Optrak project to support forestry industry collaboration nominated in Road Freight category of IFW Awards

Optrak Distribution Software Ltd today announced that it has been shortlisted for a prestigious industry award from the IFW.  Optrak’s vehicle routing implementation: ‘Optimised Haulage and Vehicle Route Planning for Forestry Transport Collaboration’ has been recognised in the Road Freight Project of the Year category.

Logistics in Forestry Transport (LIFT) is a unique collaboration in the South of Scotland timber industry that aims to pool and centralise the long term transport of supplies.  To support efficient transport planning for the resulting complex supply chain, it deployed a vehicle routing system from Optrak.

Gordon Dugan, Forestry Services Manager UPM Tilhill said, “We deployed a customised version of Optrak’s vehicle routing software to build optimised routes taking into account a highly complex set of variables over and above those normally present in the haulage industry.  The project demonstrated the potential to make a number of improvements for example to reduce empty running by 5% which translates into a significant fuel saving and environmental benefit.”

Documented KPIs include a 5% reduction in empty running, 10% transport cost savings for haulers and a reduction in emissions.  The pilot study also revealed significant potential to:

• reduce overall supply chain costs
• minimise the environmental impact associated with timber haulage
• improve utilisation of vehicles
• reduce vehicle queuing at saw- and pulp-mills
• enforce greater compliance with the Agreed Route Map (ARM) initiative
• increase tonnage per mile carried

Tim Pigden, Managing Director of Optrak stated, “Industry collaboration is an important strategic initiative as companies look to reduce costs, improve efficiency and minimise their impact on the environment.  This project demonstrated how vehicle routing software can support these vital goals.  We have pushed the boundaries in terms of the complexity of haulage transport planning and I am delighted that the results have been recognised with this nomination.”

The shortlist represents the best of the best in the freighting and logistics industry.  The organisers commented that despite the tough market conditions, they were heartened to receive a record number of entries for the 2010 IFW Awards. The freight transport sector still clearly values quality and excellence – and the role of the IFW Awards in recognising and rewarding companies that make the extra effort.