Demand for package delivery is continually growing more and more as consumers perform more of their shopping online rather than in stores. At the same time, the supply chain is moving increasingly toward what is called “just-in-time” delivery.
This is where logistics companies have much less room for error. Loading and Unloading in Logistics is the heart of any distribution centre, and optimizing this part of the supply chain is crucial to maximizing overall efficiency.
What Is Cargo?
First off, let’s define cargo.
Cargo is essentially any goods that are transported, generally for commercial gain, by ship, aircraft, train, or truck.
There are many types of cargo including:
- Containerized goods that are packed in large standard-sized containers
- Bulk cargo like grains and coal that are carried loose
- Breakbulk cargo (individual items)
- Roll on/roll-off (ro-ro) cargo refers to vehicles that are driven on and off a ship
- Project cargo (think massive, oddly shaped stuff)
- Hazardous materials
It’s estimated that 11 billion metric tons of goods are transported by ship alone each year.
It’s safe to say that in 2023 and beyond, cargo will be the lifeblood of commerce, enabling businesses around the world to get products into the hands of customers, wherever they may be.
What Is Cargo Loading And Unloading?
Cargo loading and unloading, often referred to as cargo handling, is essentially the process of getting your goods onto and off of vehicles. Without this crucial step in the logistics chain, cargo would not be able to reach its intended destination.
Sounds easy enough, but cargo handling isn’t just as simple as walking up to a transport truck, collecting a few boxes, and leaving. It’s a finely tuned process of logistics, safety procedures, and coordination.
Additionally, land cargo, sea cargo, and air cargo each present their unique challenges, requirements, and protocols.
- By land, you’re dealing with trucks or trains, ground handling service providers, and heavy equipment.
- By sea, you’re usually looking at massive freighters and communicating with seaport personnel to obtain proper permission to load and unload cargo.
- By air, it’s all about loading airlines using belt loaders or Unit Load Devices (ULDs) and liaising with airport cargo staff to ensure things progress smoothly.
Procedures of Cargo Loading And Unloading in Logistics
When we get into the finer details of cargo loading and unloading, it can get a little complex. That being said, the whole warehouse receiving process typically includes four main components:
Preparing and dispatching your inventory: Before shipping inventory to a warehouse, you need to plan quantities, the stowage factor, and specific packaging requirements with the shipper. To help with the load planning process, you can use a tool like SeaRates.
Receiving and unloading stock: The next step involves receiving the shipment at a loading dock and unloading the cargo to be transported to a warehouse (known as drayage). Large or voluminous cargo might require heavy equipment like forklifts and pallet jacks for unloading.
Verifying inventory: As cargo is unloaded, staff should check the contents of each delivery. This includes verifying quantity, labeling, product codes, and cargo condition to match the warehouse receiving order (WRO).
Storing and documenting inventory: After unloading and inspecting, inventory must be organized and stored at a warehouse (also known as devanning).
Cargo Loading and Unloading in Logistics Challenges
Managing cargo handling is an intricate, potentially high-risk operation that demands specialized knowledge and significant resources.
Let’s talk about some of the challenges a growing business might face when planning to take on the logistics of cargo alone.
Health and safety risks
Loading and unloading cargo comes with inherent health and safety risks. Falling cargo is a common hazard that can lead to serious injuries. Improper use of heavy machinery, such as forklifts, cranes, and hoists, can also result in accidents.
Even seemingly little things like dim lighting can lead to slips, trips, and falls.
On top of all that, cargo handlers must be mindful of sharp edges, hot surfaces, and hazardous materials or residues.
Expenses
Cost is a significant challenge in cargo handling. We’re talking about expenses such as:
- Investing in machinery like forklifts and pallet jacks
- Leasing or buying warehouse space
- Hiring and training staff
- Maintaining all the equipment
- Plus, there are ongoing operational costs, including utilities and insurance. It’s not a small line item on your budget — it’s a hefty expense that can impact your profit margins.
Shared warehouse space
If you’re a smaller company, you might not have the luxury of dedicated warehouse space. Instead, you might need to share a warehouse with other businesses.
While shared spaces can save you money, they also introduce potential complications. You could face inventory mix-ups and disputes over space and resources.
Hazardous material handling
While not all businesses will have to deal with hazardous materials, those that do face even greater challenges.
Shipping hazardous materials demands stringent handling protocols, specialized equipment, and extra safety measures. Mismanagement can lead to dangerous situations and potentially hefty fines or legal action.
Low-skilled labour
Labour is another major aspect of the cargo-loading process. While some tasks may require skilled labour, many cargo handling roles are filled by low-skilled or unskilled workers.
This can create challenges around reliability and efficiency and lead to a higher risk of errors and accidents.
Best Practices of Cargo Loading and Unloading in Logistics
While there are plenty of challenges in the world of cargo handling, there are also established best practices that can help you navigate this tricky territory.
Be prepared
Being over-prepared is never a bad thing when it comes to cargo handling. To handle a high volume of cargo, you will need the right equipment, sufficient space, and enough personnel.
If not, your cargo could be left in limbo with nowhere to go due to a lack of resources. This is both costly and extremely inefficient.
Ensure good lighting
Good lighting in your cargo handling areas is crucial. It enhances safety by improving visibility and also increases efficiency, as workers can better see what they’re doing.
A few different types of lighting you should consider investing in include:
Loading Dock Lighting: These are great for illuminating trailers or shipping containers from front to back, enhancing safety and efficiency during the unloading and loading procedures.
LED High Bay Lights: Designed for high-ceiling areas, these provide strong illumination at a wide angle — perfect for open warehouse space.
Linear High Bay Lights: Equipped with rows of LEDs, these lights are designed for even light distribution over more narrow areas, making them perfect for aisles.
Cleanliness is key
Maintaining cleanliness and order in your cargo handling areas isn’t just about aesthetics. A clean and well-organized workspace can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
It can also improve efficiency by making it easier to locate and access goods. However, maintaining cleanliness requires resources, including cleaning staff and equipment.
Vehicle and machinery maintenance
Frequent and thorough maintenance of vehicles and machinery is essential. Regular checks and servicing can prevent breakdowns and prolong the lifespan of your equipment.
This can save you money in the long run and also prevent downtime caused by malfunctioning equipment.
Proper employee training
Without proper training, employees may not know how to handle different types of cargo. This can result in damage to the cargo, injury to the employees, or even accidents that can harm others.
By providing comprehensive training that covers everything from proper lifting techniques to the use of equipment, you’ll ensure your employees are well-equipped to handle any cargo they may encounter.
Consider outsourcing cargo loading
Outsourcing cargo loading to a specialized warehousing service or a third-party logistics (3PL) provider can have significant advantages such as:
- Enhanced efficiency
- Improved accuracy
- Reduced costs
- Greater flexibility and scalability
FAQ: Loading And Unloading In Logistics
What are safe practices in loading and unloading cargo operations?
Ensure that the loading area has good lighting at all times. The loading area should also be away from both vehicles and pedestrians. Ensure that the loading area is firm, flat, clean, and free from potholes and other obstructions that may cause slips or trips.
What is the meaning of loading and unloading of goods?
Loading and unloading means the services of loading or unloading cargo between any point or place of rest on a terminal or wharf, and trucks, railcars, or any other type of land transportation and barges. It is extremely crucial to any supply chain and can make a big impact if done incorrectly.
What is the purpose of the unloading process in e-commerce operations?
The unloading process consists of the movement of the received goods from the container (trailer, rail car, or other delivery method) to the dock floor for proper checking. These goods can arrive on the floor of the container or pallets. How they arrive helps determine what receiving method is deployed.
Conclusion
Embracing the complexities of e-commerce cargo handling is an evolving journey – but with effective warehouse management, skilled professionals, and safety-first attitudes, businesses can ensure smooth operations and happy customers.
For e-commerce companies struggling with order fulfilment and cargo loading, specialized logistics services like Qodenext can help. They offer complete solutions for warehousing, inventory management, order processing, and shipping.
