Framework for Drop Trailer Method (DTM) of Haulage Industry in Malaysia

Abstract

This study focuses on trailers’ utilization turn-around and fleets deployment of haulage industry in Malaysia. The study proposes a framework for Drop Trailer Method (DTM) which is suitable at present competitive business and suggest for specific mechanism in maximizing of fleets capacity. The ratio of 1:7 for prime movers and trailers was suggested which suitable for movement planning and better scheduling. It reflects with a complete system that requires in monitoring on the deployment of the machineries especially on the timing of DTM. Haulage industry involved with huge capital investment which therefore an appropriate planning and optimizing the trailers are significant. This is an exploratory study where the interviews were carried out among the 12 nominated haulage companies and its customers and at the end a qualitative research was adopted. Through the implementation on the proposed framework of DTM, the operational in haulage industry will be more effective and better impacts on trailers’ performance. The results indicated that the effectiveness of DTM is based on coordination and utilization of trailers. The DTM framework is suggested to be used in the measurement on the performance of trailers’ turn-around of haulage industry in future.