DSV Road is using new load scanning equipment at its Purfleet hub to help ensure trailers are loaded to maximum capacity.
The prototype scanning and weighing equipment, which DSV designed together with logistics equipment manufacturer Qubiqa, is able to measure the exact dimensions and weight of all shipments, ensuring DSV can more accurately plan every trailer load.
It said that research had shown that some eight per cent of weights and 15 per cent of volumes were inaccurately declared, often unintentionally, by consignors.
Director Denise Clarke said: “By ensuring trailers are loaded to maximum capacity, we have been able to reduce the number of journeys our trucks need to make – reducing fuel consumption as well as improving our environmental performance.”
The project uses specially-designed overhead scanning equipment to calculate the dimensions of loads while consignment weight data is generated by forklifts.
The equipment also scans shipment barcodes and automatically uploads the product data into DSV’s transport management system.
The aim is to scan all consignments going through the Purfleet warehouse. DSV hopes to roll out the scanning equipment across all branches.
