Last Updated on January 21, 2024 by Umer Malik
One of the toughest parts of having a retail business is managing logistics. Nobody wants stock-outs or mismanaged schedules.
Therefore, it becomes necessary to streamline the entire logistics process for a smoother experience. The transport and logistics sector in Australia has an estimated revenue of $101.51 billion a year.
This shows how important and developed the logistics procedures are in this country. If you also wish to streamline your logistics process, here are seven tips for you.
Table of Contents
1. Try automation
In today’s generation, everything has become automatic. From washing machines to televisions- automation is the newest trend. Similarly, to reduce manual labour and stress, embrace automation in your logistics services.
This will help your orders to be shipped much faster. A proper transport management system (TMS) can automate a lot of tasks, thereby reducing your labour cost and time, improving the overall efficiency of the logistics.
2. Be prepared for volatility
If you’re well-prepared beforehand to handle volatility, this will make things easier for you when sudden fluctuations occur. A major key to success is the ability to work with the logistics company no matter how the current market scenario is.
If you’re flexible, not only will your logistics services improve but your business will also handle ups and downs much better. Work with your suppliers properly and put focus on demand planning and forecasting to improve the inventory in the right places at the right time.
3. Work with reputed companies
When you work with an authentic freight company that is known for its good services, your packages will reach customers faster and with minimum hassle. Ultimately, this will only give a good impression of your company at the end of the day.
For example, Freight People is one of the best logistics and freight services in Australia. They place client satisfaction above everything else, and you must definitely try to partner with them if you’re in need of a good shipping company.
4. Be environment-friendly
The call for sustainability is a very important factor when streamlining your logistics process. Many retailers are embracing this practice to create a positive impact on the environment for future generations.
By optimizing routes, the TMS can reduce fuel consumption by a large amount. Smart trip-planning can also prevent travelling on routes that are complex or take a longer time.
One of the best features about Freight People is that they use smart technology to keep all their important data in one place. You should look out for logistics brokers that reduce deadhead miles where trucks travel for miles without any load inside.
5. Treat drivers well
This isn’t just to streamline your logistics. It’s important to pay your drivers well and treat them with respect since they’ll be the ones carrying and transporting all your goods. Also, in case you need them during an emergency, they’ll be there to handle things smoothly.
Many drivers wish for a better work-life balance, so it’s best if you use scheduling tools like that to take note of the driver’s preferences, such as returning home after each trip.
In order to make their lives easier, you should ensure they get all the proper tools and perks for their smooth driving and operations.
6. Use mobile tools
Try to use mobile tools so that drivers can upload important documents if and when needed. This can also help to speed up invoicing and settling bills so that you can settle any remaining payments within hours of delivery.
Many mobile apps nowadays provide proof of delivery to improve customer satisfaction. Others give guided GPS directions for smoother deliveries.
7. Think of potential scenarios
Always run what-if scenarios with analytics tools to get an estimate of the drivers’ routes and goals with your KPIs. The main aim here is to develop a sequential plan that complies with the HOS requirements.
Your what-if scenarios should take into account factors like origins and destinations, load limits, and ETAs among other things.
Over to you…
Coordinating your logistics process can make or break your business. While the right kind of logistics partner, such as Freight People, can inspire customers to keep purchasing from your store, the wrong partners can lead your business to a disaster. So always try to choose a proper freight broker to streamline your services.
Apart from this, if you are interested to know more about 5 Jobs to Break Into the Logistics Industry then visit our Business category.
