Food and beverages are essential; therefore, shippers should prioritize food and beverage logistics. Food and beverage transportation must perform at a top-notch capacity for optimal deliveries. According to 2021 research, “The food and beverage cold chain logistics market is expected to grow by USD 69.69 billion during 2021-2025.” As the prices of goods and services continue to increase, shippers must consider these challenges and tips to reduce their shipping spend.
1. Know When to Use Reefer Vs. Dry Van
The primary difference between reefer trailers and dry vans is the extra equipment required to provide refrigeration. However, incorporating additional equipment increases the risk of malfunction and loss of goods. Reefer trailers are also expensive, so it is best to only utilize them for temperature-sensitive goods, such as produce, dairy, and fresh and frozen meats. Because of this, reefers can be high in demand and short in supply. Dry vans will work for everyday non-perishable and non-time-sensitive food and beverage transportation and are essential to the food and beverage logistics industry.
2. Track All Food and Beverage Transportation In Real-Time
While any load runs the risk of malfunctioning, waiting without knowing the outcome is much worse. Will the shipment arrive on time, and how much product was lost? In food and beverage logistics, radical truckload services visibility is a necessity. Without transparency in reefer food and beverage transportation, shippers and cargo owners are more likely to suffer the loss of perishable goods not kept on their timetables or appropriate temperatures. Modernized technology can track the load with end-to-end visibility keeping the team up to date on progress.
3. Keep Drivers in the Loop With Communication
The driver is a critical player in food and beverage transportation. Today’s technology can provide real-time delays due to weather and road conditions. Yet, without proper communication with every team member, the driver could be unaware of delivery, pickup, or warehouse delays. If “time is money, “unnecessary idle time due to a lack of communication with the driver can also cost time and money. A dedicated food and beverage logistics team can walk freight management parties through avoiding this mishap.
4. Verify Cold Chain Compliance Among Drivers
Food and beverage logistics fall under the “temperature-controlled supply chain” category, thus including cold chain shipping solutions, cold storage solutions, cold chain CQ and management solutions. Each department must work together diligently to provide the best delivery. In food and beverage transportation, reefer trucks have a device that provides the driver with real-time data to adjust trailer temperature to maintain FDA compliance and alert to malfunctions to minimize product waste.
5. Continuously Optimize Routes
The best food and beverage logistics team leverages technology, such as route optimization software, to foresee disruptions, create alternative routes, and maintain communication between shippers and the team. Route optimization software consistently receives new data to react with options for the fastest ways. Each truck within the food and beverage transportation industry is equipped with such technology. Calculating machine algorithms can designate trailer utilization and reduce empty hauls. Providing a way to haul more freight per load with fewer drivers and equipment saves money.
6. Use Analytics to Track Costs, Including Spoilage and Performance
Food and beverage logistics is about the data, ensuring everything runs smoothly by reporting when and where a snag in the food and beverage transportation system happened. Situations that might prevent the perfect delivery could be poor performance, delayed schedule, spoiled goods, and the inability to prepare for further needs. With this data, shippers can improve productivity by focusing on time management and an outstanding workforce to get the job done for every happy, loyal customer.
7. Consider Outsourcing With Perishables Managed Services
Running a business can be hectic. Companies of all sizes often spread their employees too thin. This is where outsourcing comes in. Food and beverage logistics experts can handle everything from storage to loading, food and beverage transportation, etc. This will save the company time and money while keeping shippers up to date with real-time tracking information. A well-managed outsourcing company can quickly address challenging transportation management to ensure each food and beverage load runs smoothly.
Enable Better Food and Beverage Transportation With Wicker Park Logistics
With all the different requirements of a food and beverage logistics company, it’s essential to leverage state-of-the-art data, a good workforce, and a well-managed team. Wicker Park Logistics is an end-to-end logistics partner that can solve any of your shipping needs. Contact Wicker Park Logistics today and see how they can solve your food and beverage challenges.
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