Let your driver sleep, not your truck!
Nov 24, 2024
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8 min reads
Read this article in TRANSTOPICS MAGAZINE.
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There are various factors that contribute to low truck utilization in India compared to countries with higher logistics performance index. Some key contributors are:
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Low prevalence of tractor-trailer operation (also known as Drop & hook trucking).
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High detention of trucks for unloading/ loading.
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RTO checks / road conditions leading to delays in route.
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Shortage of truck drivers.
These challenges leave the fleet operators with lower usage of trucks in spite of optimizing all the variables in their control. This calls for innovative approach to increase truck utilization taking into consideration the above-mentioned issues which can’t be addressed overnight and must be addressed gradually.
Trulot, a startup recognized and funded by Startup India and recognized by IOCL Green Resolve 2023 has launched its proprietary Captain-Pilot Model TM (CPM) to help fleet operators increase their long-haul truck operation by 25%. Unlike conventional single driver and double driver per truck model, this model helps schedule additional drivers so that the truck can keep moving, while the driver can sleep and rest enroute. This is not a relay model where the ownership of the vehicle changes hand from one driver to other, leading to concerns on vehicle maintenance, driver identity on freight papers etc. Captain-Pilot Model TM ensures that the truck utilization increase is not at the cost of driver’s rest, compromise on goods handling, or increasing the risk of fatigue led accidents. Trulot’s Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) enables smooth driver scheduling and engagement without dependence on effort heavy call-based driver tracking, human errors, biases, compensation calculation errors etc.
Indian truck drivers get their variable pay in form of diesel savings. Hence, it is logically expected that they will not allow any other driver influence this savings they generate by any means. Still, these drivers are accepting driving assistance once they understand the fact that their diesel based variable pay is only increasing with higher utilization of the truck. Trulot’s driver communication support helps the drivers realize this quickly that the driving assistance provided is only going to boost their income. Any trust deficit in the initial phase can also be supported by pre-integrated internet of things (IoT) aftermarket solution like diesel sensors, artificial intelligence cameras etc to ensure that there is objective data to address any potential problems instead of depending on subjective viewpoints.
Customers who have adopted this model have gained on various fronts:
Beside above gains there are other gains across various UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) for each player in trucking value chain to benefit from. Specifically:
Reduced traffic deaths due to reduced fatigue & well rested drivers.
Rural youth get opportunity for decent work and credits in bank account enabling credit worthiness.
Improved logistics performance index helping India improve its global ranking.
Higher productivity per truck leads to lower emissions (scope 1, 3) from truck transportation.
Various trucks types and operating models stand to gain by adopting this model.
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For express trucks operating with double driver there is still room to optimize the driver utilization by ensuring that 2 drivers don’t end up wasting time at loading-unloading, maintenance, detention point etc. This unproductive window adds to about 10-12 days in a month for average truck in India. Smart scheduling of drivers can be the basis for reducing the involvement of 2 drivers when the vehicle is not on the highway.
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Similarly, refrigerated cargo carried in reefer trucks have additional layer of cost in terms of AC cost that also gets optimized when run time reduces.
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Attached trucks that are not owned by the fleet operator but gets compensated on usage basis will also benefit by plugging the model increasing the diesel linked savings for drivers, usage-based earning for the owner.
Trulot is designed with a mindset to collaborate with existing players in the trucking ecosystem, be it fleet operators, truck owner, drivers, shippers and increase the overall efficiency, instead of any intention to create any competition as done by some of the startups. Logistics service providers and fleet operators with broader vision of the business have started taking advantage of the model. They stand to gain in this competitive market when they gain on multiple fronts like deliver shipper’s freight 25% faster, reduce their per km fixed annual costs (e.g. EMI, Insurance, national permit, taxes, etc.) and gain larger driver base to stabilise their operation against any disruption. Let this Diwali be the time to lay the foundation for a more productive paradigm in collaboration with the startups like Trulot which can make this a truly “Prosperous and Happy Diwali!”. Reach nilesh@trulot.in , 9313367375 for any comments.
