s preferable to place all those items together in a container rather than dispersing them across different containers or positions within one container. Similarly, if the same batch of goods needs to be delivered to different warehouses, the order of fetching the goods affects how the goods are arranged in the container. Considering such requirements thoroughly before issuing a packing plan ensures that the design is practically feasible and maximizes loading efficiency while minimizing product unit costs.

According to the IT manager of this logistics company, they currently have a department of personnel in charge of loading plan. Upon receiving new orders, they assign goods with the same booking number to the same container whenever possible. Their clients also specify a loading rate requirement for each container just like a KPI standard. Container loading calculation personnel estimate the loading volume based on different requirements and then determine which goods to place in each container based on the volume and dimensions of each item. However, the specific stacking arrangement of goods, such as which items can be stacked on top of others, is currently impossible to determine manually or at least takes a long time to get which, if any cannot ensure the accuracy and feasibility. Instead, the company relies on rough estimations from their manual long-term experience in container loading, which is highly subjective and time-consuming to verify.

1. It is impossible to accurately define the stacking relationship between different goods.
2. Manual results can only be verified on site. For example, if a customer’s cargo is palletized, the total weight of the goods stacked on top of each pallet and the pallet itself must not exceed the maximum stacking capacity of the bottom palletized cargo. When manually calculating container loading, if the cubic volumeis the only reference to determine which goods to place in the container, it is impossible to directly define the weight distribution between different pallets. It requires deliberate and multiple times of calculation to determine different allocation results for different scenarios. Even if a so-called pattern is obtained through repeated on-site verification in the early stages, considering the diverse range of products in the logistics industry, and the varying types and quantities of products for each container loading, it is impossible for the human brain to analyze and summarize a set of rules for each scenario and remember them. Even if this task is completed with great effort, can the effectiveness of the resulting solution be guaranteed? Can the the output benefits make up for manpower and time costs? These are all hard questions.

In conclusion, when relying entirely on manual power, the subjective and uncontrollable nature of human factors poses the greatest risk to the entire process.

However, now many solutions designed based on manual experience have reached a commendable level, to some extent meeting the requirements and ensuring a certain loading rate, fully validating the capability of the human brain.

However, the time costs of designing such solutions is also significant. If we could leverage some of the rapidly developing high-tech products of today’s era to greatly enhance efficiency while achieving highly optimized results, thereby minimizing the risks brought about by uncontrollable human factors, why not do it? Moreover, not all container loading personnel can reach such a level, and the logic and analysis made earlier are based on the assumption that human power has achieved an ideally high level.

As a leader in the field of intelligent cargo loading software, LoadMaster can effectively help you mitigate various drawbacks that may arise from manual operations, achieving predictable, manageable, and traceable order shipping processes. The standardization and transparency of the entire process can also enable you breathe easy now!

During the order placement phase, you can preliminarily assess the cargo loading based on customer orders using the software. If there is remaining space or only a small amount of cargo is left, you can communicate with the customer to adjust the order quantity, striving to fulfill the container to reduce transportation costs. After confirming the order, set the corresponding parameters and loading rules, calculate a 3D optimization solution that fully meets the loading requirements, and ensures a high loading rate. This plan can also directly tell you how to allocate cargo to different containers in a scientific way. Once the plan is confirmed, you can determine the trucking information and then share it with the on-site container loading department. With clear container loading guidance, the container loading task can be easily and accurately completed. Once the cargo is loaded, it can be shipped to the customer!

In this way, with the assistance of the software, the efficiency and accuracy of the entire process are greatly improved, while the labor and time costs are significantly reduced. In the long run, the competitiveness of the enterprise in the market will surely steadily improve, and the future development of the enterprise is promising!

In any era, those who follow the trend thrive, while those who resist it perish. For us living in the era of technology, perhaps leveraging the dividends brought by technological development is the key for us to stand firm in the tide of the times.

(http://loadmaster.biz)

Mr. Wang from a logistics company had a requirement while using intelligent load planning software,”If we know the total weight of each pallet and the goods on it, as well as the maximum total weight of other pallets stacked on top of this pallet if more pallets are stacked on it, when planning, can the system calculate how many more pallets can be stacked on this pallet and which pallets to stack? Not only should it consider volume and height, but also ensure that the total weight of the pallets stacked above each pallet does not exceed the limit of its maximum loadable weight.”

After confirming with Mr. Wang, we learned that he wanted to address how to stack packed pallets of goods reasonably to avoid cargo damage and achieve safe loading. Mr. Wang’s idea was to arrange the stacking relationship between different SKUs based on the weight of them and the maximum weights they can bear.

How to solve this problem? Can the cargo loading software meet the requirements well? Don’t worry, let’s first know about cargo damage in transportation.

Cargo damage refers to the damage, loss, or destruction of goods that occur during transportation, storage, or handling. When goods are transported in containers, trucks, trailers, and other containers, the risk of cargo damage exists. For many enterprises, especially those involved in cargo transportation, achieving cost reduction and efficiency improvement at every stage of cargo transportation is becoming an increasingly important goal.

Excluding relatively uncontrollable probability events, such as collisions between transportation containers and other vehicles, facilities, obstacles, vibrations and displacements of goods caused by poor road conditions, adverse weather conditions, inadequate packaging leading to moisture, wear, scratches, or breakage of goods, and cargo damage caused by operational errors during loading and unloading, whether the stacking of goods is reasonable during loading and unloading is a relatively controllable factor with room for improvement.

Reasonably arranging the stacking of goods can minimize cargo damage, ensuring that goods are transported more securely. The palletizing software in this process helps enterprises achieve reasonable stacking and safe loading of goods, reduce the occurrence of cargo damage as much as possible, avoid unnecessary cost expenditures, and achieve cost reduction.

Whether it is the automotive parts industry with high product value, large weight, and volume, or industries such as medical, home appliances and electronics, furniture, and machinery equipment, there is a great demand for safe loading in the transportation of products. After all, there is no buyer who wants to receive damaged products, and no seller who wants to damage their image in the buyer’s mind.

How does today’s palletizing software solve this problem? Taking LoadMaster container loading software as an example, when stacking different goods in containers (such as standard containers, trucks, trailers, etc.), there are two common scenarios:

1.Only bulk cargo is loaded into the container, and the loading/bearing capacity of bulk cargo varies due to its own nature and packaging materials, so it needs to be reasonably stacked.

In this scenario, the parameter “Stacking Orders” in the software can meet this requirement well. This parameter indicates the load-bearing capacity of the goods, which is a relative value. The larger the value, the stronger the load-bearing capacity, and the lower it is placed, and vice versa. Stacking Orders can be set according to different standards.

Most of our clients, such as BAIC Motor and FAW Group, often base on the gross weight of each SKU. For example, goods within 100kg belong to one Stacking Orders number, and goods within 100-200kg belong to another. The first is smaller than the second, so it is placed above.

Some clients also set it according to the density of the goods, such as DB Schenker logistics (serving Mercedes-Benz). Setting by packaging material is also feasible. For example, the carrying capacity of palletized cargo is stronger than that of bulk cargo in most cases, so a larger Stacking Orders number can be set to place it lower.
After setting Stacking Orders, the software knows how to define the stacking relationship between different goods, and provides an optimal load plan.

2.Mixed loading of palletized cargo or both palletized cargo and bulk cargo.
In this case, when stacking bulk cargo, the stacking relationship between them can be defined by the Stacking Orders parameter. How to determine the relationship between palletized cargo and that between palletized cargo and bulk cargo?

①If the loading capacity of palletized cargo is similar and stronger than bulk cargo, needing to place it lower.

At this time, select the “Medial loading rule-Pallet Bearing Capacity Calculate-Use unified bearing capacity” in the software. By default, the Stacking Orders value of palletized cargo is relatively large, 254, indicating strong load-bearing capacity, so will be placed lower.

②If multiple types of goods are mixed on 1 pallet and the bearing capacity of goods varies, and the carrying capacity of cargo on pallets also needs to be considered when stacking palletized cargo, select “Medial loading rule-Pallet Bearing Capacity Calculate-Depend on the bearing capacity of cargoes on pallet”. Then the Stacking Orders value of the palletized cargo is determined based on the smallest one of the goods loaded on the pallet, for example, the pallet A is loaded with heavy indoor units and light panels, then after the pallet is packed, the Stacking Orders number of the palletized cargo is taken as the that of the panel.

What are the different requirements for stacking goods in your industry or company during cargo transportation? Welcome to discuss! Let’s figure out how to effectively satisfy your requirements together!

In modern logistics and transportation, containers play a crucial role. The stability and safety of containers often rely on one of their components: corner fittings/castings. This article delves into the definition and function of container corner fittings/castings, the importance of reserving space for corner fittings/castings while using container loading optimization software, and provides a case study to illustrate the reasons. Let’s see!

1. What are container corner fittings/castings?

Simply put, container corner fittings/castings are components located at the internal top corners of shipping containers. Typically made of steel, and they are used to make the stacking of goods inside a 20GP/40GP/40HC more stable.

2. What are the functions of corner fittings/castings?

Container corner fittings/castings serve multiple purposes:

• They offer stacking points, enabling containers to be safely stacked, thus saving space.
• Through connection and fixation, they ensure the safe transportation of goods inside the container.

The standard dimensions of a container corner fitting/casting are usually recognized as 10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm. This standard size ensures compatibility with various types of containers and provides sufficient strength and stability.

3. Why is it important to reserve space for corner fittings/castings when using container loading optimization software?

As for those where users can reserve space for corner castings like LoadMaster container loading software, after setting it, then the software would avoid corner castings when calculating the 3d load plan, meaning that the space taken up by corner castings would be deducted to simulate the on-site loading scenario to the largest extent.

4. Case Study

LoadMaster once had a customer who did not set reserved corner fitting dimensions and failed to consider this when using the software. As a result, during actual loading, it was found that there was 7.8 centimeters of remaining vertical space in the container height direction, while the actual dimensions of the corner fittings were 10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm, resulting in insufficient space to fit as much cargo as planned.

In conclusion, container corner fittings/castings are essential components for the safe transportation of goods. Reserving space for them while using container loading optimization software is crucial to ensuring safe and efficient cargo loading. Only then can the software simulate the actual loading scenario to the largest extent to maximize utilizing container space, thereby achieving safe and economically beneficial cargo transportation.

In railway and maritime transportation, in addition to maximizing container (such as containers, trailers, and trucks) load rates to reduce the unit transportation cost of goods, it is also important to minimize cargo damage and reduce unnecessary cost expenditures. This places demands on the safe loading and transportation of goods.

According to feedback from clients of LoadMaster container loading software, railway bureaus, customs, and some international shipping organizations have strict rules for cargo center of gravity offsets to ensure the safe transportation of goods. Failure to comply with these rules may result in fines and requirements for reloading, leading to unnecessary expenses such as reloading fees, unloading fees, and may also affect the timely delivery of goods, thereby impacting customer satisfaction and hindering the long-term development of enterprises.

In general, when loading cargo, the center of gravity of the cargo can be kept basically consistent with the center of the container. Therefore, during transportation, the container will not be unbalanced.

However, when heavy and light cargoes are mixed to load in a container, it is essential to adjust the layout and maintain balance. This situation often occurs during consolidation shipments, and sometimes freight forwarders profit from adjusting the center of gravity.

To address this issue, it is only possible to adjust the distribution of weight through reasonable allocation of heavy and light cargo. It is necessary to know the positions of the container center and the cargo center of gravity before adjusting. However, the time and labor costs of on-site adjustments are high.

Neglecting the balance of the container can lead to many safety hazards. Some countries’ shipping companies may impose fines on the export party of unbalanced containers, known as container imbalance additional fees (EBS, CIC). So, how to achieve balance of the container?

Previously, the balance of the container could be achieved by relying entirely on the experience of the container loading master. Experienced loaders could evenly distribute cargo of different weights in the container based on intuition. However, new-hand loaders often find it difficult. Nowadays, finding an experienced container loader is not only difficult but also requires paying 2-3 times the salary of a new-hand loader. And it’s not manageable or scientific to totally rely on the guidance of these experienced loaders. What if one day they are unavailable due to illness or other reasons? Then it can cause significant trouble to the entire operation.

Nowadays, with the help of scientific algorithms in container loading optimization software, achieving balance of the container is possible. Specific requirements for different transportation institutions may vary:

1. According to experiments conducted by Japanese experts, when the container loading weight approaches the max, it is necessary to ensure that the center of gravity offset is within 10% of the center of container. This prevents cargo damage during crane lifting at the terminal. If the container loading weight is less than the limit, the center of gravity offset can slightly exceed 10%.

2. As for railway transportation, the Zhengzhou Railway Bureau has relatively strict rules. For general cargo, the weight difference between the front and rear cargo should not exceed 2 tons, and the weight difference between the left and right cargo should not exceed 500kg, with the longitudinal centerline as the boundary.

With the balance analysis function in container loading software, it is possible to determine the distribution of cargo center of gravity and whether it falls within the required range. If there is an offset, manual editing functions can be used for adjustments.

(http://loadmaster.biz)

(http://loadmaster.biz)