Analysis of Outbound Logistics Efficiency in the Cement Industry in Cross River State

The cement industry in Nigeria plays a central role in the construction sector, and outbound logistics efficiency directly influences product availability, distribution costs, and contractor procurement timelines. This study analyses outbound logistics operations at a cement manufacturing plant in Cross River State, South South Nigeria, applying transportation modelling and route efficiency analysis to assess current distribution performance. Data on dispatch volumes, route distances, truck capacities, delivery lead times, fuel costs, and customer locations across the South South and South East zones are obtained from the plant's logistics department. The transportation model is applied to determine minimum-cost allocation of daily dispatches from the single plant location to 18 customer depots. The Vogel's Approximation Method provides an initial solution, subsequently tested for optimality using the MODI method. Results reveal that the current dispatch routing plan operates at 21 percent above minimum cost, with the most significant inefficiencies concentrated on routes to remote depots in Cross River's northern senatorial district. The optimal plan consolidates loads, increases truck fill rates from 73 percent to 91 percent, and restructures dispatch sequencing. The study also analyses the cost implications of establishing a secondary distribution depot in Ogoja to serve northern routes. Recommendations include adopting the optimal transportation plan and conducting a feasibility study for the Ogoja depot. Keywords: outbound logistics, transportation model, cement industry, Cross River State, distribution efficiency