Having trucks backed up in a yard waiting to be loaded or unloaded is an expense most companies can’t afford. A yard management system can create a more efficient supply chain and make a yard into a valuable asset rather than just a storage ground. Management can range from simple systems that help with yard scheduling and appointments to more advanced platforms incorporating real-time, asset-tracking technologies. To become shippers that carriers want to work with, eliminating yard inefficiencies is essential.
Yard management to fill in supply chain gaps
Some of the gaps in the supply chain consist of long trailer wait times, poorly synchronized movement of goods, unproductive personnel, and ineffective dock planning. More companies are starting to look at metrics such as dwell time, average wait time, detention time and other factors that impact their total logistics costs. Ultimately, carriers want to work with shippers who can turn around their vehicles the fastest and treat drivers well while they’re on site.
Improve processes
Implementing software and automation technology can help to improve processes involving the locating, handling, and moving of assets like trailers and containers. Such solutions can factor in employee constraints, activity demand, equipment and the facility itself. They often focus around creating better scheduling of appointments, dock slotting and other capabilities that enable shipper and carriers to collaborate more efficiently. Driver check-in processes and the movement of vehicles in the yard can become more fluid and everyone can be up to date on exactly what is happening in real time.
Efficient yard management reduces costs
Detention and demurrage expenses, idle rentals and idle dock labor can be very costly. A first step when streamlining a yard is to look at the potential return on investment in terms of cost savings, eliminating of waste and reducing redundancies. For instance, yard spotting professionals can make sure the flow of inbound and outbound freight is efficient and reduce financial costs. Trailer spotting can eliminate the issue of waiting as a trailer can be loaded at the convenience of the shipper which also saves costs.
Gain more visibility
Poor visibility is so prevalent in the yard that it is often called the “black hole” of the supply chain. Companies will often invest in systems to manage what takes place within the four walls of the warehouse but neglect to manage the staging area where goods are shipped and received. Managing a yard properly increases the visibility of processes in the yard, gate operations, and what happens at the dock-door. Companies always know exactly how many assets are empty and where they are located.
Contact us
EGA Logistics is a multimodal transportation and third-party logistics provider that offers yard management as one of its many services. The company provides a consistent level of service and considers the long-term relationships it builds with clients the most rewarding aspect of the job. To request a quote or get more information about services that include freight brokerage, material handling and warehousing services, call (888) 496-1102.
