The National Private Truck Council (NPTC) has created a Fleet Optimization Center (FOC), exclusively for the use of its private-fleet members. The effort, in conjunction with C.H. Robinson Worldwide, is intended to help members maximize their asset utilization. Citing figures from its 2007 industry benchmarking survey, the council noted that private fleets are loaded, on average, 72 percent of the time. The FOC creates opportunities for private fleets to reload their equipment with backhaul freight. Those using the program will have access to a team of load specialists, provided by C.H. Robinson. They will analyze NPTC fleet members' backhaul programs and look for opportunities to fill trailers on their return journeys. According to NPTC, the program will aid in the industry's sustainability efforts, by reducing the number of empty trucks on the road along with unnecessary fuel use. C.H. Robinson claims access to some 25,000 shipments a day. It serves more than 29,000 customers from 218 offices in North America, Europe, Asia and South America.
http://www.nptc.org