Tag: food and beverage transportation

More Best Practices for Food & Beverage Transportation Management

The food logistics industry came under enormous pressure and scrutiny throughout the pandemic. Compared to other sectors and imported goods, food and beverage manufacturers and distributors face challenges transporting products through the supply chain. They also need compliance with FDA tracking requirements and regulations from the source to their final destination. 

Improve Sustainability Within the Food and Beverage Transportation Supply Chain

Industries across the globe continue to work and find ways to reduce their supply chain carbon footprint to combat climate change. For example, food and beverage companies work to reduce their carbon footprint by implementing sustainable supply chain management practices to achieve decarbonization throughout the supply chain. Companies now gear these efforts to every stage of their supply chains, including reducing carbon emissions by optimizing warehousing and distribution solutions. 

Not only do proprietors in the food and beverage sector look for other sustainable options of fuel conservation and emission control by trying to reduce their truck transportation, but they also do this by reducing food waste. Food Logistics found, “The food distribution industry is one of eight industry supply chains that account for more than 50% of global emissions. The food sector alone accounts for approximately one-quarter of these emissions – the most of any supply chain in the world.” Therefore, by transporting food and beverage supplies, businesses hold a duty to improve sustainability within the food and beverage transportation supply chain.  

Rethink Shipping, Handling, and Storage to Mitigate Damage and Contamination

The dangers of transporting food and beverage supplies include food-borne illnesses associated with perishable goods. Led by the FDA, the U.S. FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) must remain an essential guide for those managing food and beverage transportation. The FSMA targets and mitigates food-borne illnesses and other food-related issues that, under ideal conditions, infect roughly 48 million Americans annually– a significant public health burden. The current U.S. food supply chains face emergencies due to the pandemic and health situations. This includes store closings, social distancing, self-isolation, and panic grocery buying making proper shipping all the more imperative. 

Food and beverage transportation relies on food-safe trucks, food-grade warehousing, and storage facilities. Food-grade warehouses in the U.S. must register with the U.S. FDA as well as maintain this registration, which requires inspection every three years, according to Supply Chain 247. Each logistics company must remain compliant to avoid fines or no-drive orders—services associated with food and beverage transportation work to alleviate the chance of damage and contamination. 

Tailor Services Based on Cargo, Load Size, Destination, Climate, and Other Unique Factors

Handling logistics such as food shipment across the cold chain requires a more comprehensive logistical process to ensure shipment integrity and reduce any setbacks or temperature anomalies. The duration of transporting food and beverage supplies, the size of the shipment and lean methodology for transit, and outside temperatures all factor in the transportation decision to ensure proper transport. These factors make it vital for food shippers to assess product characteristics so goods ship at the appropriate temperature. 

Improve Transportation Management and Delivery Services for F&B Cargo by Partnering with Port Jersey Logistics Today

Transportation management and delivery services look different for the transportation of food and beverage supplies and only work with the right partner. Port Jersey Logistics can help businesses in the food and beverage industry stay safe, affordable, and efficient. Contact Port Jersey Logistics today!

Best Practices for Food & Beverage Transportation Management

One of the most critical and challenging issues shippers and logistics managers face is the transportation of food and beverage supplies. These are fast-moving consumables (FMC) and must be transported safely and under sanitary conditions. According to Supply Chain 24l7, “Food and beverage businesses have complex supply chains with unique characteristics: ever-changing customer tastes, tight margins on store shelves, fresh products that may spoil, expiration dates on products, and more. Getting the right volume of products at the right time, and at the right location, is no easy task.” Transportation of food and beverage supplies has grown globally. Shippers and manufacturers are increasingly turning to a third-party logistics provider (3PL), which takes away the stress of monitoring the shipment through the ports and lets them focus on their core business.

Implement Real-Time Tracking of Shipments and Loads

Shippers partnering with a 3PL provider need visibility as their shipment travels through multi-modal or intermodal transport. Order fulfillment of food and beverages requires real-time tracking. E-commerce has given rise to Omnichannel consumers who expect fast and flexible order fulfillment, and this requires shippers to have visibility into the inventory.  Managing food and beverage transportation and logistics is easier with real-time tracking and monitoring systems in place.

Utilize Real-Time Communication Tools and Platforms

Utilizing a Transport Management System (TMS) with real-time communication systems allows for automated tracking and scheduling of door-to-door shipments. These services can significantly reduce labor costs. With real-time tracking feedback and updates, customers can track the whereabouts of the plethora of trucks that arrive at their facilities. This approach facilitates inventory planning and allows logistics companies to make changes and tweaks to food and beverage transportation when disruptions occur.

Prepare for Seasonal Capacity Fluctuations and Trends

Smack in the middle of the year is when preparations for the holiday season go into full swing in the supply chain industry. Traditional and e-commerce shippers engaged in the transportation of food and beverages require optimizing their resources. A 3PL provider can be a great stress buster for shippers and manufacturers alike. Timely service by direct store delivery (DSD)can help save money and time.

Optimize Transportation Routes and Modes for Efficiency

Transportation of food and beverage happens through various modes of transport. Integrating a vast network of carriers and drivers can cut many unnecessary expenses and save time. Real-time tracking can give access to the roads’ current situation of the streets, and carriers can change routes if needed. Most inbound freight for retail chains have a set route that is optimal. Food and beverage transportation is expensive; therefore, route management that is efficient and cost-effective remains a primary point of focus for transportation service providers who specialize in exported and imported goods.  

 Reevaluate Current Packaging and Loading Protocols 

Shippers need to be mindful of packaging and labels on cans,  packages, and other materials susceptible to damage. Rising shipping costs and acute labor shortages have contributed to below-the-standard packaging. 3PL providers who have facilities in state-of-the-art warehouses have automated packaging and loading systems to improve overall logistics. This helps mitigate several challenges like damaged goods, consolidation of goods, and standardized packing standards. Transportation of food and beverages involved aspects of shipping and logistics not often considered, such as packaging and loading protocols.

Engage With Around-the-Clock Automation Practices

 Automation enhances the supply chain process. It also makes it easy to introduce new techniques. According to AIMultiple, the supply chain automation market grew by 10.3% each year from 2015 to 2019 and will likely double by 2026. Therefore, it becomes imperative for organizations to automate their processes  to gain a competitive advantage. The intricacies involved with the transportation of food and beverages cover movement from ports to warehouses, by road or by air, and ultimately to the customer. This customer-focused service demands visibility and real-time automated processes as recovery from COVID-19 impacts continues.

Make Food and Beverage Transportation Quick and Easy With Port Jersey Logistics

The USDA estimates that agriculture, food, and related industries contributed $1.055 trillion to the U.S. GDP in 2020. Weaknesses in food and beverage transportation can lead to artificial shortages in the market, driving up consumer prices. Already faced with rising inflation and fuel costs, shippers have no choice but to raise their prices. The process of transporting containers becomes easier by partnering with an industry leader. Contact Port Jersey Logistics to learn more about the transportation of food and beverages today.