It's Not About Driving Lorry!

Who say lorry driver is a low class job?? Darn you those who looked down upon this job! Do you know that nowadays, a lorry driver after going through various trainings could earn up to RM3k per month, and salary increase with experiences?? More than those who stuck their arse onto the chairs everyday in an air-conditioned office. Additionally, without the drivers, where are u going to get your furniture, TV-sets, and whatever is around you?? It is them that transport the things that you have, YES! Everything that u have now! But thanx to the ‘low class’ mind of most Malaysians, most companies are facing shortages of drivers.

1^st Class Infrastructures, 2^nd Class Salary, but 3^rd Class Mentality

“Welcome to Malaysia, and this year is Tahun Meliwat Malaysia 2008”

“So what do you think Logistics is about?” asked by Datuk Paul, President of FMM and flanked by 6 other directors (from various states), sitting in front of me. “Erm, it’s a service sector that sends goods to customer, no matter where they are.” I replied nervously. “That was partially correct, but still it’s good that u did not say it’s about driving lorry!!” Datuk Paul joked, and the whole room burst into laughter.

So what is Logistics about? Curious? I know you are!

Council of Logistics Management (CLM) defines Logistics as:

“Logistics is that part of the supply chain processes that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services, and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customer’s requirements.”

Confusing huh? Don’t worry if you do not understand it right away, bcos I took 7 months to understand this sentence!

Plans, Implements and controls: For example, DHL plans the fastest route for their driver to send an urgent document to the customer in Melaka. After planning, they then provide the determined route (implements) to the driver and off the driver go. When the driver is on the road, DHL keep an eye (Control) on the driver and offer alternative route if the driver is going to face a massive jam (you probably have watched an advertisement of DHL, the driver met a massive jam and then he was diverted into the woods where a plane is waiting for him.).

That’s all for now, will explain further (the bold sentences) in the time to come. Feel free to ask if you are not sure about any statements above.