In the oil and gas industry, the workday of a Frac sand coordinator is fraught with logistical challenges. In a workplace where keeping the sand flowing and trucks moving are operational imperatives, the right tools and processes can help the coordinator improve efficiency and site production, while maintaining a safe workplace.
The coordinator’s day is spent
The coordinator must also track truck arrivals and departures, logging times on a spreadsheet and collecting driver paperwork. This is a burdensome but essential task for the coordinator to get carriers paid correctly.
New software technology is helping automate and streamline the process. Applications like RyderBulk and its corresponding mobile app deliver a full suite of functions direct to a smart phone or tablet. Once programmed into RyderBulk, carrier selection and the delivery schedule can be pre-planned.
Instead of coordinators calling carriers to schedule shipments, RyderBulk notifies carriers about changes to the delivery schedule. If the carrier doesn’t have capacity, a simple tender rejection can alert the coordinator, who can retender to an alternate carrier
Once a carrier arrives on site, the coordinator can check the driver in, monitor progress on site, and check the vehicle out when it departs; all from his or her smart phone or tablet. An embedded calculator automatically captures the time spent on site, digitally tracking detention time.
Once the load is complete and detention is verified, RyderBulk can handle invoicing and billing. The receipt process generates an electronic invoice and pushes it to the carrier, replacing the need for sending a paper invoice. This process allows the carrier and client to digitally review and approve the invoice, carving weeks or even months off the payment cycle. The bonus for customers is that the digital documentation process delivers improved visibility to freight spend, auditing and general reporting.
Even better, RyderBulk is completely web based and hosted in the cloud, meaning no software to install or servers to purchase. The RyderBulk mobile app is available for Apple and Android, or smart phone-friendly mobile website, and has been shown to keep sand moving and wells flowing by providing the coordinator a holistic view of the project.
Authored by Brian Shipley and Joseph T. Van Teylingen
Brian Shipley BIO:
Brian Shipley is a Supply Chain Consultant in the Oil & Gas Solutions group at Ryder. He’s worked in the transportation industry for 10 years, delivering value in safety, service and savings to customers.
Joseph T. Van Teylingen BIO:
Joseph T. Van Teylingen is a Program Manager for the Oil and Gas Solutions group at Ryder and a Purdue Engineering graduate.
