(PDF, 101 mb) - USAID

. •./43
To a very large extent the Cenex Terminal dispatches in the same
way that Fridley does the dispatching of dry freights. The only
difference is the exisistence of sub-terminals which enables them
to have a closer supervision because of the presence of their men
at these terminals who are constantly monitoring the requirements
of the regiors within the viccinity of the sub-terminal. In effect
befits a cenie from decentralisation of operations.
Another distingaishing featurers is the maintenace department
of Cen.,x which being in a remote area is larer and better equipped,
and maintains a larger inventory of parts. I for most part therefore
took more time in the workshop where I was taken around by the Shop
Manager. One important thing I learnt from the shop is the testing
of oil sample from engine oils whenever the oil is being taken out.
This test indicates the symptoms within the engine. This sample of
oil engine is taken while hot then later sent to Minneapolis where
the oil sample is analysed for the presence of the following
chemicals: copper, iron, chromium, aluminium lead, tin, silicon,
antifreeze and water. Each of these elements when in greater than
manufacturer's specified amount would indicate a fault within the
engine. Apart from the predicting of engine problems before they
actually occur (this actually predicts engine failurp- before they
occur and) the test may be useful eprccially when engine fails
before the warranty prriod expires. The eventual engine failure
may occur after warranty period but with this method it is possible
to predict even one year before they occur, thereby benefit from the
warranty given by manufacturer.
I discussed the basis or rationale for selecting the mileage
after which servicing of vehicle should be done, and in general
causes a various engine failure, mounting of radiators and possibi­
lities of repairs of old radiators. Then we went to the tyre shop
where Shop Manager lectured to me the benefits of the use of radial
tyres.
Evaluation:
To a large extent the Cenex is just like Land O'Lakes but
visiting the former organisation enabled me to see (i) how the use
of terminals could be beneficial to the organisation.
.... /44