Prism Logistics: Ensuring Safe & Efficient Transportation

“As India's logistics sector continues its meteoric rise, collaboration amongst trailer operators, manufacturers, and the government will be indispensable for ensuring secure and efficient movement of goods.
Sanjay Sarode, President- Sales, Operations, Project Management, Prism Logistics

What are the critical considerations while transporting heavy cargo on trailers in difficult terrains, and along long distances?

Transporting cargo on trailers poses several challenges and requires critical considerations. These include ensuring proper load distribution to maintain stability and safety, securing cargo effectively to prevent shifting, adhering to weight regulations and axle load limits for road safety and legal compliance, conducting regular trailer maintenance checks to ensure optimal functionality, meticulous route planning considering factors like road conditions and terrain, having trained drivers experienced in handling trailers, adherence to safe speed limits, continuous load balance monitoring, proper documentation, effective communication, and emergency preparedness.

Additionally, being prepared for adverse weather conditions and equipping trailers with safety features such as reflective markings, warning signs enhances visibility and safety during operations. Emergency preparedness includes having emergency kits, tools, and the knowledge to respond to breakdowns or accidents. Addressing these aspects is essential for safe and efficient trailer transportation.

Since most of the OEMs are international entities, how do they respond to incidents of trailer downtime?

Given that most OEMs in the trailer industry are international entities, their response to incidents of trailer downtime is typically swift and comprehensive. The OEMs offer a range of services that include timely maintenance and repair to minimize downtime, swift supply of genuine spare parts to expedite repairs, and expert technical support to efficiently resolve issues. These responses aim to ensure that trailers are back in optimal working condition, minimizing disruptions to logistics and supply chain operations, ultimately contributing to the reliability of trailer transportation.

What are the areas of concern while acquiring heavy haul trailers?

Acquiring heavy haul trailers entails several crucial considerations, including payload capacity to ensure the trailer can handle the intended cargo weight while distributing it optimally; selecting the appropriate trailer type based on cargo dimensions; choosing the right axle configurations for stability and compliance with regulations; ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines, assessing the overall cost of ownership, and considering the availability of specialized trailers for unique cargo types. These factors collectively determine the suitability of heavy haul trailers for specific transportation needs, aligning them with regulations, budget constraints, and cargo requirements.

What demand do you envisage for trailers in the growing Logistics market of India?

The demand for trailers in India's burgeoning logistics market is poised for substantial growth. Several factors are driving this surge in demand, including the rapid expansion of e-commerce, increased manufacturing activities, and the ongoing development of the country's infrastructure.

As supply chains become more intricate and diverse, trailers, with their versatility in accommodating varying cargo sizes and types, are set to play a pivotal role in meeting the evolving logistics needs of the nation. The growing logistics sector, coupled with increasing intermodal transportation, is expected to propel the demand for trailers, making them an indispensable component of India's logistics ecosystem.

What support is required from the government in terms of policies and infrastructure for smooth ODC transportation?

For the smooth transportation of Over-Dimensional Cargo (ODC), government support should encompass robust infrastructure investment capable of handling heavy and oversized cargo, streamlined and expedited permitting processes to reduce bureaucratic obstacles, implementation of stringent yet practical safety regulations specific to ODC transportation, coordination with law enforcement agencies to ensure safe transport through challenging routes, and funding for research and innovation in the ODC transportation sector to enhance safety and efficiency. These measures are vital for facilitating the secure and efficient movement of oversized cargo, benefitting both the logistics industry and the nation's economic growth.

What initiatives is the company taking to reduce its carbon emission?

In our commitment to sustainability, we have initiated several measures: we are exploring adoption of fuel-efficient technologies, including use of vehicles with improved fuel efficiency and implementation of aerodynamic features to reduce fuel consumption.

We are investing in route optimization software to minimize mileage and reduce emissions. We are exploring alternative fuels like electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles and investing in an eco-friendlier vehicle fleet.

Furthermore, we're implementing eco-friendly practices within our logistics operations, including minimizing idling time, using energy-efficient equipment, and enhancing our supply chain to reduce unnecessary transportation.

Please share a recent case study highlighting the challenges while executing the project.

In a remarkable achievement, we recently completed India's largest multimodal project of HRRL Refinery within a year. The project, initiated on 1st August 2022, involved the transportation of 34 over-dimensional cargoes with a total weight of 12,500 MT, equivalent to approximately 72,500 FRT. To accomplish this monumental task, we deployed a fleet of 3 self-propelled 10,000 DWT barges and 3 dump barges of 5,000 DWT, along with 1,042 axles and 44 pullers. The complexity of the project demanded meticulous planning, unwavering determination, and exceptional teamwork.

The journey commenced with loading the cargo from L&T Hazira, Phils Manglore, and Godrej Dahej plant onto the barges. The cargoes were then transported by sea to Mundra. Subsequently, the project continued with road transportation, which involved crossing 33 rivers, canals, tolls, and railway overbridges. To navigate them, we built 33 bypasses and constructed two steel bridges on the Narmada and Kutch canals – all of which highlighted our engineering prowess.

One of the most significant aspects of this achievement was the rigorous process of obtaining permissions from various government agencies, including for tower and electrical line shutdowns, approvals from MoRTH, Gujarat and Rajasthan states, land acquisition, police, and Narmada canal authority. The level of coordination and collaboration required was immense and involved 500+ individuals.