Load Optimization for Manufacturing
Manufacturing supply chains face rising costs, higher customer expectations, and tighter sustainability targets. Yet most trucks and containers are underutilized: 57% capacity in the US, only 47% in the EU. That’s billions lost every year in shipping inefficiency.
ORTEC’s load optimization solution helps manufacturers maximize every shipment with advanced 3D packing, loading, and order optimization software. From the factory floor to outbound transport, you’ll cut costs, prevent damage, and improve sustainability.
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Industries:
Manufacturing, Retail and Wholesale, Transport and Storage
Business area:
Routing and Loading, Planning & Forecasting
Want to deepen your understanding of advanced load building and order optimization? Explore our E-Guide "Carton, Pallet, and Load Optimization: Business Scenarios and Benefits", and streamline your warehousing, reduce costs and improve sustainability.
How Can You Cut Shipping Costs While Improving Delivery Reliability?
Manufacturers must balance customer demands, complex product mixes, and rising freight costs. Trucks leave half-empty, packaging is inconsistent, and damaged goods lead to costly returns.
- 20% of product returns are due to shipping damage
- Replacing damaged goods costs up to 17× the shipping cost
- 35% of packaging costs can be reduced with on-demand packaging
- 50% of shipment space can be saved by optimizing cardboard box use
With the right system, you can:
- Lower logistics costs by 5–15%
- Improve truck utilization by up to 7%
- Reduce planning effort by 70%
- Prevent damages with safer, more stable loads
What Challenges Are Manufacturers Facing in Packing and Loading?
- Rising freight and packaging costs eating into margins
- Low fill rates leading to wasted truck and container space
- Shipping inefficiencies with inconsistent packing standards
- Pressure to hit sustainability targets while serving global customers
- Costly execution errors when order sizes and capacities are misaligned
Globally, $46 billion could be saved every year by packing and shipping goods more efficiently.
How Does ORTEC Help You Ship Smarter?
ORTEC’s solution combines 3D load optimization with order-level visibility to create perfect shipments before execution. It enables collaboration between sales reps, procurement teams, and partners to shape orders that fit transport capacity.
With ORTEC, you can:
- Optimize cartons, pallets, trucks, and containers in seconds
- Generate clear 3D loading instructions for warehouse and shipping staff
- Consolidate orders, apply fillers, and prevent costly capacity errors
- Reduce environmental impact with fewer empty miles and trucks on the road
- Scale cost-effectively with SaaS-based optimization
What Can You Expect to Gain?
Manufacturers using ORTEC see measurable results:
- 5–15% logistics cost savings
- 7% better vehicle utilization
- 10–20% fewer empty kilometers with smarter routing
- 70% less planning time vs. manual planning
- Fewer damages by respecting stacking and compatibility rules
- Happier customers with more reliable, on-time deliveries
815,000 vehicles could be removed from US roads annually with more efficient packing, helping you reach sustainability goals.
How Does It Work?
ORTEC’s platform supports every phase of the manufacturing logistics cycle, from shaping orders to continuous improvement.
- Predict: Resource Forecasting
Use historical and live data to forecast truck, labor, and packaging needs more accurately. - Prepare: Load Capacity Planning
Anticipate space and cost requirements early to avoid under- or overutilized trucks. - Plan:
• Order Sizing & Load Optimization Carton Loading: Optimize box selection and reduce wasted packaging.
• Pallet Building: Stack safely and efficiently while respecting product constraints.
• Truck Loading: Maximize fill rates and create secure, compliant loads.
• Deliver the Perfectly Loaded Shipment in seconds with 3D visualization. - Execute: Connected to WMS & TMS
Send optimized load plans directly to your warehouse and transport management systems for seamless execution. - Monitor: Real-Time Analysis
Track performance, check data quality, compare Planned vs. Actuals, and capture valuable planner insights. - Improve: Cost-to-Serve Optimization
Continuously refine processes to cut costs and better align logistics with customer needs.
How Should Manufacturers Prioritize Their Logistics Improvements?
To see fast ROI:
- First: Focus on carton and pallet optimization to cut waste immediately
- Next: Expand to truck and container loading to maximize utilization
- Then: Integrate routing and order optimization for end-to-end efficiency
Why Choose ORTEC for Load Optimization?
- Built for manufacturing: Designed for complex product portfolios and regulations
- Trusted globally: Used by leaders in food, beverage, and industrial manufacturing
- Fast to value: ROI often achieved within 12 months
- SaaS-based scalability: Adjust capacity seamlessly with changing workloads
- Sustainable by design: Cut emissions while reducing costs
Ready to See ORTEC in Action?
Manufacturers worldwide are already using ORTEC Order Optimization to lower logistics costs, improve truck utilization, and deliver more sustainable shipments. Want to see how it fits your operations? Request a demo today and let’s make every load smarter.