Logistics Sub-Sector Land Transportation

Unit 5.1: Vehicle Planning & Scheduling 
 
Unit Objectives 
At the end of this unit, one will be able to:
1.
Discuss the scope of vehicle planning & scheduling. 
5.1.1 Scope / Scheduling Pick Up
 
Scope 
This chapter deals with all the activities of an associate relating to scheduling the pickup of a 
consignment by a transporter by coordinating with various transport companies and customers. 
A stand by plan for an alternate vehicle is made in case of any emergencies. What would be the 
mandatory documents for handling perishable goods and the inspection process of the vehicle? How 
are changes in the vehicle, pick up plan, or schedule communicated to customers?
An associate needs to coordinate with the truck driver to ensure compliance to schedule and recording 
of the location of the consignment in the ERP for tracking/compliance. Lastly, an associate needs to 
appraise his executive and customers in case of any issues relating to documentation, accidents, GPS 
Failures etc. 
Scheduling a Pickup 
An associate has to coordinate with all his customers and various transport companies to ensure that 
no sooner a load is made available by any customer, a right vehicle is arranged from a transport 
company at the right time and scheduled for picking up the load. Here, the main objective is to ensure 
minimizing the waiting time of both the load as well as the vehicle. The key skill here would be 
communication & more importantly listening to all transporters and customers to ensure that both of 
them feel satisfied with the consignment getting picked up on the said date and time. 
5.1.2. Monitoring & Updating Status
–
Procedure to be 
Followed 
•
In the case of perishable goods, check for regulatory compliance of the vehicle in terms of 
hygiene, the functionality of the refrigerated vehicle, etc. 
•
Counter check if the consignments are loaded/unloaded against the Lorry Receipt (LR) details 
in the ERP and in case of discrepancy, interact with customer and transporter to receive 
clarification. 
•
Update the transporter on any changes in route or consignment paperwork.
•
Track the movement of vehicles through GPS.

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