Our current coronavirus-world has turned food and beverage supply chains on their heads, highlighting the importance of supply chain visibility and communication. The aisles and aisles of empty supermarket shelves give the appearance that the United States, improbably and alarmingly, is running out of food. However, some of the nation’s largest retailers, dairy farmers and meat producers say that isn’t so. The food supply chain, they say, remains intact and has been ramping up to meet the unprecedented stockpiling brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. To keep products fresh, on shelves, and at peak quality, there needs to be excellent communication among food and beverage supply chain partners.
Food & Beverage Challenges
Unlike other industries, the food and beverage industry face unique challenges with their shipping, such as:
Deliveries needed before expiration dates
items needing temperature-control,
Some items require extra-careful handling
These are just some obstacles you have to face when shipping food products. These challenges closely connect the food manufacturing industry with logistics and transportation partners.
Logistics & Transportation Partners
With freight transportation, communication begins right from the start. Not all freight travels the same, so setting expectations is the best way to get started. Additionally, having a partner who understands the challenges of shipping your products will prove to be beneficial. Due to this, many food and beverage companies choose to outsource their logistics with a third-party logistics company.
3PLs have experience quickly solving complex freight solutions every day. You can feel relief when working with a 3PL to arrange your freight transportation. 3PLs have a vetted carrier network with experience in transporting food products and many modes to offer you shipping solutions. You can gain the use of their cutting-edge technology to track your freight.
Communication, Communication, Communication!
If you are looking for an all-around solution to your problem of communication in your supply chain, a transportation management system (TMS) could be your answer. A TMS can help act as a communication hub for all partners in your supply chain. You can gain end-to-end visibility by working in one place, rather than across various sources.
All relationships need open communication to work well. That is no different for supply chain partners in food and beverage. Each partner in the supply chain should keep in contact as needed to provide full visibility and keep everyone in the loop. This can prevent damaged products, recalls, extra costs, and frustration.
Talk With Taylor
We are more than a logistics advisor; we are an extension of your team here to help you through every step of the supply chain. From SQF certified food grade warehousing to a full transportation team we have altered out business to offer all logistics needs. Learn more here.