How Can You Improve Your Operations, While Keeping Drivers Safe?

Published 25 January '24

At a glance

  • Uncover the hurdles faced by drivers in the transportation sector, from tight schedules to compliance issues, and understand their impact on safety and efficiency.
  • Explore the role of weighing scales in mitigating challenges – accurate measurements, compliance assurance, and load optimisation contribute to improved safety and operational efficiency.
  • Learn how technology, embodied by modern weighing scales, enhances driver safety through real-time monitoring, data analytics, and automated reporting, fostering a culture of responsibility within the transportation industry.

 

Logistics companies around the world strive for operational efficiency, for it acts as a linchpin for a sustainable business model. Operational efficiency enables logistics and transport businesses to streamline operations, move products from A to B quickly, minimise downtime, and earn improved profit margins. While vying for operational efficiency, businesses have to heed aspects like driver safety equally.

Every transport and logistics company has to balance improving their operations while ensuring they are keeping their drivers safe. Safety management is so important, especially during transport and ensuring that your vehicle is safe is the first step in keeping your staff safe.

A common reason for an accident involving a road or rail vehicle when carrying equipment or cargo is overloading or having unbalanced loads. This is the most common reason because some businesses see overloading or not balancing their loads as a way to save time and improve operations by getting more cargo from point A to B. However, overloading vehicles causes more harm than good.

The best solution for businesses is to use weighbridges. Operators and drivers can rely on the accurate weighing features of Trakblaze weighing scales. The accuracy in weighing data ensures your drivers are not overloading the vehicle.

In this blog post, we will delve into common challenges drivers face in logistics operations and how businesses can improve their operational efficiency while keeping their drivers safe. We will shed light on how businesses can employ weighing scales to ensure driver safety and operational efficiency in their jobs.

Challenges Faced by the Drivers

 

Transporting bulk or heavy products from one place to another is a challenging job, and drivers are at the forefront of this operation. Businesses rely on drivers and operators to finish the job effectively, ensuring a better income value. Transporting heavy goods by rail or road presents severe challenges to drivers.

Some common obstacles drivers face in their day-to-day job description are;

  • Working long hours
  • Adverse weather conditions
  • Fluctuating customer demands
  • Rising transportation costs
  • Varying road conditions
  • Tight delivery schedules

These challenges have a significant impact on operational efficiency. Sometimes, to avoid common difficulties in transport and meet delivery schedules, businesses fall into malpractices like overloading.

It is important to keep your drivers safe, while also ensuring operations run smoothly. Credit: Unsplash

Impact of Overloading

 

Overloading vehicles or not balancing your load can cause accidents or derailments, which leads to damaged vehicles or damaged rail infrastructure while also putting your driver at risk of severe injury. Not only this, but overloading will actually cost you more in the long run as accidents cause huge infrastructure damage that requires fixing, and if you are caught overloading, you can get slapped with some pretty hefty fines.

The only way to avoid overloading and the best way to prevent any hazard to your drivers and your vehicles is by weighing your vehicles before they hit the road or rail line. Not only is weighing them essential, but correctly weighing them is of the utmost importance.

Role of Weighing Scales in Logistics

 

Today, industry-specific weighing scales are available. From axle scales to portable weigh pads, each scale serves specific purposes, contributing to a comprehensive and effective weighing solution.

The integration of weighing scales into operational processes brings forth a multitude of benefits. These include improved compliance with weight regulations, enhanced load balancing for vehicles, and streamlined logistics, ultimately leading to efficiency in transportation operations.

By strategically integrating industry-specific weighing scales, businesses can equally mitigate safety risks for drivers. These scales provide accurate and real-time weight measurements, ensuring even load distribution across the vehicle and compliance with load regulations. When your vehicles are evenly loaded, it minimises the risks associated with the overloading of vehicles.

The enjoy the various benefits of weighing scales in transport, it is essential to purchase the best and most accurate weighbridge on the market. So, where can you buy the best weighbridges for your business? You should head to Trakblaze.

Trakblaze for all Your Weighbridge Solutions

 

With over 90 years of experience in the business, we offer both static and in-motion weighing systems for all areas, including rail and road. Our rail and truck scales include advanced features that mean you will get a precise measurement every time you weigh your vehicle’s load. Our weighbridges offer real-time monitoring, data analytics, and automated reporting mechanisms that empower both drivers and fleet managers to make informed decisions promptly, promoting a safer working environment.

This means your vehicles will never be overloaded, reducing the chance of an accident that could cause damage and injury. So, how does this also improve your operations?

Having a precise weighbridge will reduce the chance of human error, so your vehicle will never be overloaded; this means you will be spending less money on vehicle maintenance and repair from overloading, plus you won’t risk a fine that could also put some strain on cash flow.

At the same time, your logistics will be optimised with the most efficient amount of cargo on your vehicle at all times. You will be using your fleet to the maximum ability while not compromising the safety of drivers.

If your fleet comprises mainly trucks, you should be purchasing the FORCE™ 1 truck axle weighbridge scale. This scale is designed to address the need for high-accuracy weighing within the transport industry, which is why it is perfect for allowing your fleet to be measured quickly and accurately before hitting the road. Or our portable truck scale (TRUCKMATE) weigh pads if you are looking for a portable system

If you’re after a scale for the rail industry, then look no further than the MTW™ (Mobile Train Weigher). The MTW™ is one of the world’s most convenient potable, transportable,     safe and accurate train weighing and balancing solutions. It is adaptable for any track, any location, and worldwide.

An amazing truck or rail scale is always a good investment that can optimise your business operations and benefit your business, all while keeping your staff and fleet safe. To search for the perfect product for you, head to Trakblaze to check out their huge range of high-quality scales and weighbridges.

 

In conclusion, navigating the challenges in the transportation industry requires a strategic approach that prioritises both driver safety and operational efficiency. Weighing scales emerge as a crucial tool in this endeavour, offering accurate measurements, compliance assurance, and load optimisation.

By integrating modern weighing scales from Trakblaze into operational processes and embracing technology, the transportation sector can foster a culture of safety, adhere to regulatory standards, and pave the way for a more efficient and secure future.