Factors Affecting Truck Payload in Recycling Operations: Towards Sustainable Solutions

Background : One of the ongoing challenges in freight transport operations is to balance efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability through the integration of sustainable practices to minimize the environmental impact. When it comes to truck payload and sustainability, the emphasis is on optimizing space, and minimizing empty miles and the wastage of resources. Ensuring that truck loads meet their targets has many challenges, and our empirical research examines the factors influencing the payloads of recycled fibre across the network in the UK paper industry. Methods : A mixed method approach includes interviews, business process analysis, the identification of opportunity areas, a site visit, simulation, and viability analysis to assess factors as part of the sustainable solution. Results : The research identified aspects related to processes, data availability and fragmentation, consistent procedures, practices, and operational considerations. Refining cage-loading procedures, enhancing baling processes and the visibility of upstream processes, and establishing robust information-sharing mechanisms improve efficiency and support sustainability. Conclusions : The empirical research extends the knowledge related to freight efficiency movements on the road and focuses on practical actions in utilizing recycled fibre’s carrying capacity.