Without question, the pandemic has impacted on most industries and many functions and supply chains globally are no exception. One of the after effects of closed borders in Australia is a mass labour shortage of drivers. Alongside the driver shortage is an increase in freight demand. Nationwide, the transport and logistics sector employs over 570,000 people and there is a projected annual increase of 4.6 per cent, which equates to more than 600,000 required by 2026.
With these factors in mind, how can you continue to operate your business effectively and efficiently? While there’s no magic wand to quickly resolves these issues, there are steps that can be taken by business owners facing supply chain challenges.
One key ingredient to safeguarding your operation is a quality Transport Management System (TMS).
First up, let’s take a look at the very real issues at hand, then we’ll dive into how integrating transport and logistics software can support your business.
The issues creating the driver shortage in Australia
While the pandemic certainly created a storm for supply chains, there are other reasons contributing to the driver shortage.
Issue 1: Skills shortage
It is vital that heavy goods vehicle drivers are appropriately trained to ensure the safety of drivers and everyone they share the roads with. There is currently a skills shortage and the government are exploring avenues for programs to address this issue, particularly with the increase in freight demand.
Issue 2: Ageing workforce
Less than 15 per cent of heavy goods vehicle drivers are under the age of 30, with 48 being the average age for commercial truck drivers. The retirement rate of truck drivers is higher than the currently ability to attract new recruits.
Issue 3: Career perception
Unfortunately, there are still outdated perceptions of truck driving as a long-term career option, with a Volvo group survey revealing 88 percent saying there was a negative image of the nation’s trucking industry. Contributing perceptions included the long working shifts and belief that the working conditions were unsafe, plus the personal sacrifices required to do the job.
Issue 4: Licenses and associated costs
Another barrier for some younger drivers wanting to enter the industry are the costs of insurance and the process of getting their appropriate licenses across various license classes.
A Quality Transport Management System Can Support Your Supply Chain
While the government navigates the realities of driver shortages and the impacts on the Australian economy, there are steps that you can take to ensure you are not wasting any of your existing resources. By maximising every vehicle in your fleet and current employee within your team, alongside an integrated quality logistics software system, you can put your operation in the strongest position possible.
Empower Your Drivers
Driver safety, productivity and connectivity can all be addressed and supported with a cloud based ERP approach, such as Infocomm’s industry designed product.
Features such as visual scheduling and route optimisation enable the best drive times and delivery sequences to be determined. Driver time is saved, with on the road real time updates provided so they are at all times being guided for the most efficient routes.
Optimised manifest and freight planning also ensures that time is saved by deliveries being coordinated efficiently so each vehicle load is maximised.
Other benefits for drivers and your business to integrating Infocomm’s TMS system include:
- Increased efficiencies with scanning and mobile technology
- Manual processes reduced or removed
- Decrease in human errors
- Real-time information at the touch of a screen
Consider upgrading your transport systems
Be aware that not all transport software is created equal. Off the shelf logistics software often takes a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach and may not be addressing the unique features and functions of your operation. These software options may also include a range of features that you don’t need, so you’re not maximising on your spend. If this rings true for you, perhaps now is the time to consider upgrading your transport systems.
Infocomm’s transport management software system is customised for each operation it supports and purpose built for the transportation and logistics industry. Your existing systems can be integrated to work alongside it, or you can also integrate their other packages seamlessly so all of your logistics management is available on one platform. These products include:
Transform and support your logistics
Get in touch with the team at Infocomm to discuss your logistics software and transport software requirements and we can show you how your business can be transformed, with dramatic cost savings and increased operation efficiencies by integrating our industry leading and easy to use technology.