Partial Load Network ELVIS Celebrates Its Tenth Anniversary

The partial load system of the European Freight Alliance International Forwarders AG (ELVIS) is celebrating its tenth anniversary. The idea of systematizing the transport of partial loads to make it more economical was first discussed in the ELVIS supervisory board in August 2009. Two months later, during a partner meeting, it was decided to take the plunge. It is now clear: The partial load network not only works, it is a complete success and is now the largest of its kind in Europe.

(Alzenau) “In light of several failed attempts by other market participants, there were initially many reservations in the industry against a partial load system. A lot of convincing work had to be done,” recalls ELVIS board member Jochen Eschborn. “But the effort was worth it. Today, the concept is an integral part of the business model of almost all affiliated forwarders and carriers.”

A success that can also be seen in the numbers: Launched in May 2011 with the participation of 27 partners, 5,512 shipments were processed in the first month, occupying a total of 27,074 loading spaces. Today, the network counts 130 partners who serve the hub in Knüllwald during the night shift. Together, they handle an average of more than 16,000 shipments with over 90,000 loading spaces within a month. “We could not have dreamed of such numbers ten years ago,” summarizes Eschborn.

Damage Rate at 0.09 Percent

The partial load system also meets all expectations in terms of quality. For example, the damage rate currently stands at just 0.09 percent. This can be attributed, among other things, to the loading and unloading system. Unlike what was previously known from conventional cargo systems, the ELVIS hub is not equipped with ramps. Instead, trucks drive completely into the halls, which now measure a total of 20,000 square meters, where they are unloaded and then reloaded laterally by forklift.

For this purpose, ELVIS, together with vehicle manufacturer Krone, developed a trailer in 2011 that nearly doubles the loading capacities per train with 60 pallet spaces. “Especially with flat-packed pallets, the truck transports half air. We did not want to leave this potential untapped any longer,” explains Eschborn. The trailer is also equipped with an extended tarpaulin guide, allowing the vehicle to open over its entire length without the gathered tarpaulin covering part of the opening. This way, the handling can be carried out faster and more effectively.

Custom Developed IT System

Another success factor is the custom-developed IT system for managing shipments. Steffen Renner, authorized signatory of the ELVIS partial load system: “Through GPS and geofencing, we always know exactly when a shipment will arrive at our hub. This allows us to plan the processes at the hub as optimally as possible and ensure that the trucks leave again after the shortest possible stay and are optimally loaded.” As a result, the ELVIS partial load system proves its performance even in the current situation – tight loading space with simultaneously high shipment volumes. “Instead of having to limit the intake, we were even able to take on additional quantities recently,” reports Renner.

Before the ELVIS partial load system existed, such shipments were either poorly handled through conventional cargo systems or unsystematically picked up by carriers. This resulted in a particularly high empty kilometer rate in this area. “It was not uncommon for forwarders to even lose money on such orders just to avoid upsetting a customer,” recalls Renner.

Photo: © ELVIS