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Several traffic accidents involving trucks have recently caused significant public concern.
Many questions have arisen regarding the frequent incidents of brake failures in trucks. It has been revealed that one of the primary causes is excessive cargo, which impedes the truck’s braking system from operating effectively.
These overloaded trucks are commonly known as ODOL (Over Dimension Overloading) trucks. ODOL trucks are vehicles that exceed standard manufacturer dimensions and weight limits.
These trucks are still common in Indonesia due to transportation companies’ interest in reducing delivery costs. As a result, they compromise and exploit the trucks’ load capacity, often neglecting safety aspects.
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So, what are the potential risks of ODOL trucks? How is the government tackling the issue?
ODOL trucks pose significant risks. They contribute to the damage to the components and infrastructure, as well as traffic accidents.
Component failures reduce a truck’s durability to operate safely. Consequently, trucks are susceptible to brake malfunctions because of the braking system’s inability to handle the excessive load.
Additionally, these loads also raise the truck’s center of gravity, increasing the risk of tipping, especially on turns, inclines, and steep roads.
ODOL trucks also affect infrastructure. According to liputan6.com, the government allocates Rp43.45 trillion annually for road and bridge repairs.
Roads that should last 10-15 years may deteriorate in only 3-5 years because of the ODOL trucks. Furthermore, long traffic jams often happen because ODOL trucks move slowly, especially on inclines and turns.
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But the worst losses are traffic accidents, resulting in material damage and fatalities.
Reports from medcom.id reveal that ODOL trucks often cause highway crashes. In 2022, 1,464 crashes led to 688 deaths. This number increased in 2023 to 1,656 crashes and 704 deaths.
The government endeavors to minimize the risks and dangers of ODOL trucks by implementing the Zero ODOL policy. Since 2017, the Ministry of Transportation has worked with multiple stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Industry, the police, and business associations like APINDO and APTRINDO, to implement this initiative.
The government has also developed technology-based monitoring systems, including BLUe (Digital Inspection Vehicle Report) to enforce vehicle safety inspections every 6 months.
This system is integrated into the UPUBKB (Motor Vehicle Periodic Test Unit) to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Additionally, weigh-in-motion (WIM) technology is used on main toll roads to detect ODOL trucks that are directly connected to ETLE cameras.
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The government is taking strict action against ODOL truck violations, like electronic fines, cargo transfers, and travel restrictions.
They will also conduct inspections of bodywork companies that perform non-compliant modifications.
This Zero ODOL initiative aims to lower ODOL truck risks, assuring that load optimization is not just about space efficiency but also safety.
To securely transport goods, it’s essential to have a logistics partner that provides reliable trucking services. A professional logistics company you can opt for is SELOG, a subsidiary of PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA) and part of the Astra Group.
With over 20 years of experience, SELOG provides comprehensive and end-to-end logistics services. They range from Trucking, Shipping Services, Freight Forwarding, and Warehousing to Project Cargo.
SELOG’s trucking services have Last Mile, Long Haul, and Less Than Truckload (LTL), accommodating deliveries to remote locations with a diverse fleet, from Blind Vans to CDE Trucks.
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Additionally, SELOG’s services are supported by cutting-edge digital technology, such as Astra Fleet Management (AstraFMS) and Warehouse Systems (WMS), which enhance business efficiency.
These technologies allow businesses to track delivery vehicles in real time, ensuring vehicle and driver safety, and optimize the processes of receiving, storing, and shipping goods.