Have you ever had issues with port congestion or total transit time and cost issues for international freight? Taylor Logistics has a specific team that specializes in services with the New Jersey/New York Ports.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Regardless of the time, day, month, or year, we can provide a precise update on what is happening with your cargo. If there are any problems, we will notify you so that a solution may be implemented before matters escalate. In addition, the information provided is so accurate that you do not have to worry about complaints later for incorrect information or the correct information at the wrong time. If you’re not already partnering with a 3PL with container tracking capabilities, let’s walk you through how your business can benefit.
Container tracking is a series of technological functions that allows shippers, carriers, and freight forwarders to access the latest status updates on cargo. The technology is effective regardless of location, time zone, route, port, personnel, and cargo type. Despite these benefits, experts are still trying to understand why the technology is not widely used in the sector.
Container tracking provides operations teams with accurate freight arrival and departure times, improving personnel productivity and exception management by reducing manual detective work by 20-50%.
The ocean carriers have been slower to introduce this new technology because hours and minutes matter in trucking, whereas ocean shipping thinks more in terms of days. Identifying and responding to potential disruptions can significantly reduce demurrage fees and accessorial charges. This innovation and profit-boosting system for container tracking requires on-demand access to accurate and reliable accountability streams.
By partnering with Taylor, you gain access to our container tracking capabilities; we constantly evolve our technology to be best in class. That’s why we partner with project44 to provide our customers with the best data. project44 delivers, covering more than 96% of the world’s container volumes, with the highest data quality and most accurate ETAs available. Have questions? Please fill out the form below, and a member of our team will reach out ASAP.
What we do is more than logistics. It’s people, it’s places, it’s things. We know our customers’ brands have important places to be, and we know how to get them there. Partner with Taylor today.
CINCINNATI, OH — December 20, 2022 — 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 Crowley Logistics Inc. is our 2022 Logistics Partner of the Year.
“Faced with another round of intense labor discussions with three of the largest rail unions in the country and a pending strike, Crowley worked exclusively with our team locally to ensure increased communication and foresight during and after the disruption from the short strike,” said Will Roberson, COO, Taylor Logistics Inc. “It is an honor to recognize Crowley as Logistics Partner of the Year for all their resilience, agility, and responsiveness. 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 four partners nominated for this award.
About Crowley: Jacksonville-based Crowley Holdings Inc., a holding company of the 123-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation, is a privately held family and employee-owned company. The company provides project solutions, energy and logistics services in domestic and international markets by means of six operating lines of business: Puerto Rico/Caribbean Liner Services, Latin America Liner Services, Logistics Services, Petroleum Services, Marine Services and Technical Services. Offered within these operating lines of business are: liner container shipping, logistics, contract towing and transportation; ship assist and escort; energy support; salvage and emergency response through its 50 percent ownership in Ardent Global; vessel management; vessel construction and naval architecture through its Jensen Maritime subsidiary; government services, and petroleum and chemical transportation, distribution and sales. Additional information about Crowley, its subsidiaries and business units may be found at www.crowley.com.
CINCINNATI, O.H. / — Each year, Taylor Logistics, Inc. recognizes a vendor partner who continue to raise the bar in delivering outstanding quality, innovation, value, and service. Taylor is proud to announce it has named Crown Equipment Corporation as its 2022 Vendor Partner of the Year. With all the delays happening with material handling, Crown was able to get Taylor’s latest public warehouse going in no time; and they’ve done an excellent job. Without Crown Taylor’s World Park Four location would not be what it is today.
“Our vendors and suppliers play an important role in Taylor’s success year after year through innovative solutions, new products, and with a consistent focus on processes improvement,” said Will Roberson, COO, Taylor Logistics Inc. “It is an honor for us to recognize vendor of the year for all their work and contribution to the business. We look forward to continuing a successful partnership.”
Award recipients were determined based on an evaluation of each company’s service portfolio 2022 vendor scorecard performance – a rating system that evaluates supplier performance in quality, extraordinary partnership, cost, collaboration, and integrity – and input from Taylor senior leadership. Vendor service categories include the following categories: suppliers, education, technology, data and intelligence, marketing, financial institutions, and insurance; there were five nominations this year.
Vendor Partner of the Year Crown Equipment: Since its entry into the material handling equipment industry in 1960, Crown has earned a reputation as a leading innovator in world-class forklift and material handling equipment. Crown designs and manufactures up to 85 percent of its lift truck components, including key parts like motors, drive units, and electronic modules. When it says Crown on the outside, it’s a Crown on the inside.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CINCINNATI, Taylor Logistics Inc. (TLI), a third-party logistics provider, was ranked amongst the Greater Cincinnati’s Largest Logistics Firms by the Cincinnati Business Courier (CBC).
Each year CBC runs an auditing survey ranking all logistics firms in the area on different criteria, including local full-time employees and the previous year’s revenue.
Taylor is proud to be listed as the fourth largest logistics firm in great company with other top providers.
View the CBC list for top logistics firms in greater Cincinnati
It’s that time of the year again when shoppers decide what gifts to buy, and merchants prepare for the busiest time of the year. However, to have a successful holiday season, consumers and eCommerce businesses must be aware of the 2022 holiday shipping deadlines.
Holiday shipping deadlines are a vital tool to help merchants manage customer expectations and minimize poor customer experiences resulting from late delivery. In this post, you’ll find the 2022 holiday shipping deadlines for USPS, FedEx, and UPS – along with some other pearls of wisdom for managing holiday shipping.
Thanks to worries about more price increases and the need to spread out holiday spending, consumers are starting their gift-buying earlier than ever before.
According to 4Over’s recent survey, 73% of consumers are expecting additional price hikes during the holiday season. As a result, 31% say they plan to start their holiday shopping in early November, while 23% plan to buy gifts as soon as possible.
Naturally, this has a big impact on what proportion of orders are going to be placed at what time. So while earlier shopping means fewer orders will come close to shipping cutoff dates, there are still the laggards to watch out for.
Shopify, the leading provider of essential internet infrastructure for commerce, offering trusted tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business of any size, has featured Taylor in its blog on warehouse management. This blog showcases how to make warehouse operations run smoothly for scaling brands. Since Taylor has tremendous experience helping brands from various industries scale, we spoke about the integral part a 3PL can play in helping your business.
Read the full Shopify article here
Research shows that 32% of brands will fulfill orders in a new country in 2022. Lean on a 3PL’s existing horde of international warehouses to reach global shoppers in less time, rather than opening up your own in popular warehousing locations with expensive leases.
Take it from Noelle Taylor, senior marketing manager at Taylor Logistics, who says, “Partnering with a 3PL to handle warehouse management allows brands to focus more on what’s important—growing their business and delivering the best possible customer experience.
“Committed 3PLs see their relationship with brands as a long-term partnership. As a result, they may be willing to invest in space, technology, and equipment to take your business to the next level.”
Now is a good time to join #TeamTaylor! We have several open positions on our job site like Account Executives, Drivers, Operators, and Coordinators. Come grow with us. Learn more here.
Fill out the form below, and a member of our team will reach out in no time.
With pumpkin spice season creeping upon us, many shippers and retailers are already deep into holiday logistical planning. Unfortunately, supply chain disruptions have felt like the movie “Groundhog Day” with the main character’s alarm clock representing the latest unexpected challenge. Since early 2020, many companies have struggled to keep products in stock and fulfill orders promptly. As forward-thinking brands look toward the fast-approaching 2022 holiday shopping season, it appears disruptions will again take a starring role.
Stock up on Holiday Inventory
According to Adobe Analytics, out-of-stock messages have increased by 172% since January 2020. Lack of stock is a surefire way to turn off customers and make them look elsewhere. Throughout the holidays, ensure that you have adequate supplies of your best-sellers and coordinate often with your partners. Additionally, logistics operations may experience delays during this period, due to the influx of many moving orders. When the shopping surge starts, it’s better to replenish your inventory early, so you can get those orders moving as soon as possible. Avoid long wait times and prevent customers from getting frustrated when they learn their preferred gift is out-of-stock.
Create a Redundancy Plan
There’s nothing worse than a package not reaching its final destination on time, especially during the holidays. So create a backup shipping plan to ensure your products are delivered on time. Like last year, some carriers will have trouble getting your packages out quickly and to your customers on time during this holiday season. To ensure packages get to customers during a surge, it’s advisable to have a relationship with a backup carrier. You never know where or when issues will arise. If you can quickly shift from one carrier to another in the event of any problems, you and your customers will be happy.
Increase Real-Time Network Visibility and Predictability
In today’s dynamic retail supply chain, visibility and predictability are crucial. The most advanced customer portals for shippers can process thousands of data points within seconds, allowing them to offer business intelligence and predictive analytics to help avoid delays. As a result, shippers can gain a rapid understanding of changing transit times that are imperative in calculating dynamic lead times to be used in near-term order cycle management. Taylor provides their customers with a custom portal for real-time visibility for proactive decision-making.
The best way to prepare is to start early and proactively address any shortcomings that could impact consumers. Some brands have already started placing orders to build up inventory in anticipation of the holiday rush. By prioritizing a holiday logistics strategy and dedicating time and energy to optimize related processes, brands can break out of the “Groundhog Day” loop to achieve sales goals and exceed customer expectations this holiday season. Leave the logistics to us and focus on your core business – partner with #TeamTaylor today.
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.
Providing solutions to managing port chaos is our thing here’s how we do it:
With Real-Time Visibility
We offer real-time GPS tracking, automated status updates, and notifications for every container. Leveraging the power of the project44 cloud-based platform allows Taylor to provide customers complete visibility throughout the supply chain.
Flexible Capacity
Whether you are shipping a couple of containers or hundreds, Taylor has a vast network of vetted carriers ready to handle your freight seamlessly from port to store or anywhere in between.
Fast Implementation
When it comes to port services, speed is of the essence. That’s why our teams are quick to deploy solutions for your needs. So if you’re looking for speed and high service levels, look no further- partner with Taylor.
Our easy-to-use cloud-based customer portal gives you access to real-time insights on your freight while in transit and allows you to review scheduled loads.
Now is a good time to join #TeamTaylor! We have several open positions on our job site like Account Executives, Drivers, Operators, and Coordinators. Come grow with us. Learn more here.
Fill out the form below, and a member of our team will reach out in no time.
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!
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.
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.
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!
CINCINNATI, Ohio. – MAY, 24th 2022—Taylor Logistics, a third-party logistics solutions provider, announced that it has partnered with project44 the world’s leading Advanced Visibility Platform™ for shippers and logistics service providers.
Leveraging the power of the project44 cloud-based platform allows Taylor to increase operational efficiencies, reduce costs, improve shipping performance, and deliver an exceptional customer experience. Connected to thousands of carriers worldwide and having comprehensive coverage for all ELD and telematics devices, project44 supports all transportation modes and shipping types.
“We are excited about our partnership with project44. This allows our customers complete visibility throughout the supply chain that we were missing on the front end,” said Vince Bonhaus, Vice President of Logistics, Taylor Logistics Inc. “project44 was the obvious choice for our growing business.”
project44 is a Leader among Real-Time Transportation Visibility Providers, according to the Gartner Magic Quadrant. To learn more, visit www.project44.com.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
On March 28th through the 31st, companies involved in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and distribution will gather in person in Atlanta, Georgia, to learn and take action at MODEX 2022. 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, transportation, food safety, and logistics.
MODEX 2022 is a space to make new contacts, discover cutting-edge solutions, and learn the latest trends that are sure to give you a leg up on the competition. From illuminating education to next-generation technology and equipment in action, MODEX lets you see what’s coming — and take advantage of it to power your supply chain with more possibilities for years to come.
Find the best the industry has to offer to:
Connect with over 900 of the leading providers and see in-person, in-action how their efficiency-enhancing and cost-cutting equipment and technology solutions can futureproof your supply chain.
Learn from the industry’s best minds how key industry trends and innovations can transform your manufacturing and supply chain operations during 100+ free education sessions and four powerful keynotes.
Meet with your industry peers from the U.S. and countries across the globe.
Taylor Logistics, a third-party logistics solutions provider, announced that it has launched its next-generation warehouse management portal for business partners in conjunction with warehouse management provider Zethcon.
A recent survey conducted by Gartner found that 64% of fulfillment and warehouse providers do not offer customers a portal to check inventory, gain access to reporting and scheduling. That leaves a wide margin of warehouses and fulfillment centers that have yet to uncover the advancements that can be achieved with a cloud-based portal for their customer base.
SynapseAnywhere portal is mobile, desktop, and tablet compatible
Customers can export reports and desktop data fields in these formats (Excel, PDF., web browser)
Apply custom filters to search inventory quickly
Build your own inbound or outbound orders if you are not EDI compatible
Utilize EDI dictionary passthrough characters for header and line item details from integrated EDI data for your systems data
Delivering real-time data visibility
Enjoy all the benefits of a cloud-based platform with its anytime, anywhere capabilities
“The move towards a cloud-based customer portal meets two of Taylor’s key strategic goals, which include innovation and customizability. Our ability to evolve and adapt to the changing demands of our customers and meet our responsibilities as corporate citizens as the network of our facilities grows is integral to the value we provide. The new WMS portal is a continuous flow of accurate and real-time data, entirely customizable.” Said Scott Dowers, Senior WMS Superuser – BI Admin
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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As a third-party logistics (3PL) company, we are here to help your business. We consider ourselves an extension of your team, a partner. As you grow and evolve, we grow and evolve right alongside you. From expanding your brand from retail to offering direct-to-consumer fulfillment to drayage and port services, we’ve got you covered. Discover more about #TeamTaylor by clicking the below links.
Cross docking is the transfer of inbound goods to an outbound carrier through the use of a cross docking facility – that is, a temporary storage terminal that cuts out or reduces the need for inventory storage. All incoming goods are sorted and loaded onto outbound trucks as quickly as possible – often immediately.
The cross docking market is growing yet again! Globally it’s expected to reach US$342 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of around 6%. This growth is fueled by increasing consumer expectations for delivery times, putting pressure on the supply chain through the ‘need for speed’.
Reduced costs, particularly any costs associated with long-term inventory storage and associated facilities, labor and utilities
Improved stock turnover, as the goal of cross docking is to get goods in and out as efficiently as possible
Minimized risk, given there’s reduced handling of goods and no long-term storage that could increase the chance of spoilage
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.
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.”
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!
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.
CINCINNATI, Taylor Logistics Inc. (TLI), a third-party logistics provider, was ranked amongst the Greater Cincinnati’s Largest Logistics Firms by the Cincinnati Business Courier (CBC). Top logistics provider
Each year CBC runs an auditing survey ranking all logistics firms in the area on different criteria, including local full-time employees and the previous year’s revenue.
Taylor is proud to be listed as the fourth largest logistics firm in great company with other top providers.
View the CBC list for top logistics firms in greater Cincinnati
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:
| Service Type | Shipping 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 |
| Service Type | Shipping Cutoff Date |
| Ground® | Check UPS.com/CTC |
| 3 Day Select® | Tuesday, December 21st, 2021 |
| 2nd Day Air® Services | Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021 |
| Next Day Air® | Thursday, December 23rd, 2021 |
| Service Type | Shipping 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® Services | Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021 |
| Overnight® Services | Thursday, December 23rd, 2021 |
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Noelle and Chris are chit-chatting on a bunch of different topics on this episode of Taylor Talk. Amazon prep services for FBA, the future of eCommerce, and helping feed the Cincinnati community with an excellent local nonprofit Last Mile Food Rescue. There’s also a new segment called “Corporate Chris,” where Chris breaks down his least favorite corporate email phrases. Want to be on an episode or have a topic you want our team to cover? Email us info@taylorlog.com. Listen now here!
If you’re in the Cincinnati area, please look at the fantastic work Last Mile Food Rescue is doing to help out the community. Have 90 minutes, a car and a drive to make a change? Download our app and sign up to rescue perfectly good food from ending up in landfills and transport it to one of our nonprofit partners that fight food insecurity in our Greater Cincinnati community. Download the Last Mile app on iOS or Android and discover what happens when you go the mile. Last Mile Food Rescue Website.
Supply & Demand Chain Executive Announces 2021
Pros to Know Winners
This award recognizes outstanding executives whose accomplishments leverage supply chains for competitive advantage
Fort Atkinson, WI — March 17, 2021 — Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only publication covering the entire global supply chain, announces the winners of its 2021 Pros to Know award.
This award recognizes outstanding executives whose accomplishments offer a roadmap for other leaders looking to leverage supply chain for competitive advantage. This year’s list includes individuals and teams from software and service providers, consultancies and academia, trucking and transportation firms, professional development agencies, sourcing and procurement divisions, and more, all who have helped supply chain clients and the supply chain community at large prepare to meet many of today’s—and tomorrow’s—challenges.
“While many companies have struggled to re-gain their footing as a result of COVID-19, this year’s Pros to Know winners stepped up to the plate to deliver innovative solutions and programs in a time of crisis and need. These winners collaborated, optimized, developed, educated and played a critical role in the survival and success of their company amid a global pandemic,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics. “I am honored to recognize these individuals and teams, and extend my utmost gratitude to everyone in the supply chain industry for their time, efforts and innovations to keep our nation’s supply chains afloat.”
Go to www.sdcexec.com to view the full list of all 2021 Pros to Know winners.
About Supply & Demand Chain Executive
Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Go to www.SDCExec.com.
At Taylor, we know your products have important places to be, like a child’s 5th birthday, signing the papers for a new car, running a marathon, or happy hour. We’re here to help make sure they get there, from getting your products to Whole Foods or Ralphs to creating multipacks so people can enjoy more of your brand. We help brands explode & we go where you need us. We are your supply chain management experts.
We know it can be challenging to find a logistics partner to handle all of your brand’s needs. While a lot of partners can manage certain aspects, they can’t handle the others. What do we mean by this? Oftentimes you might have to outsource your transportation and shipping needs to one partner while doing your fulfillment and distribution at another. In the end, it can be difficult to have complete supply chain transparency when two or more companies are running your brand’s logistics.
Supply chain visibility is the ability to track raw materials and components from origin suppliers and manufacturers through the organization’s manufacturing facilities to customers. This definition extends to include tracking goods from suppliers through to end customers (B2C or B2B) for retail operations.
Today’s businesses rely on comprehensive and often multi-layered networks of vendors, suppliers, and customers, resulting in complex supply chains incorporating vast amounts of information from a range of sources. Effectively managing your networks, and therefore visibility is essential for an optimized supply chain. It would help if you had a partner that can handle your products from the ports in New Jersey to Ralphs’ shelves in California and everything in between. The between can be anything from relabeling cases, Amazon FBA/FBM, creating multi-packs of products, and POP in-store displays. Rest assured, you should have fast, efficient, and reliable delivery, as well as outstanding service, for you and your customers.
Taylor has been in business for 170+ years; they have altered their business to better suit customers’ needs throughout their extensive history. There’s a saying that goes, ” I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two,” and that’s deep-rooted in Taylor. From fortune 500 companies to small businesses and special projects, they’ve seen a lot of things come through their dispatch center, fulfillment warehouses, and brokerage team—no task too big or too small for a team within Taylor to tackle. They are a solutions-based company that prides itself on innovation, safety, and technology. They can cover whatever your needs are, eCommerce, LTL shipping, port-to-door services, SQF food-grade distribution, finding a new logo for your packaging, kitting time studies, and anything else your brand might need help with; they will be the expert, or they will find the expert.
The decision to change your third-party logistics provider (3PL) provider can be a time-sensitive process that requires a lot of consideration and planning. It can be an excellent move that will help grow and push your business forward. We’re covering everything you need to know for a seamless transition!
Are your customers receiving damaged products? If your current provider is messing up orders in any capacity, this can significantly impact your reputation. We absolutely do not want that; it’s time to change!
Think about all that’s changed in the past couple of years; TikTok has taken over; consumers expect one-day delivery, and we can purchase anything from our phones. Can your 3PL keep up with the constant shift? Suppose your fulfillment provider hasn’t improved or expanded their technology, operations, or facilities since you started working with them. In that case, they might not be thinking ahead. It’s time to change!
Has your business significantly grown? It’s critical to find a team that will scale with your business. If your current 3PL can no longer handle the volume, it could be time to switch.
Do you feel like you have a reliable team that understands your specific business needs and will jump through hurdles for your business? You need that person you can text at any time of the day, even though they are in an entirely different time zone—a person who knows the ins-and-outs of your products, your brand, and your mission. A team that can collaborate to solve and issues that might arise. If you don’t have this kind of support system, it might be time to switch.
When changing providers, it’s wise to consider the timing of the transition. Many merchants search for a new provider to coincide with starting a new calendar or fiscal year. Ideally, switching during a quiet period operationally is best. It can also be helpful to transition to a new provider before adding a new product line or entering a new market. If your needs truly aren’t being met, then switch now!
Once you’ve found the perfect partner, you need to plan for a seamless transition. It is essential to have clearly defined processes to uphold customer service levels and maintain speed to customers, and control costs. Your new partner should take the time to understand your business requirements thoroughly and define the project scope upfront. Work with their team of key resources from operations, production, packaging, quality, and process engineering teams.
Ready to make a switch? Below are questions to ask a potential 3PL to assess whether they’re the best fit for your business so you can be confident in your choice.
Does your technology integrate with ours?
What types of products does the third-party logistics provider specialize in?
What will the 3PL provider do to meet my performance metrics?
What predictive analytics are available?
How have you handled or corrected errors in the past?
Is there a minimum monthly order volume to work with the fulfillment center?
How quickly can I expand with the fulfillment warehouse?
What is the company’s history?
How Extensive Is Their Network?
At Taylor, we helped hundreds of brands throughout the past challenging year with capacity, resources, expertise, and solutions to better their business. In 2020, we remained agile, kept operations moving with a record volume of orders, and all while keeping our team safe. Specifically, Team Taylor:
Kept all fulfillment centers open and operating safely
Opened a new strategically located warehouse
Added extra shifts to ensure products got out on time
Shared transparent carrier performance data
Added new carrier qualified partners to our network
There are several advantages companies can receive by outsourcing their supply chain management to a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider. As companies begin to grow, they may realize an in-house logistics team will lack the expertise needed to manage complex logistics operations cost-effectively. On the other hand, larger companies can find they don’t have the workforce required to handle a high shipment volume. A Deloitte study shows that 79% of businesses with highly efficient supply chains enjoy more significant than average revenues than others in their industries. Companies with such optimal supply chains have 3x faster cash-to-cash cycles.
Crafty businesses outsource supply chain management to professionals to gain several significant benefits and, thus, position their business for success. A trustworthy third-party logistics provider will take over the trouble of running your supply chain network, allowing you to:
Generate new ideas
Build better products/services
Strengthen customer relationships
Design and develop future strategies
What’s more — outsourcing to the right service provider not only allows you to focus on your core business, but you also enjoy the competitive advantage that comes with hiring supply chain management experts, including their access to resources, capabilities, technologies, skills, and networks. The following are the top advantages of partnering with a 3PL.
A 3PL’s network of transportation providers is a significant resource for any company with freight to move. Searching for proper equipment, insurance, and other qualifications can be a considerable undertaking—however, a 3PL vets their carrier network to include only qualified and reliable service providers. 3PLs can also leverage carrier relationships and volume discounts, which results in lower costs and faster service. Ultimately, choosing a 3PL allows businesses to benefit from capacity they would be hard-pressed to find in-house.
Outsourcing logistics saves a considerable amount of time and money for any organization. Using a 3PL can eliminate the necessity to invest in warehouse space, technology, transportation, and staff to execute supply chain processes. 3PLs also save time for their clients by handling day to day functions like booking, billing, and training; leaving companies ample time to focus on their core competencies.
A benefit of using a 3PL provider is the ability to scale space, labor, and transportation according to inventory needs. Businesses with seasonal periods can enjoy stress-free transitions between industry ups and downs, having the ability to utilize more space and resources when needed. Using a 3PL provider allows your business to grow into new regions without barriers.
Businesses can have confidence knowing reliable and experienced professionals are meeting their supply chain needs. A 3PL can share vital information tied to regulations, the freight market, and industry insights. A 3PL will often work with the same receiver locations for multiple clients, allowing them to share information on receiving preferences. Understanding customer requirements and communicating them to carriers can make a massive difference in performance.
3PLs have the expertise to help navigate manufacturers through new security regulations and can provide counsel on best practices to improve security policy and procedures. In many cases, 3PLs can manage the implementation of a supply chain security program, from facility and asset security to security monitoring services and training.
When all your freight, distribution, eCommerce, warehousing, etc. services are managed under one roof, it will save time and money, and probably give you comfort to know that everything is taken care of. Plus, when all logistics are connected, you as a business owner will have more control and better visibility, which means a smoother operation for your business. A solutions-based 3PL will have the labor, resources, infrastructure, and capital deployment to bring all the required services under one roof. Whether you need warehousing, value-added services, customs clearance, international freight forwarding, domestic transportation, or even IT-support, you can rely on a third-party logistics provider to take care of your business.
The value a 3PL provider can bring your business includes better rates, services, expertise, and a vast network of industry partnerships all along the supply chain. Many companies come to this understanding quickly and understand the benefits of outsourcing. Choosing the best 3PL, one that is well suited to your needs, will take a bit of effort upfront but will bring long-term benefits. A 3PL with core competencies that are the right fit will mean a long-term partner interested in generating growth for your business. If you are looking for help managing your logistics and supply chain, we would love to hear from you. Please send us a note to connect about how Taylor Logistics can help your company.
Omnichannel distribution is a multichannel approach taken by companies to give customers a way to purchase and receive orders from several sales channels with one-touch seamless integration. Omnichannel solutions provide seamless integration across all channels to provide a superior customer service experience. For example, giving consumers the flexibility to ship items from e-commerce sites to their homes or stores, which then creates supply chains that have strategic value, improving sales, and encouraging repeat purchases among consumers. Below are three beneficial omnichannel marketplace strategies in distribution and fulfillment.
Forecasting
In the omnichannel sphere, shipments from store locations are sometimes required to protect the quality of the customer experience. But every item that is shipped from a retail location depletes that store’s inventory and places additional strain on brick-and-mortar operations.
Inventory
Omnichannel success begins by creating a unique view of stock across all stores and distribution centers. To satisfy customer needs, retailers must quickly deliver merchandise to customers—regardless of where those customers make their purchases.
Return Control
Omnichannel return experiences require retailers to support returns at any location. So, regardless of where the order originated, you need a logistics strategy that allows your customers to return the merchandise at retail locations as well as distribution centers.
Over the past couple of weeks, our operations, IT, and superuser teams have been working vigorously to transition five distribution centers into e-commerce centers. This was a massive undertaking for our team because; e-commerce granted customers can break open cases, which was an entirely new process for us. Unlike a traditional brick in mortar stores that orders everything in cases, e-commerce customers like Amazon order everything in eaches, which means that we had to completely update every item in all five warehouses to handle both eaches and cases. Due to the different variables, our team also had to update all the quantities, volumes, weight, etc. to reflect the each or case. On October 12th, after a bunch of testing from our warehouse management system partner Zethcon our warehouses went live as e-commerce centers.
Systematically with this new change, our team was able to achieve:
Sending the ASNs to all customers no matter in which way they ordered in the UOMs that they want BOLs & packing lists are in the customer ordered UOM.
We are able to send a UPS tracking number with the order number to the customers that placed an order online.
We are able to pick all orders no matter the UOM and have it make sense to the picker.
Not for resale sticker communication to the picker when applicable for parcel orders.
Worldship integration with Zethcon’s WMS Synapse and more.
Our superuser team Scott Dowers & Nina Wilson exceeded all expectations by trial and error testing as well as SOP creation. Without help from their training program, the transition would not have gone so smoothly. Our EDI provider, Pinnacle, was also enormous as we had to re-write every single map. Not to mention, our operations Managers Randy Newman & Shaun Fehr, created packout lines that are running extremely efficiently.
One of our DC’s was able to ship out 175 parcel orders right after the implementation. Another special shout out to Jeffrey Godfrey & Jerod Brewer, who is leading the way for this implementation. Mitchell Blake & Tina Myers are fixing IC issues right on the spot, and with these changes, we see fewer and fewer errors. An outstanding effort from everyone on Team Taylor to get such a significant accomplishment completed across the entire network.
Our food grade experts came up with a list of criteria to consider before choosing a food grade warehousing provider.
Is it possible to utilize your warehouse space by over 100%? A Taylor warehouse location in Monroe, Ohio has over 13,000 locations, capacity and pallets with nearly 570 staged inventory. This warehouse is solely dedicated to one customer with two different types of products (cans and bags). During the February facility utilization report printed on 2/13 Operations Manager Shaun Fehr found a shocking figure that the space utilization was 101.15%.
How is this possible? Due to the high demand of the customers products it was a high priority for our operations team to figure out how to add more inventory with limited space. They came to the conclusion to put two pallets into locations that would normally just have one pallet. The below chart shows capacity as 13,158 and total palettes as 13,309 with this new configuration we are able to store 151 more pallets of product.
We continue to refine our practices in order to produce seamless and efficient work for our customers. It is important to us to focus on reducing cost and increase service throughout the DC network for our business partners.
