Moving things from point A to point B is what we do. It’s how we do it that makes us successful. There are a variety of Transportation Best Practices that help us run our well-oiled machine. We’ve compiled 4 best practices to help you and your company operate your business.
Thinking Long-term
A strong partnership between shippers and suppliers is the key to a successful supply chain focused relationship. Long-term visions in transportation strategies are essential for sales growth and cash flows. Value chain strategies are being used to understand scale advantages, market benefits of service, and product differentiation.
There are continuous changes in supply chains, therefore partnerships built on long-term strategies are vital. Strong partnerships start with face-to-face leadership meetings, formal establishment of relationships, transparent expectations, and combined defect elimination.
By establishing these relationships, there will be more value added for both you and your partner to seamlessly manage your transportation planning.
Becoming a Lean Machine
Utilizing Lean Methodologies start with the company culture. Successful companies attribute their Lean culture to their standardized work processes and daily management systems for increased reliability and visibility. Key performance indicators (KPIs) also able companies to better improve their accountability across the supply chain and improve the visibility issues.
As supply chain efficiency and velocity are required, the need for correct, first-time performances and stable systems increases. Lean cultures and methodologies are now considered a core competency in practically all successful companies.
Utilizing Intermodal Capabilities
Businesses are leveraging intermodal services due to reduced costs, sustainability and driver retention benefits, and service & visibility. Partnerships between truck and rail companies are improving, resulting in better handoffs, capacity management, and visibility.
With intermodal, suppliers are seeing more dedicated drivers and trucks. There are more drayage (short distant) shipments which reduce driver retention challenges.
The growth of 3PL and 4Pls is resulting in small and mid-sized shippers moving into intermodal transportation. Intermodal is considered the ideal mode for long-haul customer shipments.
Customization is Key
Transportation suppliers are increasingly adding value-creation potential for shippers by offering full-service transportation management expertise and specialized services.
The ability to customize services for each customer/shipper will meet rising demands and allow you to better meet your customer’s needs. Expanding into a full-service transportation model also gives companies the opportunity for growth; everything from full-service equipment maintenance, consulting, 3PL services, to administrative services are now offered.
PLS Logistics Services is a leading 3PL company, striving to make the best deals for its customers and making the shipper and carrier relationship seamless. To learn more about logistics best practices, click on the link below.
