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What logistics firms need is common sense
Page 28
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WITY IS IT that the words or'solutions' on a delivery docket invariably means that the day's busy schedule is likely to suffer the kiss of death?
Why is it that these large organisations, an ever-bigger part of our industry,seem so damned inefficient, drowning in a sea of health and safety rules that the simple task of unloading a vehicle on time is beyond them?
I can think of several delivery destinations that are good examples of this, but there's one in the Midlands that stands out in my mind. Not only does the site's operator, a large firm, find itself incapable of unloading delivery vehicles within a reasonable timeframe; it adds to the problem by imposing such a rigorous health and safety regime.
To unload their trucks visiting drivers are required to first circle the depot, crossing three sleeping policemen of Everest proportions. At the bay the driver is required to drop the trailer and proceed to the parking area. In the meantime a red airline safety Lock is attached to the trailer which is eventually unloaded.
To even enter the depot in the first place drivers are required to wear steel-toe-capped footwear. All this is enforced within the yard area by the shunters, although some would suggest that this is like the blind leading the blind at times.
Perhaps if logistics companies employed people with industry experience rather than head-inthe-clouds graduates, they might find a more practical way through all this mess.
Name and address withheld By e-mail