Almost every business has to deal with outbound shipping. In today's connected world where e-commerce is often preferred over visiting a store, determining the best shipping strategy for your customers and your budget is crucial.
Envision consumer experience
When people order products to be delivered to their home, the first impression of the purchase is the way in which it arrives.
"Polyethylene plank foam is a hardy material that can withstand a bumpy ride."
The first thing every business needs to consider is what it takes to keep the item safe. Protective packaging includes a wide range of options. Choosing the best option for the product may require the expertise of a packaging professional.
For instance, office supplies like notebooks and pencils aren't very breakable, but a paper void fill might be a good idea to prevent the items from shifting in the package or from minor damage. On the other hand, an expensive electronic device should not only be handled with greater care, but also have more durable protective packaging to absorb shock during transport. Polyethylene plank foam is a hardy material that can withstand a bumpy ride. Using the right packaging tells your customers that you care about the safety of their purchases.
Prioritize packing processes
Before the customer can see your great packaging, though, someone needs to put it together correctly. Inbound Logistics explained taking a close look at how things are being done in the warehouse can provide insight into what areas can use improvement. Maximizing the space in a truck will cut down on shipping costs.
"Some retailers drive improvements simply by loading better," Dan Avila, of North Carolina supply chain consultancy Tompkins International, explained. "For example, techniques that reduce a slightly-more-than-truckload shipment to one full truckload can reap 25% savings."
Some are doing away with pallets to do this, and instead hand-packing cartons onto the truck so they reach the top of the trailer's roof. By using conveyors to bring these stacks into the truck, not only are they taking full advantage of the truck's space, but also making the process easier and safer.
Fewer pallets means more room for packages and reduced shipping costs. Some companies are ditching their pallets in favor of fitting more items into a truckload.
Always do your homework
When choosing a shipping vendor, there are multiple factors to consider. While quality and trustworthiness are of the utmost importance, you should also keep your budget in mind, so it's a good idea to shop around for good prices. It's also a good idea to get in touch with a representative for each shipping vendor you are considering to negotiate prices and learn about how their services differ from others.
Once you get ahold of that representative, don't be afraid to ask for testimonials. Inquire about other companies similar to yours that the shipping vendor has worked with, then reach out to them. Find out if the vendor meets their packaging and shipping needs, and why. The shipping vendor is the last person to handle your packages before they reach the customer, so get as much information as you can. Your business' reputation could either be helped or damaged by the quality of a shipping vendor, and it's your responsibility to find the one that is right for you.
