Piloting a tri-axle tanker into an urban forecourt to offload fuel will always be an exacting task where the potential for loss of life, property and money is ever-present. Unitrans, a leading petrochemical road tanker fleet, is setting new efficiency benchmarks by adopting communications technologies and tanker equipment that mitigate risk and optimise last-mile fuel delivery operations.
According to Edwin Hewitt, Unitrans CEO: “Unitrans has invested in safe and cost-effective solutions to ensure fuel is delivered promptly and efficiently to the correct destination under optimal conditions – all while adhering rigorously to stringent regulations and legislation.
“The company leverages state-of-the-art technology to address the numerous challenges faced during last-mile deliveries to forecourts. These include vehicles navigating tight spaces with complex cargo, inaccurate tank measurements, product contamination, skill deficiencies and ongoing labour-intensive manual procedures.”
Unitrans operates over 1 000 tankers, facilitating the transportation of more than 4 billion litres of fuel annually.
Saving time and money through innovation
“In fuel supply chains, there is no room for error,” says Martin Loubser, executive for Specialised Bulk at Unitrans. “As such, Unitrans has implemented Bartec, an electric control and metering system designed for fuel tankers, to enhance efficiency and minimise errors.”
The Bartec system features electronic barriers that prevent overloading and incorrect discharge into forecourt tanks. “The system also optimises flow and load rates, leading to quicker turn-around times for vehicles and lower costs,” adds Loubser.
Additionally, Unitrans has implemented a multi-hose loading system for efficient loading and discharge of products. At gantries, two hoses are used to simultaneously load diesel and petrol into compartments in a single tanker, improving loading times from 90 minutes to only 30 minutes. At the forecourt, the introduction of three discharge pipes has significantly reduced offloading time from 120 minutes to 45 minutes.
New ‘sign-on glass’ technologies have been introduced into the Unitrans bulk fuel operations, significantly improving communication and efficiency. “These are simple, easy-to-use technologies that replace the paperwork associated with Proof of Delivery (POD) processes,” explains Loubser.
SMS notifications generated by the system provide real-time updates on loading progress and departure and arrival times, while also capturing delivery confirmations and recipient signatures. Immediate electronic transmission after delivery expedites customer invoicing, effectively streamlining the order-to-cash cycle and reducing it by up to two days.
“Enhancing customer satisfaction and boosting margins for transporters in a challenging fuel economy demands a sustained commitment to innovation and efficiency. Our company is pro-actively utilising mechanical and electronic technologies, both in our vehicles and at the forecourt, to achieve these ends. By collaborating closely with key partners, we are improving last-mile logistics through streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery,” concludes Loubser.
