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9756 International Blvd Cincinnati, OH 45246 513.771.1850
Cold Supply Chain, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Fulfillment, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing

In this case study, we will delve into the strategic decision-making and actions of a large food manufacturer that sought to safeguard its operations and respond effectively to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. To maintain confidentiality, we will refer to the food manufacturer as “Delicious Delights.” Delicious Delights partnered with Taylor Logistics, a prominent logistics and supply chain management company, to address these challenges.

Background:

Delicious Delights is a major player in the food manufacturing industry, known for producing a wide range of popular food products. With several production facilities across the United States, they operate in a highly regulated industry that requires strict adherence to food safety and quality standards. When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, the company realized that its existing logistics and supply chain setup needed to be reinforced to meet increased food demand while adhering to strict safety measures.

Challenges:

Surge in Demand: The onset of the pandemic resulted in an unprecedented increase in demand for certain food products. Delicious Delights needed to scale its production and distribution capabilities quickly.

Safety Compliance: As a food manufacturer, Delicious Delights was pressured to maintain stringent safety and hygiene standards while adhering to evolving pandemic-related guidelines.

Logistics and Supply Chain Agility: The company needed a partner that could help them adapt to the changing landscape of consumer behavior and supply chain dynamics.

Why Taylor?

Delicious Delights partnered with Taylor Logistics, a renowned logistics and supply chain solutions provider. The key factors behind this decision were:

SQF Food-Grade Warehouses: Taylor Logistics offered strategically located warehouses with Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification. These facilities met the highest standards for food safety and quality.

Multi-Services Offerings: In addition to warehousing, Taylor Logistics provided a suite of services, including transportation and packaging, which enabled Delicious Delights to streamline its supply chain operations.

Scalability: Recognizing the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, Taylor Logistics offered a scalable solution that could flexibly adjust to the fluctuations in demand.

Implementation and Outcomes:

Enhanced Food Safety: Taylor Logistics’ SQF-certified warehouses and rigorous food safety protocols ensured Delicious Delights’ products remained compliant with regulatory standards, reassuring consumers and retailers alike.

Supply Chain Resilience: By leveraging Taylor Logistics’ transportation and warehousing services, Delicious Delights could react nimbly to market changes. This capability was pivotal in managing their increased production requirements during the pandemic.

Scalability: Taylor Logistics’ flexibility allowed Delicious Delights to scale its operations up or down as needed. This ensured timely product delivery and optimized their supply chain costs.

Customer Satisfaction: Delicious Delights’ commitment to quality and safety combined with Taylor Logistics’ capabilities increased customer satisfaction, with on-time deliveries and a consistent supply of products during a turbulent period.

Delicious Delights’ partnership with Taylor Logistics proved to be instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By tapping into Taylor Logistics’ SQF food-grade warehouse networks, multi-service offerings, and adaptable supply chain solutions, the food manufacturer successfully ensured the safety and reliability of its food products and met the increased demand during this trying period.

This case study underscores the importance of strategic collaborations and supply chain resilience in the food industry, especially in times of crisis. Delicious Delights’ proactive approach to enhancing its logistics capabilities through this partnership ultimately resulted in their business’s continued success and growth.

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Seasonal Supply Chain

In the dynamic realm of logistics and supply chain management, navigating the rhythmic ebb and flow of seasonal supply chain shifts is both an art and a science. The ability to harmonize your operations with seasonal fluctuations can spell the difference between triumph and turbulence for your business. Whether you’re peddling sunscreen in summer or crafting holiday magic in winter, understanding and conquering these seasonal shifts is paramount. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of seasonal supply chains and unveil ingenious strategies to help your business not just survive but thrive amidst these shifts.

Decoding Seasonal Supply Chain Shifts

Seasonal supply chain shifts are the balletic movements of commerce, choreographed by the calendar and consumer whims. They materialize when consumer demand for particular products or services experiences pronounced variations throughout the year. These variations are often orchestrated by a symphony of factors, including weather patterns, cultural events, holidays, and economic triggers. Here are some illustrative examples:

Weather-Driven Seasonality: Companies dealing in weather-sensitive wares, such as swimsuits and ski gear, sway with the seasons, adapting their supply chains to these meteorological rhythms.

Festive Frenzy: Retailers, whether physical or online, witness a surge in demand during the festive season, necessitating a flawless fusion of augmented inventory, nimble distribution, and top-notch customer support.

Agricultural Rhapsody: The agricultural sector performs its seasonal sonata as crops are harvested at specific times of the year, affecting not only growers but also the entire supply chain downstream.

Back-to-School Ballet: Businesses peddling school supplies and uniforms orchestrate their operations for the back-to-school season, a crescendo of demand.

Key Strategies for Synchronizing with Seasonal Shifts

Demand Anticipation: Accurate demand forecasting acts as the conductor of your seasonal supply chain orchestra. Harness historical sales data, market intelligence, and predictive analytics to anticipate the crescendos and diminuendos of demand. This enables you to fine-tune inventory levels and production schedules.

Flexibility in Supply Chain Design: Inject adaptability into your supply chain’s DNA to harmonize with changing demand. Embrace flexible staffing arrangements, dynamic warehousing solutions, and versatile transportation options. Temporary personnel and rented storage spaces can be instrumental in hitting the right notes during peak seasons.

Supplier Synergy: Cultivate strong partnerships with suppliers, sharing your seasonal symphony well in advance. Collaborate closely to ensure a steady supply of materials and products when the demand crescendos.

Inventory Virtuosity: Mastery of inventory management is paramount. Employ techniques such as just-in-time inventory, safety stock, and ABC analysis to fine-tune inventory levels. This prevents surplus during lulls and staves off shortages during high-demand periods.

Technological Crescendo: Invest in cutting-edge supply chain technology and automation to streamline processes and elevate efficiency. These tools enhance visibility, orchestrate real-time inventory tracking, and facilitate agile responses to demand fluctuations.

Logistics Choreography: Ensure your transportation and logistics networks possess the grace to handle peak-season volumes. Consider alternative routes and transportation methods to sidestep potential bottlenecks.

Customer Engagement: Keep your audience informed about product availability and delivery schedules during peak seasons. Implement responsive customer support channels to address inquiries and concerns with finesse.

Post-Season Encore: After each peak season performance, conduct a thorough post-season analysis. Uncover areas for refinement, fine-tuning your seasonal supply chain symphony for a stellar encore.

Seasonal supply chain shifts are the verses and choruses of many businesses’ financial songs, and conducting them with mastery is the key to sustained success. By immersing yourself in the rhythm of seasonal demand variations and orchestrating astute strategies, your company can not only meet customer expectations but also transform seasonal challenges into opportunities.

In this harmonious journey, Taylor Logistics stands as your trusted partner, ready to help you hit all the right notes. With their extensive experience and expertise in supply chain management, Taylor Logistics can provide tailored solutions that synchronize your operations with seasonal shifts. Their innovative approach, backed by cutting-edge technology, ensures that your supply chain performs like a well-rehearsed symphony, delivering efficiency and precision.

In a competitive landscape, adaptability and agility during seasonal supply chain shifts are the notes that harmonize with long-term prosperity. So, step onto the stage, embrace the music of the seasons, and let Taylor Logistics choreograph your supply chain for a standing ovation in the world of seamless success.

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3PL Provider Taylor Logistics Cincinnati Ohio

Companies always look for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency in today’s highly competitive global economy. To handle their supply chain needs, many companies outsource to third-party logistics providers (3PL).In addition to warehousing, order fulfillment, and transportation, 3PLs offer various services. The benefits of these services can be significant for companies, but they need to be appropriately considered before deciding to use any 3PL. To evaluate a 3PL provider, you should follow these ten steps.

Compare Costs

It is essential to compare the costs of their services to in-house operations as a first step. By doing this, you can determine whether 3PL’s services are cost-effective and if they provide value for money. Don’t forget to factor in additional costs such as setup, technology, and transportation fees.

Analyze On-Time Delivery Rates

An essential aspect of 3PL management is measuring on-time delivery rates. If the 3PL meets customer expectations, this will give you an idea of its reliability. On-time delivery rates are vital for companies that operate in industries where timeliness is critical.

Inventory Accuracy

Inventory accuracy is another important metric to look for in a 3PL provider. This will let you know how well the third-party logistics provider is managing your inventory and whether they can monitor stock levels. Since this can significantly contribute to errors and delays, measuring the 3PL’s capacity to track inventory in transit is also critical.

Customer Satisfaction

Numerous methods, including customer surveys, reviews, and feedback, can be used to gauge customer happiness. You can determine how well the 3PL is meeting consumer expectations by asking for a customer promoter score and referrals.

Return on Investment

Keeping track of your costs will provide insight into the amount of extra revenue your business obtains from the 3PL. In addition, analyzing the revenue generated by the 3PL and comparing it to the costs associated with their services will enable you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your overall return on investment.

Results

Following the steps outlined above can help you evaluate a 3PL provider and see if they are providing value for the money. With the right metrics in place, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to continue working with them.

Bottom Line

?Selecting the right 3PL provider is an important decision that can significantly impact your company’s success. Evaluating a 3PL provider’s industry experience, technology and tools, services offered, customer service, pricing and agreements, security and compliance, scalability and flexibility, and reputation will help organizations meet their logistics needs and gain a competitive edge. As a result, you can make more informed decisions.

It’s essential to thoroughly research any 3PL provider before making a decision. This includes asking the right questions and conducting due diligence to verify vendor credentials and capabilities. By selecting a 3PL provider that best suits their needs, companies can improve the efficiency of their supply chain, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience. Questions or need to speak with an expert? Talk with Taylor!

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SQF Warehouse Cincinnati

The Safe Quality Food Program

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized food safety certification covering all stages of the food supply chain through industry-specific codes ranging from primary production to food manufacturing, distribution, food packaging, and retail.

What is the SQF Certification?

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a food safety and quality program for companies of all sizes, from large corporations to small, family-owned businesses. The certification is recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers worldwide.

The program involves a set of rigorous food safety and quality codes designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all food supply chain sectors. This means from the farm to the retail stores. And the certification is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative.

Achieving SQF certification is a public statement of commitment to food safety. Because SQF is a set of strict “farm-to-fork” food safety quality codes and standards, achieving the certification lets food producers show their customers that their product meets the highest possible level of safety. It helps demonstrate that food safety and quality controls have been effectively implemented and validated in that facility and throughout the supply chain.

Benefits of SQF Certification

Although SQF certification is a strict process that requires organizations to adhere to stringent food safety and quality management standards, there are many advantages it comes with. Here are three essential benefits of SQF certification.

Product Safety

Cost Savings

Increased Efficiency

Cincinnati Food-Certified Warehousing Solutions

At Taylor, we want our clients to rest assured that our team handles and stores their products carefully. By obtaining the SQF certification, you can have confidence that we have a comprehensive food safety system to make it happen.

Our SQF food-grade warehouses have monitored security and undergo regular sanitation and pest control treatments to ensure a clean and stable environment following today’s regulatory compliance requirements.

We offer ambient warehousing for racked and bulked storage. Our team members are highly trained, quality-minded, safety-conscious, and overseen by experienced management personnel.

Questions? Talk With Taylor!

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This week, our Monroe team underwent a Safe Quality Foods (SQF) audit scoring an outstanding 98%. This is an exceptional accomplishment, as we continually strive for the highest standard in food safety for our business partners. A special kudos to the entire Monroe team. We will be adding yet another championship banner!

What is SQF?

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality program recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers worldwide. Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), the SQF family of food safety and quality codes are designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all food supply chain sectors – from the farm to retail stores. This rigorous farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification also help food producers assure their buyers that their food products meet the highest possible global food safety standards.

Why is SQF important for your brand?

This farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification helps food producers assure their buyers that food products have been grown, processed, prepared, and handled according to the highest possible global food safety standards. It can immediately improve your standing in the eyes of new partners and deals. For everyone at Taylor, this achievement is an excellent validation of our hard work and our team’s commitment to safe food operations. For you, it means increased protection in the event of recalls, improved operational efficiencies in our work together, managed risks, and peace of mind with certified due diligence.

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Four Functions of 3PL Providers

As a business expands and you need to get products in new markets to more customers, there comes a time when it must determine whether to outsource its supply chain operations.

To meet customer demand, shippers turn to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider to do just that.

But not all 3PLs offer the same services and capabilities. For example, some just focus on transportation, and some just on fulfillment. But what about a full-service logistics provider that can do it all? Learn more about the functions of a full-service 3PL like Taylor.

1. Shipping and Receiving

Taylor helps companies with shipping and receiving; our brokerage team manages the shipping process from start to finish. As a technology-driven organization, our transportation management system (TMS) allows for managing carrier relations, freight data, and matrix reports for real-time visibility and increased transparency throughout the shipping process.

2. Transportation

As a multi-service 3PL that also handles transportation, we are responsible for transporting goods between locations, from manufacturer to fulfillment to any brick-and-mortar store, and even direct parcels to your doorstep. Because we have our in-house brokerage and local Cincinnati fleet, there’s no need to leverage another partner to complete any shipping needs.

3. Warehousing

Warehousing is typically the most common function of a third-party logistics provider. To no surprise, warehousing is a large portion of our service portfolio; from multi-client public warehouses to dedicated client contract facilities, we’ve altered our warehouse services to meet the needs of our business partners. Taylor provides customizable ways to handle storage, distribution, and transportation.

4. Value-Added Services

In addition to transportation, warehousing, and distribution, several 3PLs like Taylor also provide a wide variety of value-added services, including eCommerce, pick & pack, kitting, custom labeling, manufacturing, Amazon prep services, and design. By outsourcing these services, business partners can focus on their core business. 

Need a full-service 3PL partner?

Fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out asap. Questions? Inbox us at info@taylorlog.com or call 513-771-1850

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When it comes to perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive materials, you have an entirely different set of requirements when shipping your goods. Even the most durable trucks are subject to temperature and weather changes that can affect the materials transported. In addition, considering delivery windows are tight when transporting perishable items, costs tend to go up, and so does the stress of getting your items to where they need to be without perishing. Therefore, regardless of what you are shipping, you must ensure temperature requirements are met for all your deliveries. Our team of experts compiled a guide if you are new to temperature-controlled shipping or have questions about handling your freight of sensitive goods, as well as a few tips for setting you up for success.

What is temperature-controlled transport?

Temperature-controlled transport is any transport that takes place within a specific temperature or temperature range and uses unique mechanisms to protect the goods from being transported. It includes all processes for preparing orders, transporting, and delivering goods under special cooling conditions.

Common temperature-controlled freight

There is an extensive range of products that need to be temperature controlled. Here’s a closer look at some of the many categories that temperature-controlled freight covers:

Food – The most obvious and most prominent of temperature-controlled freight. It includes fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, and meats.

Frozen Foods – Frozen dinners, meats, and ready-to-prepare foods can spoil, lose their flavor, and often morph into unsellable products when they melt.

Confectionary Products – Include candy, sugar, chocolates, and baked goods stored at various temperatures. For instance, the ideal temperature range for transporting or storing chocolate is 55 degrees to 65 degrees.

Health & Beauty – Certain makeups, hygiene products, soaps, and lotions must be temperature controlled to keep from melting or having some of their qualities — odor, texture, and color — diminished by extreme temperatures.

Nutritional Supplements – Among these products — vitamins, shakes, snacks, and syrups — some items can degrade faster and lose effectiveness when exposed to excessive heat, light, humidity, or oxygen.

Medical Items and Pharmaceuticals – This includes everything from pills to vaccines to lab kits to test products and some equipment. The timely arrival of an unspoiled product can be significant because these items can sometimes be life-saving.

Limitations of temperature-controlled shipping

When shipping goods sensitive to temperature variations, there are a few limitations the shippers should be aware of. First, Reefer containers will likely have less capacity since space is dedicated to refrigeration equipment and additional insulation. This can reduce the space available for cargo inside the trailer.

Research, your provider

Choosing a provider to meet your specific shipping needs is essential when on such a strict timeline. You and your provider must think of things thoroughly and understand peak times and tight delivery windows.

Essential factors to consider in your climate-controlled shipping provider:

Strong relationships with retailers for higher efficiency to distributors

Offers multiple temperature-controlled services

Operate consistently

Provide visibility and accurate reporting

Have fair and consistent rates

Partner with Taylor today

#TeamTaylor can help ship your temperature-controlled shipment today. With a vast network of reliable temperature-controlled shipping carriers and over 171 years of experience, our team knows the ins and outs of the cold chain industry. So before your logistics manager’s temperature reaches a boiling point, contact the experts at Taylor to keep your company in a thriving climate.

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It takes a lot of bandwidth to operate a retail business. Whether you are an online retailer or run a brick-and-mortar business, you depend on the efficient movement of freight to maintain your operations. Logistics is the main component of any retail operation, from receiving inventory to shipping orders directly to customers. The amount of resources a retailer spends on operating its supply chain is unknown to most casual shoppers. This is an area where working with an experienced 3PL can be incredibly beneficial for any retailer.

What’s the Role of a 3PL?

There are multiple roles that today’s third-party logistics providers take on for their clients. For retailers specifically, they are essentially outsourced agent that takes care of numerous supply chain functions. Partnering with a 3PL allows a retailer to focus on driving sales, improving customer service, and other daily operations that help them increase sales and, thus, make more profits. Specifically, a 3PL can handle several specific logistics functions, including:

Scalable Services

A 3PL allows you to analyze your labor, transportation, and spacing needs depending on your business parameters. Businesses that focus more heavily on seasonal sales can benefit from this practice. You can always ramp up deliveries, warehouse space, and any other logistics a 3PL can provide when consumer demand dictates.

Cost-efficiency

Many companies assume that outsourcing to a third party by default means spending more on service fees. However, all the efforts of a 3PL will eventually save you money. Ultimately, the overall cost will be less than an in-house supply chain management. A 3PL is a one-stop shop for most of your supply chain needs. You do not have to invest in warehousing, technology, or a logistics team.

Bulk Shipping Rates

Shipping rates, especially spot rates, can fluctuate weekly depending on several outside sources, even daily in some cases. As a result, retail companies need stability in the market to ship their products. Bulk shipping rates help that happen. This is where 3PLs can help, especially since many retail companies need the negotiating power of a 3PL.

Distribution Network

3PLs have contacts throughout the country. If your business grows, a 3PL can offer additional resources from those within its network to assist that growth. At Taylor, we have a carrier network of 60,000+. With a carrier size that large, we can find you lanes and capacity to move your freight.

Ready to partner with a 3PL? Talk with Taylor

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Super Bowl 57 Logistics-1

It’s one of the biggest days in sports and the second 2nd largest U.S. food consumption day of the year—Thanksgiving being the first. Yep. It’s the Super Bowl. This year it’s the battle of the Kansas City Chiefs vs the Philadelphia Eagles (or Kelce v Kelce). Because it’s such a large snack day shippers who offer the most popular items at big game parties must ensure their supply chains operate smoothly. As a result, fans will be able to purchase the right food and drink in the right quantities, as retailers will have the right food and drinks in stock. Freshness is paramount when shipping food and beverage freight, so supply chain management plays a crucial role here. Temperature-controlled storage is necessary for many of these items, especially in winter. Depending on the product type, shipping ahead and staging in warehouses may be fine. However, other products can only have a slight lead time due to the risk of spoilage. If you’re a food or drink shipper reading this now with plans to sell, sell, sell for the big game, expedited freight is still an option – especially with capacity still generally available. But ideally, you’re already ahead of the game and have had your ducks – or chips or bottles – in a row for a while.

Taylor Logistics Skyline CHili

A Super Bowl Experience – All The Food!

 It’s not Super Bowl Sunday without wings, our favorite drinks, and every kind of chip dip imaginable (especially Skyline dip IYKYK). Over 1.25 Billion chicken wings, 28 million pounds of potato chips, 54 million avocados, and 50 million cases of beer will be consumed. With an abundance of demand, goods need to arrive on time to avoid shortages and missed opportunities for profits in retail. So whether fans make purchases in State Farm Stadium, from their local market to bring home, or out at their favorite sports bar, consumers are ready to spend for the experience. Food, alcohol, apparel, and decorations will need to be stocked by retailers.

Meeting Inventory Demands Through Capacity

The most important and challenging problem in fulfillment is last-mile delivery. If a disaster strikes a carrier, the most significant impact is during the transfer from distribution center to retail. Distribution centers cannot order perishable items too far in advance. However, suppose an inbound load is late to the distribution center. In that case, stores can order other items from their distribution inventory while still receiving their in-demand non-perishables. With interruptions in last-mile delivery, consumables may not reach the shelves in time for the big game surge in purchasing. Retailers do not like losing profits and market share.

Carriers want to focus on accurate projections to make best-fit decisions between FTL and LTL. FTL options are enticing due to lower spot rates; however, LTLs can have a significant cost-benefit advantage when expediting a load is the priority. Unfortunately, carriers can lose the gamble with FTL. When shippers are in a crunch for time and need to get, a load sent out, even if it’s a partial, they may end up paying FTL rates instead of LTL rates, which tend to be decidedly cheaper for the volume of freight being shipped.

Luckily, resources like visibility and real-time notifications mean that making a reliable supply chain doesn’t have to feel like betting. Instead, with transparency through technology and an excellent team like Taylor, your business will score big and win each time.

Do you have questions about your LTL or FTL? Talk with #TeamTaylor today.

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The 2023 Inbound Logistics Planner is here, and you can read all about Taylor! From our outstanding team to what sets us apart and how Taylor technology improves customers’ supply chains. Here’s our entry:

As the longest-standing 3PL, we know that offering one supply chain service decreases overall efficiency and sustainability; that’s why we’ve altered our business to be a full-service omnichannel 3PL for our customers.

What Does Taylor Do Differently?

We provide SQF food-grade public warehousing, contract dedicated warehousing, B2B & B2C fulfillment services, freight brokerage, asset local Cincinnati fleet, dedicated fleet services, D2C e-commerce, packaging, drayage/ port management services, kitting, and subscription services.

We support large and mid-sized companies in the food, beverage, flavoring, ingredient, pet food, CPG, retail, PPE, packaging, and automotive spaces.

Creating Long-Lasting Relationships with Our Customers

As a privately held family business with over 170 years of experience, we are an agile company that scales and grows with our customers. We are small enough to care and have excellent customer service with dedicated teams to some of our clients, yet large enough to have the technology and infrastructure needed to scale. Our goal is always to exceed customers’ expectations and build long-term relationships.

Technology-Driven Operations

A part of our competitive advantage is that we continuously invest in technology to offer our customers the latest and greatest for complete customization, visibility, tracking, and reporting. Technology creates a stronger bond between our team and our customers, mainly due to improved communication, information sharing, and meaningful collaboration that produces better results. From finding the best shipping rates to inventory optimization and forecasting, our systems are paramount in customers’ cost-saving strategies.

Emphasis on Food Safety

While we partner with several industries, we pride ourselves on an extensive food-safety program that is rooted in principles verified by the Safe Quality Foods Institute (SQF). All of our public warehouses are food-grade, and we offer SQF to be established at our contractual locations as well.

It’s Because of Our Team

We make supply chains stronger. This industry requires hard work and dedication; our team always makes the impossible possible for our customers. Through a collaborative and safe culture, we are always one team, one mission.

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Each year, Robert Handfield, Ph.D. of North Carolina State University, predicts what’s in store for global commerce and supply chains for the next 365 days. While these predictions are perhaps not completely original, his takeaways and supporting evidence are worth considering. Please see the full article from NCSU here.

Inflation will persist.  Jason Miller from Michigan State is an expert at navigating the many different publicly available government database, and interpreting the tea leaves.  He writes a weekly blog on Linked In which I follow religiously.  He is the most accurate forecaster I know, because unlike many speculators and economists, his observations are based on actual data!    He believes that inflation isn’t going to go down going into 2023 – but will persist.  He writes that“While it is good news that we are starting to see the inflation of goods slow down, I would caution anyone who expects goods to go through a deflationary cycle that the data (to me) isn’t pointing in this direction to a meaningful degree. Data below from three series from the BLS PPI program obtained from FRED (with call codes after the labels), all set such that 100 = January 2019.  Implication:  the best-case scenario I see for the price of finished goods is that their prices stay relatively unchanged from the 3rd quarter of 2022….we are going to see meaningful deflation in finished goods prices as we move into 2023, which will in turn impact PCE price index that the Fed monitors for consumer inflation.”   Unfortunately, this also means that the Fed will likely keep interest rates high through much of 2023 – and will likely increase rates again in February and June.  Inflation is indeed going down slowly– but not as fast as the markets would like.

Inventory will remain bloated for the first half of 2023, – and supplier relationships will be tested.  Here again, my prior blog notes how much inventory we have in supply chains today – and how certain parties are pushing back their excessive demand forecasts, and punishing their suppliers.   For instance, a large apparel brand requested about 20 of their largest textile mills (many in Pakistan, Singapore, China, and other regions) to travel all the way to San Francisco for a “Vendor Summit”.  They then sequestered each individual in a room, and two individuals came in and told them that they needed to reduce their prices by 20%.  Walmart  is moving their vendors from FOB (Free on Board) to domestic buying, and the shift is happening fast.  Walmart will pay more for domestic sources, but will not be burdened with the inventory and purchasing FOB.  They are also canceling orders, decreasing quantities, and deducting off invoices, which they claim as “chargebacks” for “late deliveries”, from shipments which were received as late as last year.  These kinds of behaviors by buyers will come back to bite them in the future…

Despite having more inventory – we won’t stop having shortages. Unfortunately, a lot of the bloated inventory is stuff that consumers don’t want – or can’t afford.  But that doesn’t mean we will stop having shortages of critical materials.  One reason for this is that the COVID crisis in China is escalating to incredible levels, and that is shutting down a lot of manufacturing hubs.  In particular, a lot of maintenance parts for equipment, replacement parts for appliances, automobiles, and larger (>48 nm) chips are still produced in Asia – and we will continue to see shortages of these component parts.  That means that repair may take longer than you think.  Labor and material shortages for factories are going down – but still are at a much higher rate than they were in 2019.

Mexico will become a destination hub for many companies in the US – but within reason. As I noted in a prior blog, and as discussed in the New York Times today – Mexico is a great option – but the capacity isn’t there yet.  More importantly, the supply chain isn’t there yet!  I spoke to a CPO who mentioned that his CEO was a big proponent of bringing all supply to Mexico – but despite this fact, we are still largely dependent on China for raw materials!  As pointed out in the NY Times – even apparel manufacturing in Mexico is largely dependent on fabric produced entirely in China!  As such, it is unlikely we are going to lose our dependence on Chinese products.  Price is still the determining factor here.  Chinese manufacturing is of such scale, that moving it to the US or Mexico is unlikely.

The US Government will play more of a role in promoting domestic supply chains. Not only did the US government, pass the CHIPS Act – but they are actively promoting the domestic production of semiconductors.  As noted in one of my blogs, however, producing a fab plant is a good step – but the supply chain for chips is still largely in Taiwan.  There is massive flux in the chip industry – which seems to be on a different cycle than most demand cycles.  What was once a one year backlog has shrunk and chips are now readily available – to the point where semiconductor companies are cutting back on capital investment!  This will continue to be a real problem – and I believe we will see “capacity as a service” models begin to emerge in the chip sector – where buyers will reserve capacity based on actual forecasts, not guesses or bets on what they think they will need next year.  This will stabilize production – and lead to improved availability and assurance of supply.

Healthcare supply chains will remain strained. Despite having a lot more PPE in warehouses, hospitals are still struggling with a lot of shortages.  Jim Wilson, an expert in medical intelligence, advocates that hospital monitoring programs is a critical area of government investment.  One area is generic drugs – such as amoxycillin.  We wll have shortages of baby formula as well.  For this reason, I believe the government should be creating incentives to increasingly healthcare supply chain.  To address this issue, one recommendation I am advocating would be to create government industrial policies that are targeted at supporting a domestic “stop gap” manufacturing capability. Secondly, partnerships should be developed with distributors to enable visibility into their inventory systems, and ensure they enter contracts which set aside inventory for government allocation under different conditions of duress.  This will require a set of common data standards and a common architecture to create a dashboard and control tower.  In addition, a multi-agency materials inventory portfolio based on in-depth supply market analysis is needed.  At a minimum, this should include specialists in the following categories:  semiconductors, precious metals, electric vehicle batteries, medical supplies (PPE, gowns, gloves), medical devices, pharmaceuticals, plastics and resins, medical equipment, biologics, healthcare personnel, and respiratory products. This will require team of supply market analysts with special knowledge of these categories, that track the condition of critical supply markets for medical supplies, the supply risks within those markets, and acquisition strategies to manage the risks.  Multi-tier supply chain mapping can provide clues as to critical points of risk that can “shut down” the US healthcare sector, based on multiple forms of risk assessment.

Growth in 2023 will be positive – but lean. As noted in a lecture by the Economist which I attended, the greatest risks looming ahead are concentrated in 2023.  Next year will see some positive growth but only 1.7%, reflecting slowing growth in the US in China and recession in Europe.  Global monetary tightening will take some time to kick in – likely in the second half of 2023.  The US will likely see only 0.5% growth in 2023, the EU 0.4%, which in turn will impact other regions of the world.  China will likely see a modest rebound after the 2022 slump, moving to only 5% growth.  However, there are always risks that will move the needle, including the escalation of the Ukraine war, more COVID-19 variants, spikes in energy prices, and sovereign debt pile-ups.

Government regulation of Artificial Intelligence will increase. As I noted in a blog of a recent SAS INNOVATE conference, Henry Kissinger described AI as the new frontier of arms control during a forum at Washington National Cathedral on Nov. 16. If leading powers don’t find ways to limit AI’s reach, he said, “it is simply a mad race for some catastrophe.”  The former secretary of state cautioned that AI systems could transform warfare just as they have chess or other games of strategy — because they are capable of making moves that no human would consider but that have devastatingly effective consequences.  This is true not just in warfare, but also in supply chains.  As we move towards a digital future where we increasingly will be ceding control to machines who call the shots, not humans, what are the risks of doing so?  Increasingly, more and more data is being stuffed into the cloud, which certainly allows us access to more readily access reams of data which can be processed by algorithms for decision-making.  We have to be able to trust these algorithms to make the right decisions.  But driving towards AI standards to increase trustworthiness is easier said than done.  The UK has also begun pursuing this goal, as has the EU, who are likely to explicitly define AI and how to use it.  The government will begin to mandate a more  comprehensive approach, which spans the entire organization.  Three primary elements determine the fiduciary responsibility for trustworthy AI:  Duty of Care, the Business Judgement rule, and Duty of Compliance Oversight.   These pillars are required to understand the historical biases that so often find their way into AI algorithms, which have created historical injustices and inequities, meaning that the government is surely going to step in.

Electric vehicle parts will remain in short supply. In a recent blog, I noted how there is still a massive shortage of the so-called “green metals” required to meet the burgeoning demand for EV’s. Environmentalists and automotive companies have committed to converting all of their vehicles to electric power.  GM has committed to 30 new electric vehicles by 2025.  Ford is committing to an all-electric vehicle platform with zero emissions by 2035.  But nobody is talking about the supply chain for these vehicles, and the capacity required to build them.  Converting an entire supply base of automotive suppliers, who are all focused on building of combustion engine-powered vehicles, and moving them all to electric vehicles, will be a superhuman feat.  What will happen to those manufacturers that can’t or won’t convert?  They go out of business?  And is there enough capacity to produce the new types of vehicles?  And what raw materials are required to convert to EV in the future?  I don’t think executives have really given any meaningful thought to the answers to these questions yet… I predict a rough road ahead for EV’s.  Perhaps I’m a voice in the wilderness – except maybe for Toyota – they have the same doubts as I do.

Demand for supply chain graduates will go through the roof in the next two years. To summarize – global supply chains remain fragile – and we are in a period where things are starting to change.  Supply chains will look very different in two or three years from what they are today. 

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Taylor Multichannel Merchant Top 3PL-1

Taylor Logistics Inc, a Cincinnati-based third-party logistics company, for the second year in a row has been named a Multichannel Merchant (MCM) Top 3PL for 2023, joining dozens of other leading third-party logistics providers selected by Multichannel Merchant in its eighth annual directory.

The criteria for MCM Top 3PL was determined based on industry experience, services offered, capabilities and performance.

“We are honored to be included with such an elite group of logistics and eCommerce solutions providers,” said Noelle Taylor, Director of Marketing, Taylor Logistics Inc. “This award is a great honor and recognizes every team member’s commitment to serving our customers and our core values.”

View the 2023 MCM list here

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Seasonal Demand Warehouse

What is seasonal demand? 

Seasonal inventory refers to products that sell at a higher velocity during particular times of the year. For example, most companies experience an influx in seasonal demand during the holiday season, and many may stock holiday-specific SKUs that they don’t sell year-round. Other brands may experience seasonal spikes according to changes in weather, sports seasons, or secondary holidays such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.

Take advantage of peaks in demand

Forecasting for seasonal variances will ensure you have sufficient levels of stock available to take advantage of increases in product demand at peak times of the year. If you rely on your busy seasons to make the most of your money, you must be on top of your game and ensure optimum product availability.

Prevent excess stock levels

Equally, it’s important that you don’t want to over-forecast for seasonal demand fluctuations. Investing too much money in inventory can lead to cash flow problems and an unhealthy balance sheet. If you have excess stock at the end of a season, you face the dilemma of selling it off at a discounted rate or taking on the burden of inflated carrying costs until demand picks up again.

Seasonal methods for managing inventory 

There are five primary methods for managing inventory, and any of them could be appropriate for managing seasonal inventory, depending on SKU profile, sales velocity, and current business operations.

First in First Out (FIFO): The FIFO inventory method works by using the oldest inventory (first in) to fulfill orders first (first out). The FIFO method is appropriate for perishable and highly seasonal products and can increase margins on items that experience price hikes during times of high seasonal demand.

Last in First Out (LIFO): The LIFO inventory method uses the newest inventory (last in) to fulfill orders first (first out). The LIFO method can be used to quickly recoup expenses on products acquired at a premium seasonal price, either at the raw materials level or as finished goods.

Just in Time (JIT): The JIT inventory method is the method most commonly used by SMB’s because it requires the least intensive demand forecasting. JIT supply chains are replenished on an as needed basis. They are a high-risk supply chain management strategy and can reward merchants with increased capital on hand. Still, as we’ve seen with recent supply chain disruptions, they can also leave merchants with empty shelves when seasonal demand hits.

Economic Order Quantity (EOQ): The EOQ method determines ideal inventory levels using three metrics: customer demand, acquisition cost, and holding cost. The EOQ method can drastically cut inventory carry costs but requires advanced demand forecasting models supported by a lengthy sales history.

ABC Analysis:  An ABC analysis prioritizes SKUs by lumping them into three categories: A — high-value products with a low contribution margin, B — mid-value products selling at a mid-range velocity, C — high-velocity products with a low margin. An ABC analysis helps merchants prioritize the SKUs that ultimately drive their business’s profitability and may prompt them to reconsider their product profile entirely.

How are You Managing Seasonal Demand Forecasting?

Are you looking for a strategy that can help you improve your seasonal demand forecasting? #TeamTaylor can help. Contact us today to learn more about our data-driven warehousing and fulfillment services.

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Taylor Warehouse CIncinnati

It can often be tricky to forecast what will sell. The majority of companies have peak seasons, so they may feel the pain of having too much inventory on hand. With a full plant or warehouse, productivity suffers from working in a crowded space, not to mention it can create an unsafe environment.

Partnering with Taylor to help with overflow can significantly reduce costs and help improve business performance. Taylor has a long history of supporting national and regional companies that run out of room in their distribution centers, plants, and warehouses. They develop a custom solution for overflow inventory. For example, one can etch out slower-moving products to Taylor Logistics’ facilities to free up space for high-priority goods.

Taylor is prepared to offer simple pricing solutions for handling and storage when one needs extra space. They know time is of the essence, so they pride themselves on fast implementation to free up space for clients as soon as possible. With their cloud-based customer portal, clients can access all inventory and track activities in real-time.

Managing warehouse overflow can be as simple as finding the right partner. At Taylor, they pride themselves on their customized solutions and scalability, making them an ideal partner for companies looking to store inventory in the Midwest. After the recent launch of their new warehouse, Taylor now has over 450K square feet of FDA food-grade storage space in the Greater Cincinnati area. So whether it is a quick solution to an inventory surge or a long-term business partnership, Taylor can create a customized solution to meet all business needs. 

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Taylor Logistics Ambient Warehouse

Numerous industries rely on warehousing for long-term storage. However, different items require different conditions to preserve integrity and quality. Therefore, when choosing a storage facility, you should consider your company’s and inventory’s specific needs. One option is ambient storage. You can use an ambient warehouse to store a wide range of goods, making this option viable for many businesses.

What Does Ambient Storage Mean?

Ambient storage warehouses are defined as “buildings that are specifically designed for items that require a dry environment, where the temperature needs to be around room temperature.” However, this isn’t to say that these ambient storage warehouses don’t require industrial HVAC. Instead, it means that the internal area of the warehouse needs to be around 60 degrees all year. With this in mind, many ambient warehouse owners install temperature control forms to ensure the internal air stays dry and moisture-free.

Types of Products That Need Ambient Storage

Compared to shipping frozen items, items kept in ambient storage warehouses are far easier to ship. For products that can quickly melt at high temperatures or products that can be ruined from cold temperatures, ambient storage is an effective way to keep goods from going bad.

Some everyday products stored in ambient warehouses are:

Several CPG products


Food & beverage 

  • canned and bottled foods 
  • finished shelf-stable goods 

Ingredients 

  • spices
  • oils 
  • flours
  • sugars

Packaging & paper products 


Toys 


Cosmetics 


Clothing 


Electronics 

Handling Ambient Product 

When installing an ambient warehouse, you must think about what you are storing and how the items are handled. For example, if you are storing many items, you will want a tall storage building where you can install high racking, utilizing the air space. However, with taller racking, you will require a method to get the items onto the higher shelves, such as a traditional counterbalance forklift. With this in mind, your ambient warehouse will need floor space for the warehouse equipment handling vehicle to move. There are alternative forklifts for tighter warehouses, such as articulated forklifts, but more specialized equipment tends to cost more. 

Cross Docking 

While warehouses are traditionally used for storage, opting to use cross-docking in your operation will offer a competitive edge. This is where items are transported to your warehouse and either loaded onto another trailer for immediate transport or stored for a brief period. With this in mind, it is always best to have space in your warehouse for such operations, especially in ambient warehousing, as this is a practice being used more often. 

Quality Control

All ambient warehouses require quality control. Ensuring quality control is completed in warehouses that store perishable goods are imperative. Regular audits should be completed to ensure that items are being stored in the best possible conditions.

Choose an Ambient Warehousing Partner 

Taylor has several ambient warehouses in the Cincinnati area ready to handle your products. Contact our expert team to secure your space today. 

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Cincinnati Distribution

The home of the greatest quarterback ever, Joe Burrow, is also the ideal place to store and distribute your products – that’s right, Cincinnati, Ohio. Why? Great question here’s a few key selling points:

Cincinnati is 24 hours from 70% of the United States population, so getting your products quickly and efficiently to the consumer will never be an issue. If you are doing a lot of eCommerce, look no further, as transit times for parcels are the best in the country in Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati region boasts the largest inland port in the country and the 14th largest in the country by cargo volume. Products coming into the Cincinnati rails? If so, we have a dedicated Cincinnati drayage team ready to assist.

So now, with the ideal location for warehousing, distribution, eCommerce, and transportation, you need a team. That’s where we come in; not only are we positioned in the most marvelous city ever, but we have the solutions for your business. Talk with our team today. Fill out the form below and a member of #TeamTaylor will reach out in no time.

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CINCINNATI, OH—Aug. 15, 2022 — Food Logistics, the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product through the global cold food supply chain, named Taylor Logistics Inc. as one of the winners of the 2022 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers award, which recognizes leading third-party logistics and cold storage providers in the cold food and beverage industry.

“These past 18 months have been so challenging for U.S. supply chains. It’s the continuous bottlenecks that require fleets to re-tool and pivot accordingly. But, it’s the drivers, the fleet, the warehouses and software/technologies that really keep today’s supply chains in line,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “These 3PLs and cold storage providers have collaborated on all facets of their operations to achieve full visibility, complete forecasting, end-to-end leverage and the ultimate in sustainability. Now is the time to honor and celebrate those companies making magic happen behind the frontlines.”

Recipients of this year’s award will be profiled in Food Logistics’ July/Aug 2022 print issue as well as online at www.FoodLogistics.com. Go to https://www.foodlogistics.com/awards to learn more about other Food Logistics’ awards.

About Food Logistics

Food Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including executives in the food sector (growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and grocers) and the logistics section (transportation, warehousing, distribution, software and technology) who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global cold food supply chain. Food Logistics and sister publication Supply & Demand Chain Executive are also home to L.I.N.K. and L.I.N.K. Educate podcast channels, L.I.N.K. Live, SCN Summit, SupplyChainLearningCenter.com and more. Go to www.FoodLogistics.com to learn more.

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Last week, our Bellevue team underwent a Safe Quality Foods (SQF) audit scoring an outstanding 98%. This is an exceptional accomplishment, as we continually strive for the highest standard in food safety for our business partners. A special kudos to the entire Bellevue team. We will be adding yet another championship banner!

What is SQF?

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality program recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers worldwide. Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), the SQF family of food safety and quality codes are designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all food supply chain sectors – from the farm to retail stores. This rigorous farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification also help food producers assure their buyers that their food products meet the highest possible global food safety standards.

Why is SQF important for your brand? 

This farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification helps food producers assure their buyers that food products have been grown, processed, prepared, and handled according to the highest possible global food safety standards. It can immediately improve your standing in the eyes of new partners and deals. For everyone at Taylor, this achievement is an excellent validation of our hard work and our team’s commitment to safe food operations. For you, it means increased protection in the event of recalls, improved operational efficiencies in our work together, managed risks, and peace of mind with certified due diligence. 

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There are 1 Million forklifts in operation in the United States
Nearly 1 in 10 will be in an accident
85 of the accidents will be fatal
Over 34,000 serious injuries

This is why forklift safety is so important.

Forklift Safety Day is a day to emphasize the need for safe forklift operations and to uphold the highest safety standards in the workplace. At Taylor, we significantly reduce forklift accidents by prioritizing safety policies and placing importance on safety training and practices.

Questions? Talk With Taylor

Fill out the form below and a member of #TeamTaylor will reach out to you asap.

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Startup CPG has curated the first list of warehouse and 3PL fulfillment providers just for CPG companies (created and crowdsourced by Startup CPG members). Startup CPG previously released a list of 3PLs focused on DTC fulfillment in August 2020, and this new list replaces that resource with expanded options for B2B fulfillment and storage-only options. We are honored to be included in this incredible resource for growing + emerging brands!

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There’s a podcast for everything, from celebrity gossip to being a better teammate at work, and yes, there are several on logistics, supply chain, and fulfillment. You name it; it’s in the Spotify library of over 3.2 million podcasts. Our team is a big fan of podcasts, we share them, and heck, we even have our own podcast Taylor Talk. With so many options, we are breaking down some of our favorites to listen to at the office, on your commute, or cooking dinner. We’ve broken it down into categories like logistics, transportation, supply chain, general business, team building, and educational.

Podcast: Stuff You Should Know

Genre: Educational

If you’re pretty sure you don’t know everything, you should yet; check out Stuff You Should Know. Learn about why you itch, how multiple sclerosis affects the body, and whether you can die from a broken heart. This in-depth podcast offers you a new topic each week (yeah, there’s history and politics, too—no topic is off-limits), so keep listening to find out more about what you simply don’t know.

Podcast: At The Table — Patrick Lencioni

Genre: Team building / teamwork / motivation

Patrick Lencioni knows a lot about business — every aspect of business. With this expertise in hand, he has created a podcast that helps people in business optimize the way they work. This podcast has something for everyone and will impact you no matter what industry you work in. Need some inspiration as you become a leader in your organization? Want to understand better how you can work with various personality types in the office? ‘At The Table’ has you covered.

Podcast: Supply Chain Now

Genre: Supply Chain

The Supply Chain Now podcast features in-depth conversations with industry practitioners, academics, consultants, and other experts from every aspect of supply chain management and international trade. The podcast has updated weekly since its launch in 2013, an impressive feat, and features excellent episodes on robotics.

Podcast: How I Built This

Genre: Business

Guy Raz, the former host of TED Radio Hour, launched How I Built This in 2016 to focus on one of the most exciting aspects of business: the early days of certain startups before they became huge brands. Get behind-the-scenes stories of how companies like Spanx, Burt’s Bees, and Stacy’s Pita Chips were created. Then, in one-on-one interviews, Raz gets business leaders to describe how they had to borrow from friends and family to get their idea off the ground or how manufacturer after manufacturer flat-out rejected making their product. It’s an inspiring and informative show for anyone passionate—or curious—about building a business.

Podcast: Let’s Talk Supply Chain

Genre: Supply Chain

Hosted by Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, Let’s Talk Supply Chain is a supply chain podcast made with, by, and for supply chain experts. Sarah is widely considered one of the leading experts on collaboration and synergies within global supply chains.

Podcast: We’re All in This Together — Mike Robbins

Genre: Team building / teamwork / motivation

Mike Robbins perfectly blends the topics of leadership and teamwork in the all-encompassing podcast ‘We’re All In This Together.’ Mike has almost 20 years of professional experience working with big-time companies such as Microsoft, Google, and even the NBA. He knows a little something about how teams can positively impact business. We love the combinations of interviews and insights and techniques on how you can improve your team’s performance.

Podcast: Freightvine

Genre: Freight, Supply Chain, Transportation

DAT brings together the brightest minds in transportation to discuss innovations, trends and best practices in the world of logistics. Get insights from Freightvine on the big ideas and major strategies implemented by industry experts today. Home in on the data and dig into the details with Freight Focus.


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Well, Q1 2022 had no shortage of curveballs, from record-high gas and oil prices to the war in Ukraine and supply chain blockades lasting days on end, on top of record-high inflation. With the unpredictability of Q1, our team is taking a look at the trends and events as we dive into the start of Q2.

Key items to note:

Omnicron 2.0: Surprise, a new Covid variant, is making its course throughout the globe. This new BA.2 subvariant of Omicron could account for a surge in cases impacting consumer behavior. According to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week (04/04) BA.2 spreads 80% faster than the earlier Omicron, has more than doubled in the U.S. over two weeks and will become the dominant variant.

Inflation, Inflation, Inflation: Consumer demand remained strong throughout the quarter. But March has been unusually soft in the truckload freight market. Consumers just aren’t spending like they were in 2021. New research reveals that supply chain issues are exacerbating inflation. A recent study found that during 2022 trade is expected to expand further, due to a 16% increase in exports during 2021 and imports by 12%. Production levels have been unable to keep pace with demand leading to supply shortages and will limit import growth in 2022.

Ocean Freight: Container shipping costs are higher than ever and will stay high for the foreseeable future as importers continue to battle for space in the face of record demand for consumer goods from Asia. Covid resurgence in China disrupted productivity and the supply chain in March. Next potential disruption on-deck: West Coast Longshore Union contract expiration and negotiation.

Drivers: making headlines and making late-night television. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver had an entire 24-minute segment on, you guessed it, drivers (aired just last week). Now a 24-minute spot in any programming late night or news is pretty significant, and the transportation and trucking crisis in America is of the utmost importance. 70% of the US cargo is transported by truck; nearly everything you purchase comes to you by truck. That box of Mac & Cheese that’s been sitting in the pantry for a hot second – truck. Headphones – truck. Your dogs squeaky toy that has seen better days – truck. You get the point. 3.5 million truckers supply our goods in this country. But the entire industry is facing a crisis; there’s a lack of drivers, a pretty massive lack of drivers, and it’s only increasing year over year. Not just long-haul drivers but final-mile delivery drivers. Leading to an overall shortage on shelves, congestion, the domino effect.

Domestic Shipping: Consumer goods demand remains high, filling truck capacities on tight routes due to driver and equipment scarcities. Diesel fuel spiked when Russia invaded Ukraine. As a result, unprecedented ground freight cost is the norm across North America.

Leave the logistics to us. Talk with Taylor!


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Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Customer Experience, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, ISDT, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, Processes, Retail, Safety, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Third Party Logistics, Value-Added Services, Warehousing
SQF-warehousing-Cincinnati

This week, our Monroe team underwent a Safe Quality Foods (SQF) audit scoring an outstanding 97%. This is an exceptional accomplishment, as we continually strive for the highest standard in food safety for our business partners. A special kudos to the entire Monroe team. We will be adding yet another championship banner!

What is SQF?

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality program recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers worldwide. Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), the SQF family of food safety and quality codes are designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all food supply chain sectors – from the farm to retail stores. This rigorous farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification also help food producers assure their buyers that their food products meet the highest possible global food safety standards.

Why is SQF important for your brand?

This farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification helps food producers assure their buyers that food products have been grown, processed, prepared, and handled according to the highest possible global food safety standards. It can immediately improve your standing in the eyes of new partners and deals. For everyone at Taylor, this achievement is an excellent validation of our hard work and our team’s commitment to safe food operations. For you, it means increased protection in the event of recalls, improved operational efficiencies in our work together, managed risks, and peace of mind with certified due diligence.

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Carriers, Cold Supply Chain, Customer Experience, Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Leadership, Ominchannel, Operations, Processes, Safety, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Third Party Logistics, Transloading
Freight impacts

Peak produce season is approaching; our team is breaking down the 2022 season, rate increases, transport practices, and capacity challenges. Even if you do not ship or grow produce, this season can directly impact your transportation performance and spending.

What is produce season?

Produce season in the United States generally begins in February and continues through July. It’s the period in which the most significant volume of fruits and vegetables are harvested and shipped to food manufacturers, grocery stores, and other vendors across the country. In February, growing and harvesting kick off in Mexico, and we start to see an influx of produce imports into the U.S. Then, in late March, the produce wave moves to the southeastern states, southern Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, and southern California and continues to move north as temperatures rise. 

The impact of produce season

Simply put, produce season it’s the rise in crop volumes and the elevated demand for trucks to transport these crops that impact capacity during this season. These factors lead to an upsurge in rates not only for shippers who utilize refrigerated trucks in harvesting areas but also for most shippers across other modes and regions.

How can you prepare for produce season? 

It’s important for shippers to closely watch how all these current issues may magnify the typical challenges of the season. Here’s what you can do to avoid the potential problems during this season:

Partner with a team of logistics experts to help keep you informed of changes in the freight market during produce season

Ship your freight as early as possible and add flexibility into your delivery date 

Factor in the longer lead time it may take to source trucks 

Consider multimodal shipping solutions to explore alternate transport options 

Talk With Taylor

Work with a partner that keeps you informed about the effects of the produce season and educates you on how to adjust your network in response to agricultural fluctuations.

Taylor has a vast network of qualified carriers across the country. In addition, we’ve built a rapport with trucks that produce routes regularly and can help you deftly navigate capacity jumps.

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Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Cincinnati, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Operations, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Team Taylor, Teamwork, Third Party Logistics

Our team in Monroe, Ohio is looking for an In-Store Design Team (ISDT) Supervisor. The ISDT Supervisor is responsible for driving improvements to existing processes as well as new process development. The ISDT Supervisor will collaborate with the Management team to develop process road maps, establish project priorities, guide direct reports in the timely completion of these projects, and fulfilling our efficiency model of speed to market, cost, and innovation.

Questions? Chat with us!

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Cincinnati, Customer Experience, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Key Performing Indicators, Leadership, Ominchannel, Operations, People, Processes, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Third Party Logistics

CINCINNATI, O.H. —Feb. 14, 2022 — Food Logistics, the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product through the global cold food supply chain, named Vince Bonhaus, VP of Sales from Taylor Logistics Inc, as one of the winners of the 2022 Rock Stars of the Supply Chain award, which recognizes influential individuals in the industry whose achievements, hard work and vision have shaped the global cold food supply chain.

“Behind every great company is an even greater leader. And, the supply chain leaders receiving this award are no exception,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “Within the last 18 months or so, the cold food chain has seen a lot of rock stars rise to the occasion. These rock stars developed platforms, integrated automation, and led teams through disruption after disruption. They’ve helped their companies pivot, adapt, and continue to do so with grace, agility, flexibility, and resilience. These rock stars are strong in so many ways. Congratulations to the true rock stars of the supply chain, who continue to keep the cold food chain moving.”

Recipients of this year’s award will be profiled in Food Logistics’ Jan/Feb 2022 print issue as well as online at www.FoodLogistics.com. Go to https://www.foodlogistics.com/awards to learn more about other Food Logistics’ awards.

About Food Logistics

Food Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including executives in the food sector (growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and grocers) and the logistics section (transportation, warehousing, distribution, software and technology) who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global cold food supply chain. Food Logistics and sister publication Supply & Demand Chain Executive are also home to L.I.N.K. and L.I.N.K. Educate podcast channels, L.I.N.K. Live, SCN Summit, SupplyChainLearningCenter.com and more. Go to www.FoodLogistics.com to learn more.

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Carriers, Cincinnati, Customer Experience, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, Operations, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Team Taylor, Third Party Logistics
Taylor Logistics Super Bowl 2022

It’s one of the biggest days in sports and the second 2nd largest U.S. food consumption day of the year—Thanksgiving being the first. Yep. It’s the Super Bowl. And let me tell you, this year’s Super Bowl is a historical one and probably the best one yet. But, of course, we might be a bit biased being Cincinnati-based, and it may or may not have been thrown around to change our name to Burrow Logistics after our beloved Joseph Lee Burrow quarterback extraordinaire and king. So, combining our two loves logistics and the Cincinnati Bengals, let’s look at the logistics surrounding 2022 Super Bowl LVI. Who Dey.

Taylor Logistics Skyline CHili

A Super Bowl Experience – All The Food! 

 It’s not Super Bowl Sunday without wings, our favorite drinks, and every kind of chip dip imaginable (especially Skyline dip IYKYK). Over 1.25 Billion chicken wings, 28 million pounds of potato chips, 54 million avocados, and 50 million cases of beer will be consumed. With an abundance of demand, goods need to arrive on time to avoid shortages and missed opportunities for profits in retail. So whether fans make purchases in SoFi Stadium, from their local market to bring home, or out at their favorite sports bar, consumers are ready to spend for the experience. Food, alcohol, apparel, and decorations will need to be stocked by retailers.

Meeting Inventory Demands Through Capacity 

The most important and challenging problem in fulfillment is last-mile delivery. If a disaster strikes a carrier, the most significant impact is during the transfer from distribution center to retail. Distribution centers cannot order perishable items too far in advance. However, suppose an inbound load is late to the distribution center. In that case, stores can order other items from their distribution inventory while still receiving their in-demand non-perishables. With interruptions in last-mile delivery, consumables may not reach the shelves in time for the big game surge in purchasing. Retailers do not like losing profits and market share.

Carriers want to focus on accurate projections to make best-fit decisions between FTL and LTL. FTL options are enticing due to lower spot rates; however, LTLs can have a significant cost-benefit advantage when expediting a load is the priority. Unfortunately, carriers can lose the gamble with FTL. When shippers are in a crunch for time and need to get, a load sent out, even if it’s a partial, they may end up paying FTL rates instead of LTL rates, which tend to be decidedly cheaper for the volume of freight being shipped.

Luckily, resources like visibility and real-time notifications mean that making a reliable supply chain doesn’t have to feel like betting. Instead, with transparency through technology and an excellent team like Taylor, your business will score big and win each time.

Do you have questions about your LTL or FTL? Talk with #TeamTaylor today.

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Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Leadership, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Third Party Logistics
Food-Shippers-of-America

The Food Shippers of American annual conference is approaching! Team Taylor will be there, and we want to talk with you! We are here for you if you have any questions or want to chat on areas of interest in fulfillment, packaging, eCommerce, operations, supply chain, and logistics. Are you going? Let us know!

Food Shippers 2022


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B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Customer Experience, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Fulfillment, Leadership, Operations, Processes, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor
Food Shippers of America 2022 Conference

We are so excited to attend the Food Shippers of American annual conference in February. Food Shippers of America (FSA) is a nonprofit industry association that brings together a community of supply chain, transportation, and logistics professionals with common interests, industry challenges, and opportunities.

Team Taylor will be there, and we want to talk with you! We are here for you if you have any questions or want to chat on areas of interest in fulfillment, food-grade certifications, packaging, eCommerce, operations, supply chain management, and transportation.

Are you going to Food Shippers? Let us know below!

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Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Cincinnati, Customer Experience, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Internet of Things, ISDT, Leadership, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, People, Processes, Safety, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing

CINCINNATI — Taylor Logistics Inc. (TLI), a Cincinnati-based third-party logistics company, announced plans to open a new 415,000 sqft fulfillment center outside Cincinnati in February. At 9287 Meridian Way in West Chester, Ohio, the new location will be the companies fourth public multi-client warehouse in Cincinnati. The other three locations are located just down the road on International Boulevard. The new facility will contribute to Taylor’s 800,000 sqft of public warehouse space in the  Cincinnati region. 

“This location will serve as a new multi-client distribution center, enabling Taylor to support customers’ supply chains through the latest solutions, technology, and services. In addition, its proximity to the consumer and scalable size made the facility ideal for driving significant growth,” said AJ Raaker, Director of Warehouse Operations, Taylor Logistics Inc. “The Greater Cincinnati region has a robust logistics sector, and its location advantages are unparalleled.”

The brand new 415,000 square foot warehouse located on Meridian Way boasts several enticing factors, including a gated yard, fully racked, and being true to their business partners in the food, beverage, flavoring, and pet food spaces, the new fulfillment center will be certified by the Safe Quality Foods Institute (SQF) as food-grade.

In addition, World Park Four is conveniently positioned next to two major interstates, rail ports, and cargo hubs. The Cincinnati/N. Kentucky International Airport is located 30 miles south via I-75/I-275, CVG, DHL, Amazon Prime Air. The new facility will house Taylor’s full suite of value-added services, including pick & pack solutions, kitting, eCommerce fulfillment, packaging, product staging, and special projects.

About Taylor Logistics, Inc. 

Taylor Logistics Inc. is the Nation’s Most Progressive Family Owned logistics company. From their founding in 1850 to today, Taylor is currently in sixth and seventh-generation ownership. Taylor’s passion is finding solutions for their customers through their various services. From warehousing both contract and public, freight brokerage, eCommerce, packaging, kitting, drayage, and trucking. All of which are customizable and technology-driven. Their 170 years of logistics experience have proven that they are not merely a vendor for your company – they are an extension of your team with a clear understanding of our responsibility to replicate your organization’s strategic business goals. 

Talk With Taylor

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B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Cold Supply Chain, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Fulfillment, Leadership, Lean, Ominchannel, Operations, People, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing

Taylor Logistics Inc, a Cincinnati-based third-party logistics company, has been named a Multichannel Merchant (MCM) Top 3PL for 2022, joining dozens of other leading third-party logistics providers selected by Multichannel Merchant in its seventh annual directory.

The criteria for MCM Top 3PL was determined based on industry experience, services offered, capabilities and performance.

“We are honored to be included with such an elite group of logistics and eCommerce solutions providers during this critical time,” said Noelle Taylor, Senior Marketing Manager, Taylor Logistics Inc. “This award is a great honor and recognizes every team member’s commitment to serving our customers and our core values.”

View the 2022 MCM list here

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Cincinnati, Customer Experience, Food & Beverage, Fulfillment, Leadership, Operations, People, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Third Party Logistics

Cincinnati, OH — November 30, 2021 — At Taylor Logistics Inc (TLI), our partners are critical to our continued growth and success – and we’re delighted to recognize a logistics partner and the impact they have on our customers and business. This year we are pleased to announce that Commonwealth Inc. is our 2021 Logistics Partner of the Year.

“Commonwealth has helped Taylor tremendously and has become an extension of our public warehouse division. Brent Collins, the President, has been excellent to work with the same with his team overall. We don’t see each other as competitors but as local 3PLs that can help each other,” said Grant Taylor, COO, Taylor Logistics Inc. “It is an honor for us to recognize Logistics Partner of the Year for all their work and contribution to the business. We look forward to continuing a successful partnership.”

This award was based on evaluating each company’s service portfolio and partnership scorecard performance – a rating system that assesses quality, extraordinary partnership, collaboration, and integrity – and input from Taylor senior leadership. In total, there were five partners nominated for the award. 

Logistics Partner of the Year: Commonwealth Inc. is a full-service third-party logistics company (3PL) headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, specializing in providing public & contract warehousing services. Their experience and expertise in warehousing, distribution, value-added services, and freight carrier management allows them to provide their clients a comprehensive and cost-effective logistics strategy. www.commonwealthinc.com

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Cold Supply Chain, Customer Experience, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Fulfillment, Inventory Management, Leadership, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, People, Processes, Retail, Safety, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing
BevNet-Live-2021-Santa-Monica-Taylor-Logistics-

On Dec. 6 and 7, the beverage industry will gather in person in Santa Monica, CA, to learn and take action at BevNet Live! Team Taylor will be there, and we want to talk with you! We are here for you if you have any questions or want to chat on areas of interest in fulfillment, packaging, eCommerce, operations, supply chain, and logistics. Are you going to BevNet Live? Let us know!

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Cold Supply Chain, Customer Experience, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Leadership, Ominchannel, Operations, People, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Value-Added Services
NCLC

Taylor is excited to be a member of the National Confectioners’ Logistics Council.

The National Confectioners’ Logistics Council, Inc., was first organized in 1945. Its early focus was in the tariff field as the rate-bureaus attempted to make significant changes in the rate structures. Cooperative action was instrumental in achieving benefits for the members.

As the field of logistics has matured, the focus of the organization has evolved. The NCLC now works to make its members more knowledgeable and skilled in their professions and promotes collaborative action among the supply chain members.

The NCLC holds an annual meeting at which leaders in the field speak, and members share accomplishments. Attendees at the meeting return to their jobs with a better understanding of the latest technology, theories, regulations, and terminology.

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eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Fulfillment, Lean, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, Retail, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing

It’s time to start planning for the holiday shipping race! From Black Friday to December 23rd, it’s always a rush to make sure items are delivered in time. Or maybe you’re just trying to ship one parcel in time for the holidays. Either way, the holiday season is swiftly approaching, and it’s time to start preparing. Here are your deadlines for USPS, UPS, and FedEx:

USPS 2021 Deadlines


Service TypeShipping Cutoff Date
Retail Ground™Wednesday, December 15th, 2021
First Class Mail®Friday, December 17th, 2021
Priority Mail®Saturday, December 18th, 2021
Priority Mail Express®Thursday, December 23rd, 2021

UPS 2021 Deadlines


Service TypeShipping Cutoff Date
Ground®Check UPS.com/CTC 
3 Day Select®Tuesday, December 21st, 2021
2nd Day Air® ServicesWednesday, December 22nd, 2021
Next Day Air®Thursday, December 23rd, 2021

FedEx 2021 Deadlines


Service TypeShipping Cutoff Date
FedEx SmartPost®Thursday, December 9th, 2021
FedEx Ground®Wednesday, December 15th, 2021
Home Delivery®Wednesday, December 15th, 2021
Express Saver®Tuesday, December 21st, 2021
2Day® ServicesWednesday, December 22nd, 2021
Overnight® ServicesThursday, December 23rd, 2021
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Carriers, Cold Supply Chain, Cross-Docking, Drayage, Flatbed, Flatbed Transportation, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, LTL, Ominchannel, Operations, Port Services, Processes, Retail, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Technology, Third Party Logistics, TMS, Transloading, Truck Driving
FREIGHT UPDATE 2021 q4
This update is a report that analyzes data from multiple sources, including but not limited to FreightWaves SONAR, DAT, American Shipper, Morgan Stanley Research, FTR Transportation Intelligence, Journal of Commerce, and National Retail Federation(NRF).

The broken record phrase of “freight volumes continue to rise” is still in play. The current Outbound Tender Volume Index is roughly 3% higher year-over-year (YOY). We get that 3% might sound and look like a minimal increase but keep in mind volumes were accelerating quickly over the last several months of 2020. So while the comps are more challenging as we get into the more difficult months of 2021, the volumes are still dominating what they were a year ago. Our team is digesting the 2021 peak season and the factors that are currently influencing the market. 

Ports Delays Continue to Rise 

Many anticipated a slowdown in import activity, as ports are overburdened with operations and equipment trying to keep up with the constant influx of ships waiting to unload their cargo. But that is hardly the case. While the numbers fluctuate from day to day, there were 70 container ships in the queue on Monday in late September 2021, with a total capacity of 432,909 twenty-foot equivalent units. To put the vastness of that number in perspective, that’s more than the inbound container volume the Port of Long Beach handled in the entire month of August. It’s roughly what Charleston handles inbound in four months and what Savannah handles in two. So why the boom? Well, consumers are spending. eCommerce, a rise in CPG, the upcoming holiday season are driving demand for imported goods, requiring ships for transportation.

What happens when the cargo finally reaches the port? First, available trucks will flock to these locations due to the increased pay possibilities that this freight represents. Second, shippers and retailers waiting for their long-dormant freight will pay above-market rates to get their goods rushed directly to their destinations.

Consumers Buying Trends Continue to Increase 

Consumer goods have encountered extensive growth since the start of the pandemic, and there are no signs of this trend slowing down. Employment numbers, a reliable predictor of spending, are the strongest since March of last year. While consumer spending did not need employment numbers to remain elevated for the past year, a more stable job market bodes well for the economic outlook and trends to continue. In August, consumer spending bounced back from a mid-summer lull. During the past month, it jumped .8% after a decline of .1% in July. Moreover, income rose by .2% as consumer prices increased by .4%.

Partner With a Logistics Solutions Provider to Navigate Peak Season 

Our team is here for you. No matter the situation, we’ve got your back. 

We are here as your partner — we are an extension of your team with a clear understanding of our responsibility to replicate the strategic business goals of your organization. No matter the size of your business, we help our customers achieve the best possible freight outcomes and decrease overall costs.

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B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Safety, Key Performing Indicators, Safety, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Teamwork, Warehouse Awards, Warehousing
Team-Taylor-Safety-Warehouse-Awards

Congrats to our September 2021 monthly warehouse award winners from our team in Bellevue, NE. These awards are given based on productivity and QA points. One Team – One Mission!

Most improved– Hosea Byrd



Receiving award– None Given



Shipping award– Anthony Watts Jr.



Putaway award– Hosea Byrd



Picking award– David Williams & Carolina Gallegos



Replenish award– Hosea Byrd



Safety award– Hosea Byrd

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B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Cold Supply Chain, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight Brokerage, Fulfillment, Operations, Packaging, Processes, Retail, Safety, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Third Party Logistics, Transloading, Value-Added Services

On Dec. 6 and 7, the beverage industry will gather in person in Santa Monica, CA, to learn and take action at BevNet Live! Experts will speak to the community about innovations and challenges within the industry.

Team Taylor will be there, and we want to talk with you! We are here for you if you have any questions or want to chat on areas of interest in fulfillment, food-grade certifications, packaging, eCommerce, operations, supply chain management, and transportation.

Are you going to BevNet Live? Let us know!


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B2C Fulfillment, Customer Experience, D2C, Data, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, EDI, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Fulfillment, Inventory Management, ISDT, Key Performing Indicators, Ominchannel, Operations, Packaging, Processes, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Technology, WMS

There are several marketplaces for eCommerce sellers, but one of the largest in the game is Shopify. Why has Shopify snowballed? Its bulletproof no-code design allows sellers to set up a store, sell, accept payment, manage inventory, showcase product pages, and connect with partners.

Are you using Shopify and looking to transition your fulfillment to a third-party logistics provider? Yes, it might sound a bit intimidating, but we promise it’s easier than you think! Your Shopify inventory dashboard will match your logistics partner WMS inventory, returns will be seamless, and you can focus on your core business by leaving the logistics to a 3PL (cough, cough, Taylor).

Shopify x 3PL Partner


Just like Shopify, your 3PL is here to help your business grow. A logistics partner can help with fulfillment management, inventory control/ planning, transportation, and excellent parcel shipping rates. Utilizing outsourced logistics, you’ll have more time to launch new products, make some TikToks, expand your brand, and focus on your business goals.

Find a 3PL Who Loves a Shopify Integration


A solid 3PL will have a Shopify integration widget that enables sellers to manage their Shopify storefront, design, new products, sales, etc. but connect it to a 3PL to handle fulfillment and shipping. In addition, the integration will allow sellers to see real-time inventory info within the Shopify dashboard. So selling out products will never be an issue; it will also help you forecast future demand.

Here’s how it works, when orders are placed through Shopify, it will go straight into the 3PLs warehouse management system. Making order management simple because it’s automated, there’s no need to upload a spreadsheet, download, or even click the mouse. Once you set up the Shopify store and connect via EDI, orders will flow directly to the fulfillment center and will be processed. The advantage of partnering with a logistics company is that you have real people handling your inventory and business. You can call on your personal assigned rep, tech superuser team, operations managers, and even the COO. There’s no call center, no putting in a ticket, no waiting for support.

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Food & Beverage, Food Grade

There are thousands upon thousands of food-grade carriers on the roads. How do you know which ones you can trust? Whether you the brains behind creating a food or beverage product or a 3PL, some measures should be in place to guarantee safe, quality food shipping. At Taylor, we have a developed process that ensures we choose the most suitable carriers every time. Sure, sometimes things don’t go according to plan but using a trusted food grade carrier helps minimize potential fallout. We examine critical things to look for in a food warehousing provider in our previous blog post. In this post, let’s look at things outside of the warehouse, onto the loading dock, and into the trailer as we examine items you should be looking for in a food-grade carrier.

Compliance

Carrier authority is the permission carriers need to operate. Authority is given out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and there are several different types of authority out there. A food-grade carrier should have Motor Carrier of Property authority. Carriers can acquire safety through the FMCSA SAFER system. This system provides necessary information about the carrier and, more importantly, a safety rating. Make sure to stay away from “Conditional” and “Unsatisfactory” ratings.

Temperature Preservation

Your products’ safety and integrity are also closely tied to their environmental conditions, temperature, and humidity. A carrier will need to ensure that your products are kept at the appropriate conditions while on the dock and during temperature-controlled trucking. Here’s a great example, ice cream needs to be kept at -20°F and most confectionery products at 65°F. Exceptional care needs to be taken to keep each product in range. Once in the product is loaded on the trailer, your carrier must have the ability to monitor temperature during the journey.

Carrier History

New carriers are always popping up, and plenty of times, it can be very beneficial to use them for shipping. However, if you are looking for someone to bring onto a contracted lane or a critical shipment, it helps look into their past. From simply confirming how long they have been in business to looking through online reviews.

To Sum It Up

At Taylor, we combine warehousing, eCommerce, transportation, packaging, and kitting services for a fully integrated food logistics strategy. These solutions – combined with our technology and ability to scale as your business scales in the food, beverage, confectionery, flavoring, and pet food spaces – gives you the peace of mind that your products are in good hands as they travel throughout the supply chain to your customers. Sound like a plan? Give our team a shout by filling out the form below or send a message to our inbox at info@taylorlog.com. Need a quote asap? Get one here.


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Amazon, Amazon Fulfillment, B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Cincinnati, Cross-Docking, Customer Experience, D2C, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Essential Workers, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Fulfillment, Leadership, Operations, People, Processes, Safety, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Teamwork, Technology, Third Party Logistics, Warehousing

CINCINNATI — Taylor Logistics Inc. (TLI), a Cincinnati-based third-party logistics company, announced plans to open another public fulfillment center outside Cincinnati later this month. At 5257 E Provident Dr. in Cincinnati, Ohio, the new location will be the companies third public multi-client warehouse in Cincinnati. Their headquarters (World Park 1) is positioned just down the street at 9756 International Blvd and World Park 2 on the same road at 10095 International Blvd.

Taylor Logistics Warehouse Locations
Taylor Logistics | Public Warehouse Locations

“Our customized solutions, time-sensitive scalability, and technology have proven we are not merely a vendor for our customers but a partner, a team,” said Director of Warehouse Operations AJ Raaker. “This new addition for team Taylor is perfectly positioned for any business’s supply chain; Cincinnati’s ever-changing industry landscape and proximity to the consumer makes 5257 the perfect spot; here we grow, again!”

The brand new 130,000 square foot warehouse located on Provident Dr. is conveniently positioned next to two major interstates, rail ports, and cargo hubs. The Cincinnati/N. Kentucky International Airport is located 30 miles south via I-75/I-275, CVG, DHL, Amazon Prime Air. Being true to our food, beverage, flavoring, and pet food partners, this new building will be in Taylor standard as food grade. 

Brand New Building | 5257 E Provident Dr. Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

About Taylor Logistics, Inc. 

Taylor Logistics Inc. is the Nation’s Most Progressive Family Owned logistics company. From their founding in 1850 to today, Taylor is currently in sixth and seventh-generation ownership. Taylor’s passion is finding solutions for their customers through their various services. From warehousing both contract and public, freight brokerage, packaging, kitting, drayage, and trucking. All of which are customizable and technology-driven. Their 170 years of logistics experience have proven that they are not merely a vendor for your company – they are an extension of your team with a clear understanding of our responsibility to replicate your organization’s strategic business goals. 

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B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, Customer Experience, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Freight, Freight Brokerage, Freight Technology, Internet of Things, Inventory Management, Key Performing Indicators, Ominchannel, Operations, Processes, SQF, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Taylor Information, Team Taylor, Technology

First things first, let’s define what it means to be nimble. 

nim·ble | /?nimb?l/ | adjective

Quick and light in movement or action; agile.

It might not be a term you use in everyday jargon, but hey, it’s a great word, and it translates exceptionally to the eCommerce supply chain world. How? Well, nimbleness relates to how quickly an eCommerce business can adjust to ever-changing expectations in speed and delivery. To maintain customer expectations, stay competitive, and grow, a nimble supply chain must also react promptly to delays, changes, and unexpected consumer patterns.

In this riveting blog post, you will learn how critical it is for your supply chain to be nimble, what it means for your business, plus some strategies and best practices to improve your eCommerce supply chain. 

What does it mean to have a nimble supply chain?

Having a nimble supply chain means how quickly and efficiently an eCommerce company can react to consumer trends and market changes. It also relates to the ability to forecast, maintain, and bounce back from unforeseen events. Here are some ways to create a nimble supply chain:

Optimize and improve logistics operations efficiently


Working with an amazing 3PL (cough, cough, Taylor)


Gain visibility into operations and real-time access data


Quickly implement the latest technology and automation

How to meet and exceed market demands 

We’ve said market and consumer trends six times by now. But, for a good reason, one of the most significant benefits of having a nimble supply chain is that it enables you to consistently meet customer demand around fast, affordable shipping, despite fluctuations in order volume. To develop supply chain “nimbleness,” a company needs to consider different ways to guarantee customer satisfaction despite possible disruptions or sudden changes in the market. Here are some examples of staying on the cusp of consumer trends by having a nimble supply chain: 

Integrating logistics automation and technology


Working with an amazing 3PL (cough, cough, Taylor)


Having a mix of parcel carriers 

Cut costs

One essential part of running a successful eCommerce operation is finding ways to optimize logistics costs, including:

Warehousing and storage fees 


Labor


Order fulfillment


Shipping + parcel costs 

There are several ways you can optimize costs and keep your business nimble from sourcing products closer to home to reduce transportation costs to using an excellent 3PL partner like Taylor. 

Get a 3PL partner

Cough, cough Taylor. But in all seriousness operating your own warehouse network, investing in technology, and improving operations is highly time-consuming and costly, and it doesn’t always directly tie to driving revenue. Taylor is a solutions-based third-party logistics provider that offers a full suite of supply chain services like fulfillment, packaging, kitting, FBA/FBM, transportation, drayage, and shipping. Partnering with #TeamTaylor can help you worry less about making your supply chain nimble, so you can focus more time on other initiatives, such as generating sales, product development, and marketing.

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Amazon, Amazon Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, eCommerce, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Fulfillment, Key Performing Indicators, Warehousing, WMS
Amazon Fulfillment Cincinnati Ohio

Raise your hand if you have an Amazon Prime account? Oh wow, 150 million+ hands raised? In the 25 years since Amazon was launched, it has become a household name, and is the biggest eCommerce site in the world. Having your products sold on Amazon immensely increases your audience. Amazon allows sellers to fulfill orders themselves or let Amazon handle fulfillment. Let’s dive into your options as an Amazon seller.

Lot’s of Acronyms to Digest When Talking Amazon Shipping; Let’s Break it Down:

Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA)


Self-fulfilled order processing route, like Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM)


Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP)

What is Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA)?

FBA means Fulfilled by Amazon, you sell it and Amazon ships it.


The seller sends bulk products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers for Amazon to pick, pack, and ship products once sold.

What is Amazon Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM)?

Amazon Fulfilled by Merchant is a fulfillment method in which an Amazon seller is responsible for fulfilling its products purchased on Amazon.


FBM can be managed through a seller directly or by partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider.


FBM can be more cost-effective if you can ship orders for a more sensible price compared to what FBA will charge by using your delivery partners and network, or your 3PL’s network.


FBM is a great Amazon seller shipping option it allows you the freedom to run your business as you like in terms of scalability, fulfillment methods, and inventory level control.

What is Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP)?

Similar to FBM, you store, pick, pack, and ship your products to the customers yourself and handle all communications with the customer.


However, this shipping option also allows you access to prime customers, competing with businesses that pay the enormous fees for FBA.


SFP is ideal for sellers who have warehouse space and staff that can handle the order fulfillment or companies with a 3PL that can offer scalability and flexibility. To be successful as an SFP seller, you need to make sure that it would be more profitable for you than FBA or FBM.


Becoming an SFP seller streamlines your fulfillment process as you only need to manage inventory in your warehouses, instead of managing that inventory as well as additional inventory in Amazon’s warehouses.

Taylor Logistics Amazon Fulfillment

Partnering With A 3PL | Amazon Fulfillment

Have experience with the program. Dealing with SFP requirements can be difficult.


Your 3PL should have advanced software that integrates directly with Amazon and gives you real-time visibility into order status and metrics.


You need a 3PL who is focused on customer service. Putting your SFP reputation into someone else’s hands is a leap of faith. Make sure you pick a partner who’s on your side, 100%.

Amazon Solutions Experts

Our team knows that all of the Amazon seller shipping options can be complicated and overwhelming. It can be challenging to decide which option is best for your business, especially when one option doesn’t fit all. It depends on the product you are selling, fulfillment capabilities, profit margins, and more. Our team knows how to meet Amazon’s stringent requirements for whichever option you choose. We have the solutions to help you scale your business, and we have the technology to execute the specifications for any Amazon shipment.

Talk With Taylor

Remember, the holiday season is around the corner. If you don’t have your fulfillment partner in place soon, you could be left out in the cold. Contact us today, and leave Black Friday and Cyber Monday to us. Fill out the form below and we will be in touch ASAP!


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B2B Fulfillment, B2C Fulfillment, eCommerce Fulfillment, Food & Beverage, Food Grade, Food Safety, Fulfillment, Leadership, Lean, SQF, Team Taylor, Teamwork
Taylor Logistics Food Safety

Last week, our Bellevue Team underwent a Safe Quality Foods audit scoring an outstanding 97%. This is an exceptional accomplishment, and we appreciate the dedication to food safety and food quality. A special kudos to the entire Bellevue team. We will be adding yet another championship banner!! One team, one mission!

What is SQF?

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality program recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers worldwide. Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), the SQF family of food safety and quality codes are designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all food supply chain sectors – from the farm to retail stores. This rigorous farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification also help food producers assure their buyers that their food products meet the highest possible global food safety standards.

Why is SQF Important For Your Brand?

This farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification helps food producers assure their buyers that food products have been grown, processed, prepared, and handled according to the highest possible global food safety standards. It can immediately improve your standing in the eyes of new partners and deals. For everyone at Taylor, this achievement is an excellent validation of our hard work and our team’s commitment to safe food operations. For you, it means increased protection in the event of recalls, improved operational efficiencies in our work together, managed risks, and peace of mind with certified due diligence.

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