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January 31, 2022

Dock-Scheduling Challenges: Top 3 Challenges + Solutions

If you're a business owner, then you know that things don't always go as planned. The same can be said for dock scheduling- it can often present numerous challenges, but with the right solutions in place, you can make it work like a well-oiled machine. Here are the top three challenges faced by dock schedulers, along with some tips on how to overcome them.


Why Is Dock-Scheduling Important?

Dock-scheduling is the scheduling of loading and unloading activities. It is essential as it reduces the operational costs incurred by 3PL warehouses. Efficient usage of the workforce can also be made if the dock is scheduled well in advance. A good dock schedule will reduce the dock's high logistics cost. The importance of a proper dock-scheduling is well experienced when a 3PL warehouse faces the following challenges in operations:


Challenges of Dock-Scheduling

1. Operational Inefficiency

The operations in a warehouse depend on the warehouse's size: the more the processes, the more issues in tracking the carrier appointments. The most common method of keeping track of the dock is writing on a whiteboard, maintaining a Microsoft Excel sheet, or using Google sheets services. These methods are suitable for tracking the activities. 


The problem arises in case of an increase in operations. Not all the staff are given access to view carrier appointments. So they have to wait for the concerned authority to guide them. A carrier or truck can handle only a specified quantity load. Sometimes, the staff may secure more ports unaware of the booked docks, making loading challenges. Overloading trucks may cause accidents.  


 2. Labor And Operational Cost

 A warehouse can function properly only if its labor force is strong. When the dock bookings are more than their capacity, the labor force is burdened as they are the people who have to unload and load the material. High pressure on them will create frustration, and they will demand high payments.


 Inefficiency in dock scheduling will increase labor costs, finally increasing the dock costs. The placing of incoming stock also will be an issue due to the shortage of space in the warehouse if the incoming and outgoing material is not planned correctly. When the material is not unloaded in time, the carriers will demand more money as they are answerable to their owners for the delay in service. Delay in the unloading of material will increase the cost to the owners of the carriers or trucks and thereby increase the dock costs. 


3. Traffic Fines

Sometimes, the carriers are not unloaded due to a shortage of space and are parked outside the warehouse. In most cases, many carrier or truck drivers are found waiting outside the warehouse premises for at least 3-4 hours to unload their trucks. This action attracts traffic fines as they block other vehicles' movement. 


Tips For Dock-Scheduling

All the problems created by inefficient dock-scheduling can be handled by following the tips mentioned below:

1. Check the space availability in the warehouse before booking a dock. When space is not available, there is no use in securing the port, as unloading the material is impossible.  

2. Ensure to make a daily schedule and guide the staff accordingly. This will ensure the staff work efficiently.

3. The telephonic conversation between the warehouse-in-charge and the carrier driver in advance will give some time to make arrangements like space in the warehouse, labor to unload the material, etc. So the moment the carrier arrives at the warehouse premises, the unloading process takes place without much wastage of time.


Conclusion

 Dock scheduling is a challenging, yet necessary component of any company's operation. This article has discussed three challenges that dock schedulers typically face and provided tips on how to overcome them so you can have an easier time with your current or future scheduling efforts. If you're looking for help managing your warehousing operations, contact us today! We'll be happy to provide more information about our all-in-one 3PL management solution that can help take the pain out of this process for you.


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