Reference no: EM133794003

Project Assignment: Optimizing LTL Shipments, Fleet Management Project Overview

Company - FCL Canada

As logistics and Transportation students, you are tasked with solving real-world challenges faced by a company in optimizing their Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipments, and fleet management. This project will require you to analyze the current processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop innovative solutions to improve the company's logistics operations.

Project Components
Trailer Load Optimization for Less Than Truckload (LTL) Shipments

Objective: Analyze the current manual process of trailer load building and propose methods to optimize trailer utilization. Consider product types, weight restrictions, and delivery sequences to ensure loads are optimized without exceeding weight limits and reducing the frequency of product handling.

Key Considerations:
The company handles a variety of products, including hardware, lumber, rebar (which cannot be stacked), and shingles (which are heavy and must be carefully placed to avoid damaging the axles).
All shipments are transported on flat deck trucks, which are open and have trailer capacities of 60,000 lbs for triple axel trailers and 90,000 lbs for super B-trains.
The current load-building process is manual, and loads are prebuilt before trailers arrive, with the goal of minimizing product handling for liability reasons.

Deliverable:
A detailed report proposing a new load-building strategy or process improvements. Include visual aids (e.g., diagrams, flowcharts) to illustrate your proposed solutions.

Fleet Makeup Analysis and Recommendations
Objective: Conduct an analysis to determine the most cost-effective and efficient fleet strategy for the company. Compare the options of purchasing additional flat deck trailers (including super B-trains) versus using common carriers.
Key Considerations:
Evaluate the costs and benefits of owning versus outsourcing transportation, including maintenance costs, flexibility, and potential issues with common carriers.

Consider the cost differences, including empty backhaul costs and the impact of discounted rates offered by common carriers due to reloads on return trips.
The company currently tracks fleet mileage and maintenance manually, with no software in place for this purpose.
Deliverable:
An operational analysis report comparing the options and making recommendations on fleet makeup. Include cost-benefit analyses, risk assessments, and any suggestions for improving tracking and maintenance processes.

Deliverable:
A detailed report (3500 words ±10%) outlining your proposed scheduling model. This report should include an analysis of the current scheduling process, data-backed recommendations for a new model, and a plan for implementation. Include any relevant data analysis, potential benefits, and a discussion of how your proposed model addresses Co-op preferences and logistical constraints.