Walmart Supercube - Changing the World of Transportation

Summary

In this video, Andy Ellis, Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Logistics at Walmart Canada, discusses the company's innovative Super Cube truck and its environmental benefits. By combining UK and North American regulations, Walmart maximized trailer capacity, increasing carrying potential by 30-40% and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The truck features ergonomic improvements like an aluminum floor and LED lighting for safety, as well as a person deck for easier unloading. Walmart’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainability drive this exciting project, setting a new standard for logistics innovation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Walmart Canada is leading innovation in supply chain logistics with the introduction of the Super Cube truck, designed for better environmental sustainability.
• 😀 The Super Cube truck maximizes trailer space by combining rules from the UK and North America, resulting in increased cargo capacity.
• 😀 The new design allows for a 30-40% increase in carrying capacity, reducing the number of deliveries and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• 😀 The Super Cube trailer features a lightweight aluminum floor with traction resistance to enhance safety and prevent slips during loading and unloading.
• 😀 LED lighting in the ceiling of the trailer improves visibility for loaders and unloaders, ensuring better safety and efficiency.
• 😀 A person deck is incorporated into the design, enabling unloaders to adjust their height to access products more ergonomically and reduce the risk of injury.
• 😀 Despite the larger size, the Super Cube truck handles just like any other tractor-trailer on the road, maintaining operational efficiency.
• 😀 Walmart's leadership in supply chain innovation is demonstrated by this initiative, setting a new benchmark in the logistics industry.
• 😀 Continuous feedback from associates has helped refine the Super Cube design, ensuring it functions smoothly at both the distribution center and store level.
• 😀 Walmart's global sustainability goals have been a driving force behind this project, providing the company with the permission to take on groundbreaking initiatives like the Super Cube truck.

Q & A

What is the super cube truck and what makes it different from regular trucks?

The super cube truck is a larger, more efficient trailer developed by Walmart Canada. It maximizes the use of available space by combining regulations from both the UK and North America, allowing for increased carrying capacity while staying within legal size limits.

How much more carrying capacity does the super cube truck offer compared to traditional trailers?

The super cube truck increases carrying capacity by 30-40%, allowing Walmart Canada to reduce the number of deliveries required and minimize environmental impact.

What environmental benefits does the super cube truck provide?

The super cube truck reduces the number of deliveries, which in turn lowers the amount of greenhouse gases produced by Walmart Canada's logistics operations.

How does Walmart ensure safety in the super cube truck?

The super cube truck features an aluminum floor with traction resistance to prevent slipping, as well as LED lighting in the ceiling to help loaders and unloaders safely navigate and handle products.

What is the 'person deck' in the super cube truck?

The person deck is an innovative contraption in the middle of the truck that allows unloaders to raise and lower themselves to the height of the product, reducing the need to lift cases above their head and improving ergonomics.

Has Walmart Canada faced challenges while developing the super cube truck?

Yes, there were challenges and tweaks along the way, as the team had to adjust the design and make modifications to ensure the truck functions smoothly both at distribution centers and stores.

What is the significance of the super cube truck for Walmart Canada's logistics operations?

The super cube truck represents a leap forward in innovation for Walmart Canada's supply chain and logistics operations, offering a new solution that improves efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

What role did collaboration play in the development of the super cube truck?

Collaboration was crucial in the development process, with Andy Ellis approaching Benny to bring the idea to life. The team worked together to design and implement changes, including combining rules from different regions to maximize trailer capacity.

How did Walmart Canada's associates respond to the new super cube truck?

Associates have been excited about the project, with positive feedback and pride in participating in the pilot program. They appreciate the improvements in ergonomics and safety that the new design offers.

How does the super cube truck align with Walmart's sustainability goals?

The super cube truck aligns with Walmart's global sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing efficiency in transportation, demonstrating the company's commitment to innovative and environmentally responsible solutions.