Journal

We have already written a lot about optimizing the container loading; that’s why we wanted this article to be a little different. We have prepared for you some exercises that will test your container load planning knowledge of EasyCargo.

The exercises below, although slightly modified, are part of the handbook for teachers and professors involved in the EasyCargo to schools program. These materials will soon be available for download on our website.

If you are a school representative and are interested in being a part of our program, please read the terms and conditions and send us an email.

You can find the results of all tasks at the end of this article.

 

Before you start optimizing the cargo…

… You need to register or log in to EasyCargo (registration is free and without any obligations).

Choose metric units (metric system) and the most frequently used cargo spaces (you can then change these settings at any time).

Task No. 1

In the first task, you will learn how to load a 20′ container with three articles and then interpret the results.

1. Choose the Container 20′ cargo space and mark it as your favorite space.
2. Create items with the following properties:
   • • Item A (120 cm x 80 cm x 103 cm), ten pieces, the total weight of all items: 500 kg, this item cannot be tilted.
     • Item B (120 cm x 80 cm x 115 cm), eight pieces, the weight of each item is 15 kg, this item cannot be tilted.
     • Item C (23 cm x 15 cm x 31 cm), 150 pieces, the weight of each item is 6 kg, this item can be tilted.
3. Load the items and answer the following questions:
   1. 1. How many kilograms do all the items to be loaded weigh?
      2. How many kilograms do the loaded items weigh?
      3. How many % of cargo space does your cargo occupy?
4. Name the final load First load and save it.

Task No. 2

You will load the truck and then manually adjust the load. You will see the weight limits on each axle and create a step-by-step load plan.

1. Open the previous load named First load.
2. Select the Standard 2-axle lorry cargo space and add it to your favorite cargo spaces.
3. Load.
4. Go through the load plan as much as possible: zoom in, out, view the load from above, right, or left.
5. View the weight distribution on each axle. What do the three numbers on each arrow mean?
6. Answer the following questions:
   1. 1. What is the maximum permissible weight on the back axle?
      2. What is the actual weight of the load on this axle?
7. Move the items in the cargo and try to rotate them. Remove them from the load or add more to the load.
8. Activate the step-by-step function and create a print report for each step.

Task No. 3

You will learn how to import cargo items from an excel file, divide articles into groups according to the place of unloading, and then share the final plan with your colleague.

1. Download our import template in the application.
2. Don’t delete any already existing products, only add one more:
   • • Malbec wine, Paris group, number of pieces: 50, length: 23 cm, width: 15 cm, height: 31 cm, the weight of all boxes: 300 kg, do not stack, do not tilt, do not rotate.
3. Name the shipment Second load.
4. Import the shipment to EasyCargo.
5. Load the cargo on a standard 2-axle semitrailer for Scania G440 truck; stacking of priority groups is not permitted.
6. Send the final plan to your colleague or friend.

Results

You can download the file with the results of all exercises here.

 

These short tasks show how easy it is to work with software that simulates loading and how effective its use can be. Of course, we couldn’t show you everything that one can do in EasyCargo, such as using our cargo items database, creating your own cargo space, and much more. Thanks to these exercises, we hope that you can already see how to get the most out of our program for your company or logistics class.

If you have any questions, please write to us; or you can just let us know how you liked our exercises.

From now on, you have the option to purchase EasyCargo tickets and licenses through our new webshop. This new way of ordering is not only faster but also more suitable for those customers who are not able to place an order directly in the EasyCargo application.

What license keys can I buy in the online store?

You can order 24-hour Tickets, one-month licenses, or one-year licenses. Tickets can only be purchased as a pack of 10. If you need a different quantity, you can make an order in the EasyCargo application, or contact us. The minimum order of 24-hour tickets is always 10.

What should I do after ordering a license/ticket?

You will receive a license key, which you simply enter in the appropriate field in the EasyCargo application.

 

Let off some steam!

In addition to licenses, you can purchase our popular “Container Challenge” puzzle, too. It’s great entertainment not only for schools, but also for your customers, employees, or colleagues.

P.S.: The game may seem simple at first glance, but believe us, it’s not!

 

How to start with container load planning? Our tutorial video No. 10 Settings options when optimising a load plan has all the answers!

As the name implies, the video shows the options of load planning, from setting up the application to introducing the elements of the application. It guides you through the entire container loading process and continuously alerts you to existing videos that describe the features shown in more detail.

 

In case you are still unsure about how to start, we recommend reading the Handbook for container loading which is full of complex information about the whole load planning process. It’s in PDF, so you can download it or share it with your co-workers.

If you would like to watch other tutorial videos about the EasyCargo container planning application, head to the How-to videos section.

You often ask us whether it is possible to set up a gradual loading or unloading of items in EasyCargo in case the truck is visiting multiple destinations during one transport. The answer is yes; for those situations, there is a function called Priority Groups. With this function, you can easily create up to 50 groups which can be useful not only for different destinations but also for adjusting the order in which the items are loaded. The following video shows how to do this:

There are also other settings that can be used when working with these groups. These include Respecting separation into Priority Groups, No stacking of Priority Groups, Splitting the Groups with an invisible wall, or Ignoring separation into Groups. Those features are described in more detail in the subsequent video:

If you feel that the final load plan could be even better, you can always manually adjust it and replace the cargo items as desired.

Working with cargo spaces is much easier now, thanks to a new EasyCargo container load planning software update. What’s new?

You have the option to add your most-used cargo spaces to the favorites and have them at hand at the beginning of the Cargo spaces list. All pre-prepared spaces are always available, without the necessity of adding them from any special list, too.

 

Whenever you create a new cargo space, it becomes automatically marked as your favorite. Thanks to that, you will see it among the first in the Cargo spaces list.

 

Another new functionality is the filtering of cargo spaces. You can filter our containers, trailers, or your favorite items.

 

New cargo space can be added using the “+” button directly in the Cargo spaces list. You can also manage all spaces on the Cargo spaces tab – for example, you can edit the exact internal dimensions of a standard semi-trailer or flatbed.

 

If you’re using EasyCargo for the first time, an initial setup table will appear with the choice of measurement units and the most used cargo spaces. The spaces you select are then automatically filtered. The initial settings can be changed at any time in the Cargo spaces list.

 

Are you unsure how to properly load containers in EasyCargo? Our Handbook will help you answer all your questions and guide you through the whole process of loading step by step. You can download it and keep it at hand or send it to your colleagues.

 

The manual is available in English and Spanish only, and you can download it in PDF or text document. Since we update the application quite often, don’t forget to check for new versions of Handbook from time to time.

EasyCargo container loading software was once again improved with a new, very important functionality which allows you to import the most used items into the application and easily add them to the container load plan. These items are managed on the new Cargo items tab.

 

Here you create or import a list of items, which you can then add to each load by entering only a part of the item name – all properties of the item will be automatically pre-filled from the database. The cargo item database API is already available.

 

This functionality enables you to create your load plan even faster. Together with the export and import of items from MS Excel, this feature is among those that are definitely good to know for efficient container load planning.

We are proud to announce that EasyCargo has improved once again!

This week, a new version of the application has been released, where a “step-by-step” report can be created for each loading plan.

What does a “step-by-step” report mean?

“Step-by-step” report Is using animation to demonstrate the order in which the individual items are loaded in the container. This animation can also be easily shared with your colleagues via Public Link. “Step-by-step” report for your container can also be created in PDF format, where you can find step-by-step pictures to show you the process of loading.

 

How does the report look like?

The step-by-step report differs from the ordinary one in terms of displaying the cargo. In normal reports, you can only see the overview with the cargo loaded, while the step-by-step report shows all the individual steps.

 

• You can download the complete report in PDF format here.
• View the step-by-step load plan online in 3D here.

How do I create the “step-by-step” report for the load plan?

Just login in EasyCargo, create your regular container loading and then click on the video icon next to the Load button. After clicking, the animation showing how to load the individual items will start.

 

If you wish to create a print report, the procedure is the same as generating normal reports by clicking the print icon next to the Load button. A window with report types will pop up, select the “Step by step Report – Basic views” option and that’s it! You can also save your report as a PDF file to share it offline with your colleagues.

 

And the last step, to share your optimized container via the Public Link click the share icon, confirm the report creation and you can share it with your colleagues.