FEATURE Materials Handling
Automating the loading process for better HGV driver experience
Automation within the warehouse will futureproof a business against continuing staff shortages and create a safer, more- efficient and more-enjoyable working environment, explains Wouter Satijn, Sales Director or Joloda Hydraroll
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lobally, logistics companies continue to wrestle with a chronic shortage of HGV drivers. The crisis remains
complex and there’s no doubt the road to recovery will be a long one. But there is a road to recovery. Take the UK, for example, where recent statistics have been a cause for cautious optimism. The Department for Transport has revealed a record number of HGV driving tests are now underway, and the latest Offi ce for National Statistics Labour Force survey shows the number of HGV drivers in employment has not fallen as signifi cantly as in recent quarters. A long-term solution to the shortage doesn’t end with attracting new HGV drivers – the industry needs to be able to retain a skilled workforce, too. For this, the day-to-day experience of HGV drivers must continue to improve.
Prioritising drivers The UK Warehousing Association found that warehouses in Britain are paying up to 30% more to recruit workers. However, improving pay is just one part of successful staff recruitment and retention – job satisfaction and safety are also important. Still, the role of HGV drivers remains fraught with ineffi ciencies, which can have a big impact on morale. A Talent in
28 October 2022 | Automation
Logistics survey revealed less than a third of HGV drivers feel valued, despite the harsh and potentially dangerous working conditions, long hours and even night shifts.
Lorry driving and working in logistics, in general, are very physical, and drivers are under pressure to deliver goods to their destination within the allotted travel time. Yet, on arrival at the loading bay HGV drivers often have to wait for hours. When it is their turn, it takes a long time for warehouse operatives using a forklift to load and unload the trailer – it can take up to 45 minutes to load a full trailer. This working experience has to improve, which can only be achieved by using automated solutions to speed up the loading and unloading processes; an automated loading system can complete the loading procedure in under fi ve minutes. Automating this part of the logistics process also minimises the risk of accidents and product damage, making it far safer for all involved.
Automation in action In a typical business case, a warehouse or factory might produce 928 pallets per day, shuttling 32 pallets each time across a 27km/16-mile journey. To do so requires 12 HGV drivers and three forklift drivers. By automating the loading process,
thereby speeding up the turnaround time of each trailer, a company would stand to save 12,350 hours of HGV driver waiting time in just one year – that’s a reduction of 85%. This would go a long way in addressing the uncertainty and stress associated with meeting strict delivery deadlines.
During times of staff shortage, automating the loading process also alleviates the strain on HGV drivers, by eff ectively halving the number of shifts required. The need for forklifts is removed from the process entirely, reducing the site’s overall number of forklift-driven kilometres per year by 2,642km. It all amounts to a safer and more-effi cient loading environment, which has a profound impact on the day-to-day working experience. And, for the business, it means a more streamlined and cost- effi cient operation, better use of available space and reduced damage to equipment. To build and retain a skilled workforce, logistics companies must continue to innovate and improve the HGV driver experience, hence automating the loading process is an essential step.
CONTACT:
Joloda Hydraroll
www.joloda.com
automationmagazine.co.uk
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