Selection & Loading Procedures

Combined with the receiving and "put-away" aspects of TDW^©, the most effective and efficient method of order selection & truck loading Turner Consulting, Inc. utilizes is called Pallet Loading (also known as Pick & Load).

The type of Pallet Loading taught by Turner Consulting, Inc. combines the following factors:

1. Sizing the pallets  to be selected and loaded by truck size - using product and total pallet cube

2. Instructing selectors in loading what we call, "foodservice pallet"

   1. During the initial step, selectors are taught to load pallets using a front 1/2 and back 1/2 cubing factor

   2. The second step is to instruct the selectors in quadrant loading of the pallet

3. Observing pallet positions when loading a truck

4. Tagging each completed pallet for proper truck loading

5. Utilize pick sheets or pick labels

6. Can be double-checked

During the teaching of the TDW^© version of pallet picking, a Procedure Manual will be written for future use by the client.

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Pick and Load^©

The objective of any order selection and truck loading system should be to provide the customer with error-free, damage-free and on-schedule service.  It should also provide an effective and efficient procedure for your company.

Under TDW^©, the most effective and efficient system for the small and medium size distributor is an employee, on a pallet jack, who is responsible for the accuracy/productivity of the orders selected.

System Advantages:

1. Reduces double-handling of product

2. Reduces dock space needed for truck loading

3. Load switching is no longer a problem

4. Reduces the need to check the pick

5. Promotes truck loading by cube, which maximizes truck utilization

6. Error and productivity rate of each selector can be monitored

7. Standards can be established

8. Individual performance is stressed and recognized

9. Builds personal pride in work performance (the "Top Gun" effect is encouraged)

10. Promotes driver feedback

11. Flexibility and mobility allow supervisors a choice of problem solving options

12. Gives supervisors exact control over the work force

13. Enables supervisors to predict trends and staffing levels

System Requirements:

1. Capital investment is needed in equipment, pallets, dock plates, stretch wrap and training time

2. Personnel and supervisory training is intensive - some personnel and/or supervisors may not make the grade

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Warehouse Design & Racking Layout

Our theory of warehouse design is to work from the inside out.  By determining the type of forklift our client wants to employ, we determine the width of the aisles. The rack layout is determined by the selection system, the truck loading system and the receiving system used.  The product mix determines the type and number of racks and the nightly output determines the number of doors needed.  Cooler and freezer placement are determined by the method of order selection and the product flow to the loading docks.  Once we have all these variables, we build a building around the results.

Design Includes:

1. Warehouse planning & design

2. Operations and logistics planning & design

3. Freezer and cooler placement & layout

4. Equipment evaluation and recommendations

5. Builder consultations

Layout of Existing Buildings

1. Retro-fit racking layouts to maximize existing space and increase the effectiveness of product flow.

2. Tie layout to warehouse procedures and slotting systems

3. Equipment recommendations and assistance in purchasing

4. Project supervision

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Driver and Delivery Programs

This portion involves three areas:

1.  Analyze the productivity of and develop operating procedures for:

1. Routing

2. Customer delivery

3. Handling CODs and cash collection

4. Truck Check-in and product returns

5. Backhaul

6. Delivery productivity and incentives

7. Handling and set-up of pup deliveries to resident drivers

8. Driver ride-alongs

9. Cost per mile and route profitability development

2.  Assist in Written Programs for:

1. Pre-employment tests for drivers

2. Drug testing policy for drivers

3. Accident and traffic violation policies

4. Driver and truck check-in

3.  Develop Procedures for:

1. Set up individual driver files as required by DOT

2. Review compliance of Log Book practices

3. Road test certification

4. Driver Supervisor Job Descriptions

5. Handling repairs

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