Method and load input device for optimizing log truck productivity

• US 20080097812A1
• Filed: 03/20/2007
• Published: 04/24/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Forest Logistics, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Forest Logistics, Inc.
• Inventors: Davis, Richard W.
• Granted Patent: US 7,949,612 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/7.12
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/047 Optimisation of routes or paths, e.g. travelling salesman problem
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0631 Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/083 Shipping
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0835 Relationships between shipper or supplier and carriers

Abstract

A method of optimizing log truck productivity utilizing technology allowing the entry of log truck orders from the field. The present invention generally seeks to improve productivity by (1) minimizing the distances log trucks drive with empty loads and (2) improving coordination between groups of log truck drivers and groups of log loaders to allow for more efficient cross-servicing between the parties. Using the load input device, a loader operator in the field enters a “load ticket” that specifies a mill destination, a desired pickup time for the truck to arrive at the logging site and a desired trailer configuration type. This order is transmitted to a server where it is a received into a centralized application or server. A computer running optimization software can match the load with available trucks or trucks about to become available.

Claims

1. A method for optimizing hauling productivity for a plurality of log trucks picking up a plurality of log loads from a plurality of log loaders, comprising the steps of:

a. providing a log load input device to at least one of said plurality of log loaders, said log load input device including

i. a data input means for inputting load data about one of said plurality of log loads;

ii. a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting said load data to a server;

b. entering said load data into said log load input device; and

c. transmitting said load data from said log load input device to said server.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of compiling said load data with load data transmitted to said server by other log loaders.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

a. providing a load request input device to one of said plurality of log trucks, said load request input device including

i. a data input means for inputting status data regarding said log truck'"'"'s availability to transport a load;

ii. a transmission means for transmitting said status data to said server along with data describing said log truck'"'"'s identity and location.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of:

a. entering said status data into said load request input device; and

b. transmitting said status data along with said data describing said log truck'"'"'s identity and location to said server.

5. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of:

a. providing a load request input device to one of said plurality of log trucks, said load request input device including

i. a data input means for inputting status data regarding said log truck'"'"'s availability to transport a load;

ii. a transmission means for transmitting said status data to said server along with data describing said log truck'"'"'s identity and location.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps of:

a. entering said status data into said load request input device; and

b. transmitting said status data along with said data describing said log truck'"'"'s identity and location to said server.

7. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of compiling said status data and said data describing said log truck'"'"'s identity and location with status data transmitted to said server by other log trucks.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of compiling said status data and said data describing said log truck'"'"'s identity and location with status data transmitted to said server by other log trucks.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of:

optimizing the transport of said plurality of loads by determining a best available log truck from a group of available log trucks to carry one of said plurality of loads;

wherein said group of available log trucks include log trucks which have transmitted status data to said server; and

wherein said best available log truck is determined by utilizing said load data transmitted by said plurality of log loaders together with said status data and data describing the identity and location of each of said group of available log trucks to reduce empty load travel distances for said group of available log trucks.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of:

optimizing the transport of said plurality of loads by determining a best available log truck from a group of available log trucks to carry one of said plurality of loads;

wherein said group of available log trucks include log trucks which have transmitted status data to said server; and

wherein said best available log truck is determined by utilizing said load data transmitted by said plurality of log loaders together with said status data and data describing the identity and location of each of said group of available log trucks to reduce empty load travel distances for said group of available log trucks.

11. The method of claim 1, said load input device further including:

a. a means for receiving load pick-up data transmitted from said server, said load pick-up data describing pick-up arrangements for said one of said plurality of loads; and

b. a display screen configured to display said pick-up data or descriptions thereof.

12. The method of claim 5, said load request input device further including:

a. a means for receiving load pick-up data transmitted from said server, said load pick-up data describing pick-up arrangements for said one of said plurality of loads; and

b. a display screen configured to display said load pick-up data or descriptions thereof.

13. The method of claim 1, said load data including:

a. a time when said one of said plurality of loads is available for pickup; and

b. a destination where said one of said plurality of loads is to be delivered.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein said load input device is further configured to transmit data regarding the geographic location of said one of said plurality of loads.

15. The method of claim 13, said load data further including a desired trailer configuration for hauling said one of said plurality of loads.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein said load pick-up data includes an identification of the log truck dispatched from said server to pick up said one of said plurality of loads.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein said load pick up data includes:

a. a pick-up location for picking up said one of said plurality of loads;

b. a time for picking up said one of said plurality of loads; and

c. a destination for which said one of said plurality of loads is to be hauled.

18. A load input device for entering and transmitting data about a load of logs to be hauled by a log truck comprising:

a. a log load data input means configured for inputting load data about said load of logs, said load data including a time for picking up said load of logs and a mill destination for which said load of logs is to be hauled;

b. a transmission means for transmitting said load data to a server along with location data describing the location of said load of logs, said server configured to receive load data from a plurality of log loaders;

c. a receiving means for receiving identification data transmitted from said server, said identification data identifying said log truck; and

d. a display screen for displaying said identification data or descriptions thereof.