Lessons in Logistics
AD points at a pile of cartons beside our porta-palace. "Caldrail, those parcels need to go by Slick Parcels today"
Righto. Out with the signing book, fill in the details (do they really need all this information?), write up the labels and stick them on the parcels - except this one because that the other order, so carefully peel off the label and reapply it to the correct box... now it won't stick.... get the tape, and the labelling is done. Now to phone Slick Parcels and get this lot out the door. Tap in the number... The phone is ringing...
This is Slick parcels. how can we help you?
Oh hi. I got some parcels I'd like to send.
Certainly Sir. Are you sending pallets or loose boxes?
Loose boxes.
Just let me enter that on my computer sir... won't be a moment.... And how many boxes are you sending?
Three.
And which carriage would you like?
Huh?
We do Economy, Next Day, 24 Hour, Saturday, Timed Delivery, and...
Ok ok, just send them economy.
Certainly Sir... (tap tap tap).... And how large are the boxes?
Well, box sized. You know, sort of so big. You can lift them.
Yes Sir, but I have to enter this on a comnputer.
I've written the dimensions on your signing book, isn't that enough?
No sir, I have to enter the details on my computer
Ok. They're about half a meter cubed.
Thank you sir.... (tap tap tap)... And how heavy are these boxes?
I haven't the slightest idea. I can lift them no problem.
I have to enter the details on my computer Sir
Ok, fine, they're about 10kg each I think.
Thank you sir.... (tap tap tap)... And when would you like us to collect these boxes?
Well.. now would be nice, otherwise this phone call is going to put me out of business.
Yes sir, but we do need to book the collection on our computer...
Ok ok, as soon as possible then.
Thank you sir.... (tap tap tap)... And where would you like us to collect these boxes?
The Warehouse, third on the left, the industrial estate off the road near that big roundabout.
Thank you sir.... (tap tap tap)... And what is the reference number?
What? We haven't got a reference number!!!! Couldn't you just turn up and take them away? All this stuff s already written on the signing book..
Yes sir, but we do need to enter the details on our computer...very well, I'll enter a reference number for you... Won't take a moment... (tap tap tap)... And where are the parcels being sent to Sir?
Weesellitt UK.
Ahh.. Now you need to book a delivery with that company Sir.
Pardon?
You need to book a delivery time Sir. They don't take parcels as and when. You can do that on the internet Sir, I'll give you the address...
Hang on a minute. All I want you to do is come and pick up a few parcels and send them to Weesellit. is that too much to ask?
You need to book a delivery time Sir. I have to enter it on my computer.
But we haven't got an internet connection. Can't you deal with it?
No Sir. You need to book a delivery time Sir. I have to enter it on my computer.
Tell you what. Cancel the collection. I'll send it by another carrier.
Certainly Sir. Could you state the reason you don't want our services? I have to enter it on my computer....
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