Software helps choose the best vehicle for the job

SOFTWARE SPECIALIST Hellberg Transport Management has developed a software application that takes the guesswork out of choosing the right vehicle for the job. A recent practical application involved the four main rig configurations that are used for mediumand long-distance haulage of goods in South Africa. Through the software, the company was able to analyse light weight flatdeck trailer construction in order to maximise payloads and reduce the number of rigs, and hence the cost, required to do a particular job. According to Fritz Hellberg, the software analysed a series of inputs and variables to determine fuel efficiency comparisons and also measure the environmental impact of each rig over a five year period. This has significant impact on carbon footprint, a marker that is growing in significance in the international sphere from an environmental perspective. “It is clear that a ‘One size fits all’ approach does not work,” adds Hellberg, who feels his software demonstrates the pros and cons of each vehicle, allowing for shippers and owners to best match the needs of the business to the work required.