Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “wait at docks to load or unload”

Here is the best way to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

45 min
typically, every day
25%
of the time can be automated
A small project
to set up

Fix 1 of 1

Software feature

Let carriers book dock times online

Dock scheduling software lets carriers book their own slot. You stop taking calls and emails, trucks wait less, and the floor knows what is coming.

Typically saves about 50% of the time2 h to set up
  1. 1Trial a dock scheduling tool (Opendock, C3 Reservations, DataDocks or your WMS module).
  2. 2Set doors, opening hours and slot lengths by load type.
  3. 3Send carriers and suppliers the booking link.
  4. 4Show the day's bookings on a screen at the dock.

Tools: Opendock · C3 Reservations · DataDocks · Your WMS (Manhattan, Blue Yonder, NetSuite WMS, Fishbowl, ShipHero or similar)

Quick wins

Have you tried…

Do carriers book their own dock times online?
Dock booking tools let carriers pick a free slot themselves. Fewer calls for you, and less waiting at the dock for drivers.

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

Delivery driver

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

Take the free check Scan my team, $49

Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

Other common tasks for Delivery drivers