Transport Operations Planning

Question1
The success of a transport service is very dependent on the relationships that one establishes, particularly in the freight and tourism environment. A good market plan is a dynamic tool that needs to be revised regularly and it usually contains ten basic steps:
• Company Objectives
o An articulation of the objectives that the company wishes to achieve
To maximise profit, satisfy customer needs (e.g. time effective service, excellent care of goods etc.)
• Macro-economic Analysis
o Analysis of the current situation in the market (Macro)

• Market Segmentation
o A categorisation or segmentation of the market to sharpen focus
Use of the Gautrain for transport for inter-city commuters, due to the congestion of the public roads.
• Client Traits
o An understanding of the potential clients that would make use of the services of the company
When transporting soft fruits, specific needs of the customer needs to be addressed, e.g. transportation during the evening when the temperatures are lower.
• Competencies
o A critical examination of own competences and a inventory list of those to be acquired
When transporting fuel, you need well trained drivers to operate bulk fuel carriers.
• Market Plans
o Formulation of an operations-focused market plan
A specific marketing plan to transport pilgrims on their annual pilgrimage to Mecca, via chartered flights.
• Operations
o A detailed operations plan to deliver the service
The establishment of an operational centre to coordinate loads of a carrier, e.g. Rubica Transport.
• Tracking progress
o A mechanism to track progress both quantitatively and qualitatively against the plan
Use of a computer-based program that tracks both profit and customer satisfaction.
• Implementation
o An implementation schedule
After receiving a schedule of cargo arrivals at the airport, schedule time effective loading and transport of goods to clients.
• Review
o A review process and the mechanism to take corrective...