At APM Terminals Moin, a newly established reefer inspection express lane enables trucks to swiftly pass through a meticulously optimized inspection process for empty reefers destined for farm deliveries in just four minutes.
This enhanced procedure has nearly eradicated waiting times, eliminated reworks, and significantly reduced transportation costs.
“With hundreds of employees trained in Lean principles such as process mapping, standardization and Kaizen (Continuous Improvement) it was only a matter of time before the 40-minute inspection time for reefers exiting the terminal came under scrutiny by Ricardo Alexis Alvarado Ruiz, supervisor at APM Terminals Moin,” said APM Terminals.
Ricardo Alexis Alvarado Ruiz, driven by his passion for Formula One where every second is crucial, was determined to cut down the 40-minute waiting time for each reefer inspection.
By removing ‘wasted time’ from the process and implementing a drive-in drive-out express inspection lane, congestion at the terminal has been reduced considerably, according to the statement.
The newly located express lane allows trucks to drive in forwards, with no sharp turns that have the potential to hinder other traffic, while reducing unnecessary truck manoevres has saved both time and improved safety.
“Currently processing up to around 120 transactions per week, feedback from external truck drivers has only been positive, citing the reduced waiting times and the fact that they no longer have to carry out difficult manoeuvres in limited space,” noted APM Terminals.