In distribution, whether for small- or large-scale businesses, trucks and vans remain the most commonly used means of transportation. However, both are highly vulnerable to overloading issues.

In Indonesia, this practice is widely known as ODOL (Over-Dimension Overload). This phenomenon can endanger safety, damage infrastructure, and cause significant financial losses for companies.

Since ODOL practices are still common, business actors need to understand the risks and how to prevent them.

What is Overload in Goods Distribution?

Overload occurs when a vehicle exceeds its permitted load capacity. In logistics, this is often seen when trucks are forced to carry goods beyond their capacity, making the vehicle unstable and difficult to control.

An example of a common case is a truck carrying goods up high and only tied with a makeshift safety rope.

As a result, the vehicle tilts, becomes unstable, and the cargo risks falling at any moment. Beyond being dangerous, this condition clearly violates traffic regulations.

Negative Impacts of Overloaded Shipments

Overloaded shipments pose various risks, hindering smooth distribution and endangering drivers and other road users. Some of the main impacts include:

1. Increased risk of accidents

Excessive loads make trucks unstable, especially when navigating curves or uneven roads. The shift in balance causes vehicles to sway easily and potentially overturn.

Besides damaging goods, accidents caused by ODOL can lead to major financial losses and even threaten lives.

2. Higher fuel consumption

The machine is forced to work beyond normal limits. As a result, travel speed decreases while fuel consumption rises significantly. This results in high operational costs.

3. Expanded blind spots

Cargo that is too tall or packed tightly blocks the driver’s view, especially through mirrors. Even simple maneuvers such as turning or reversing become highly risky.

4. Accelerated vehicle component damage

Vital components such as brakes, suspension, tires, and engines are pushed beyond their capacity. Many cases of brake failure or engine overheating stem from ODOL practices.

For instance, a heavy-duty truck requires at least 4.5 kW of power per ton of load. If the load exceeds the engine’s capability, damage becomes inevitable.

How to Prevent Overload in Goods Shipments

To ensure safe and efficient operations, businesses must adopt strategic measures, such as:

1. Use vehicles with proper capacity

Verify load capacity, cargo volume, and vehicle specifications before use.

If goods exceed the capacity of a single truck, it’s safer to use two vehicles rather than forcing a single truck into ODOL conditions.

2. Distribute cargo wisely

If cargo risks overloading, transfer part of the goods to another vehicle. If no backup truck is available, consider alternative modes of transport, such as rail or specialized heavy-cargo services.

3. Plan demand in advance (demand forecasting)

Ahead of holidays or peak seasons, logistics demand often surges. Early planning of orders and shipments helps prevent cargo buildup in a short time.

4. Choose fast and reliable shipping services

Slow delivery services often cause goods to pile up, leading to overloaded shipments. Select logistics providers that offer fast, safe delivery and comply with ODOL regulations.

SELOG: Safe Logistics Distribution Solutions

Distribution activities should never be underestimated. Beyond understanding regulations and maximum load limits, companies need professional partners to ensure smooth and safe shipments.

When it comes to logistics companies offering reliable trucking services, SELOG – a business line of PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA) and part of the Astra Group – is your go-to choice.

With extensive experience, well-maintained fleets, tracking systems, and professional personnel, SELOG is ready to become your trusted logistics partner to support seamless cargo deliveries for all business needs.

SELOG offers core trucking services designed to serve a wide range of delivery requirements, including:

• Last Mile Delivery for direct shipments to customers
• Long Haul services for intercity or inter-island distribution
• Less Than Truckload (LTL) solutions for smaller shipment volumes

SELOG has an extensive fleet that includes blind vans, CDE trucks, and wing-body (commonly known as “wingbox”) trucks, supported by Astra Fleet Management Solution (AstraFMS), a digital system that enables real-time fleet mobility monitoring.

In addition to Trucking, SELOG provides comprehensive logistics services, such as Shipping, Freight Forwarding, Warehousing, and Project Cargo.

For more information about SELOG’s services, visit www.selog.astra.co.id or contact (021) 26605333.

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