What are some of the key challenges a heavy haulage company experiences during a project?
Undoubtedly, the Logistics Sector is the most integral part of any industry’s supply chain. Regardless of the industry, heavy haulage companies connect organizations with their customers, whether it’s healthcare, hospitality, or manufacturing. The industry, however, is facing tremendous change in the current period – driven by technological advances, changing consumer expectations, and stringent regulations.
Although the haulage industry has made great strides forward due to advances in vehicle safety technology, heavy haulage companies still face many formidable challenges, including efficiency/economic, and safety concerns. Some of the key challenges a heavy haulage company experiences during the completion of a project are:
Meeting client expectations:
The evolution of client expectations is one of the key challenges of a heavy haulage company, trucking company, or other transport-related operation. In today’s world, it has become a norm to surf the internet, to own a smartphone, and to expect near-instant gratification as a result. Similarly, we evaluate every company we deal with, and our clients do the same for us.
In today’s fast-moving environment, many heavy haulers struggle to meet client expectations regarding the achievable output of their business. The expectation for logistic firms to perform has never been greater than it is now with the advent of AI, electric self-driving trucks, and even greater technologies on the horizon.
Driver fatigue and tight schedules:
The driver shortage has mounted pressure on myriad experienced drivers to complete their schedules and deliver goods. Individual drivers may experience stress due to tight deadlines or a high number of deliveries, often affecting their breaks and rest time. Unlike a driver shortage, heavy haulers have much more direct control over this, beginning with enforcing designated rest times.
Cutting transportation costs:
Transportation constitutes a major part of the heavy haulage industry’s expenses, making this the biggest challenge. However, rising fuel prices can make this even more difficult. Companies that operate heavy haulage must redistribute their business among fewer carriers and negotiate lower rates. However, the risk of overdependence on a few carriers as a result of this cannot be ignored or undermined.
Providing better customer service:
Customers’ expectations have changed, both in terms of delivery times and service quality, due to today’s dynamic markets as well as longer and more complex supply chains. Customers also expect their heavy haulage to help them solve problems and grow in today’s competitive environment.
It is, therefore, crucial for heavy haulage companies to hire people with the right skills and attitude. Additionally, they must enhance and standardize customer experience across all geographies, channels, and touchpoints, including in-person interactions, phone calls, online chats, emails, and social media.
Enhancing supply chain visibility:
To guarantee accurate, on-time deliveries, heavy haulage in Australia needs full visibility into all aspects of the supply chain. It is essential to track shipments by ensuring that they follow the prescribed route and schedule and activate notifications and alerts in the event of disruptions. A web portal should allow customers to track shipments and receive shipping notifications, such as ETAs and shipping notifications.
Despite these challenges, heavy haulage in Australia, like ODLS, has been able to meet rising customer expectations while generating profits and growth. They are committed to providing their clients with the highest quality services to meet their specialized needs. In addition, they provide a stimulating and safe working environment for their employees and ensure that they all have equal opportunities in the workplace.