Dwell time, also known as turnaround time, refers to the amount of time a truck spends at a loading or unloading facility. In the context of freight transportation, reducing dwell time can have several benefits. It can improve the efficiency and productivity of the supply chain, reduce the cost of transportation, and improve the utilisation of the fleet. In this article, we will explore 15 ways to reduce freight transport dwell time.

1. Optimise The Loading and Unloading Process

One of the main ways to reduce dwell time is to optimise the loading and unloading process. This can be achieved by ensuring that the loading and unloading area is well organized and that the necessary equipment and personnel are available. For example, using conveyor belts or forklifts can speed up the loading and unloading process, as can having a dedicated team for handling the cargo.

2. Use Just-In-Time Delivery

Just-in-time (JIT) delivery is a logistics strategy that involves delivering goods to the customer as they are needed, rather than holding them in inventory. This can help to reduce dwell time, as it minimizes the need for storage and handling, and ensures that the trucks are only at the loading or unloading facility for the minimum amount of time required.

3. Implement an Appointment System: An appointment system can help to reduce dwell time by allowing the shipper or carrier to schedule loading or unloading times in advance. This can help to ensure that the necessary equipment and personnel are available when the truck arrives, and minimize the time spent waiting at the facility.

4. Use Real-Time Communication

 Real-time communication can help to reduce dwell time by allowing the shipper or carrier to stay informed about the status of the truck and its cargo. This can help to optimize the loading and unloading process and minimize any delays.

5. Improve The Layout of Warehouse Facility: The layout of the loading and unloading facility can have a significant impact on dwell time. By improving the layout, such as by separating inbound and outbound traffic, or by creating dedicated lanes for loading and unloading, it may be possible to reduce dwell time.

6. Implement an Appointment System: One way to reduce dwell time is to implement an appointment system for loading and unloading cargo. This can help to reduce congestion at the terminal and ensure that there is a smooth flow of traffic, which can help to speed up the process.

7. Track and Optimize Cargo Movements Through Automation

Technology can be used to track the movement of cargo and identify bottlenecks in the supply chain. This information can be used to optimize the flow of cargo through the terminal and reduce dwell time.

8. Improve Communication Between Stakeholders

Clear communication between stakeholders such as carriers, shippers, and terminal operators can help to ensure that cargo is ready to be loaded or unloaded as soon as it arrives at the terminal. This can help to reduce dwell time.

9. Invest in Infrastructure

Investment in infrastructure such as better roads and rail networks can help to reduce dwell time by improving the efficiency of cargo movement. This can be particularly important for ports that are located in areas with poor transportation infrastructure.

10. Streamline Customs Processes

Long customs processes can contribute to dwell time. Implementing a streamlined customs process can help to reduce dwell time by speeding up the clearance of cargo.

11. Use Intermodal Transportation Intermodal transportation involves the use of multiple modes of transport such as ships, trucks, and trains to move cargo. This can help to reduce dwell time by allowing cargo to be moved more quickly between different modes of transport.

12. Adopt Just-In-Time Inventory Management

Just-in-time inventory management involves only ordering and receiving goods as they are needed, rather than maintaining a large inventory. This can help to reduce dwell time by ensuring that cargo is only held in storage for as long as is necessary.

13. Use Real-Time Tracking Real-time tracking allows stakeholders to track the movement of cargo in real-time, which can help to identify bottlenecks and delays in the supply chain. This information can be used to optimize the flow of cargo and reduce dwell time.

14. Collaborate with Partners

Collaboration with partners such as carriers, shippers, and terminal operators can help to identify and address bottlenecks in the supply chain, leading to reduced dwell time.

15. Implement A Continuous Improvement Process

Continuous improvement involves regularly reviewing and optimizing processes to identify and eliminate waste and inefficiencies. This can help to reduce dwell time by ensuring that processes are as efficient as possible.

Summary

In conclusion, there are several strategies that can be implemented to reduce freight transport dwell time. These include optimizing the route and schedule, using advanced transportation management systems, implementing just-in-time delivery methods, improving communication and coordination with partners and stakeholders, and investing in more efficient and modern transportation equipment. By taking a comprehensive and proactive approach to reducing dwell time, companies can improve the efficiency of their supply chain, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.