Logistical and Transportation Planning Methods

Introduction

The private sector has been doing this for years. Government agencies have now begun to realize the value of evaluating the total cost of procuring goods which may include transportation costs, carrying costs, or disposal costs. Today’s negotiations now involve consideration of these costs. Public procurement professionals are often unaware of the opportunities to improve the terms and reduce the expenses associated with the delivery of contracted products. This course focuses on the benefits of contracting product transport services independent of the product itself, through understanding the nature of logistics contracting, processes the responsibilities and legal aspects, and the competitive market environment of transportation carriers.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Describe the elements of transportation and logistics and the potential opportunities for cost savings
• Define freight and logistics terms and conditions with internal and external clients and vendors.
• Analyze the requirements for a project and determine which transportation and logistics processes provide the best solutions for the agency
• Identify the key points that need to be in each transportation contract
• Design and develop a cost-effective logistics and transportation program

Training Methodology

This is an interactive course. There will be open question and answer sessions, regular group exercises and activities, videos, case studies, and presentations on best practice. Participants will have the opportunity to share with the facilitator and other participants on what works well and not so well for them, as well as work on issues from their own organizations. The online course is conducted online using MS-Teams/ClickMeeting.

Who Should Attend?

• Those new to managing freight transport fleets
• Those non-transport people who need to gain an awareness of the issues and key drivers of road freight transport operations
• Transport and Distribution Supervisors/Managers who need a “confirmation” of their current operations
• Those companies who buy in freight transport need to understand the key drivers of transport operations
• Inland & Air  Transport Supervisors & Managers

Course Outline

Module I: Managing the Logistics and Transport Environment

Topics That Will Be Covered Include:

• Internal structures and processes
• External factors
• Stakeholder interests
• Marketing and commercial needs
• Legal issues
• Environmental issues

Key Learning Points:

Different Organisational Structures

• Aims and objectives of organizational structures
• Influences on structure
• Problems arising from unsuitable or poor structures
• Types of structures – tall, flat, centralized, decentralized
• The span of control and chain of command
• Internal relationships – line, functional, staff, lateral
• Main structural forms – functional, geographical, divisional, project, matrix

Planning, Controlling, and Decision-Making

• Role and function of planning
• Types of planning processes – operational/tactical/strategic
• Planning and control cycle
• Information needs for planning
• Decision-making process
• Decision models

Goals and Objectives

• Role and functions of goals
• Role and functions of corporate and functional objectives

Stakeholders

• Internal and external stakeholders
• Meeting stakeholders’ needs and expectations
• Managing stakeholder conflicts

Internal and External Communications

• Decisions about internal and external communications

Internal and External Environmental Influences

• Types of communication

Information Systems and Technology

• Role and function of management information systems
• Types of data and systems

Marketing Policy and Planning

• Features of the external environment
• Requirements for gaining and maintaining competitive advantage

Analytical Models

• PEST, SWOT, 5 Forces

Marketing Needs

• Elements of market research
• “4 P’s” model

Ethical Issues

• Principles of social responsibility for organizations
• Codes of practice
• Individual responsibility

Legal Framework

• National and international sources of law
• Types of law

Principles of Business Law

• Requirements for setting up different types of organizations
• Key legal documents and processes
• Bankruptcy and liquidation processes
• Main elements of law relating to contracts, agency and
• Employment

Module II: Fleet Management Operations

Topics That Will Be Covered Include:

• Legal requirements for operators, vehicles, and drivers
• Vehicle utilization
• Customer service
• Routing and scheduling systems
• Loading and load security
• Vehicle loading equipment
• Vehicle maintenance and administrative systems
• Insurance for legal liabilities relating to people, vehicles, property, the public
• Accident prevention
• Vehicle specification and selection
• Vehicle acquisition and financing requirements
• Maintenance cost and budgeting
• Site safety and security
• Stores and fuel purchase, monitoring, and control
• Environmental aspects of operations
• Staff training

Key Learning Points

Regulation and Control of Fleet Operations

• Main areas of legislation relating to licensing and standards for operators, vehicles, and drivers

Enforcement and Penalties

• Government departments and functions responsible for legal enforcement
• Traffic laws
• Public safety
• Infringements, penalties, and enforcement processes

Vehicle Utilization

• Fleet profile
• Matching demand and supply

Service Provision

• Journey planning
• Characteristics of different demands and markets

Cargoes and Load Factors

• Carrying capacity for different types of cargoes/passenger needs
• Optimizing vehicle space and vehicle choice

Load Safety

• Safety requirements for goods/passengers
• Passenger and freight restraint systems

On-Board Equipment

• Choice of loading equipment, safe use, and maintenance

In-House or External Maintenance

• Features of alternative methods of maintenance and repair services

Legal Requirements for Maintenance

• Maintenance standards and systems
• Reporting and recording procedures

Maintenance Budget

• Maintenance cost elements and cost control
• Components of the maintenance budget

Fleet Purchasing

• Methods of vehicle acquisition and funding
• Purchasing procedures for fleet store
• Fuel purchasing

Fuel and Stores Control

• Safe and secure storage and issue procedures

Insurance

• Compulsory insurance
• Insurance requirements for vehicles, premises, and staff
• Insurance procedures following accidents

Accident Prevention and Safety

• Safe driving practices
• Staff training