COVID-19 has caused widespread disruption for businesses around the world. How can we prevent our supply chains from freezing up under extreme amounts of pressure? The shipping process and final-mile shipping in particular are a potential pressure point, so being flexible and finding new work-arounds is essential. Keep reading for some strategies from Inbound Logistics to minimize issues with shipping.
E-commerce and Shipping
Normally, e-commerce sales make up 11% of retail sales. Now, under quarantine and amidst store closures, online shopping is skyrocketing. Businesses are navigating unfamiliar terrain and have to adapt capacities in order to keep up.
Final-mile delivery is particularly impacted, as it is a labor intensive process even under normal conditions. Additionally, new types of goods are being shipped, which causes a costly issue for delivery vehicles on the local level that are restricted to regulatory constraints on volume of goods and time on the road.
By optimizing the packaging of each item, you can reduce the strain on delivery vehicles. For example, try to consolidate shipments and improve the packing and cube utilization of packing. Another great strategy is to aim to keep as many sales as possible “buy online/pick up in store” (BOPIS) and avoid having to facilitate shipping altogether.
Contactless Delivery
With health and safety concerns, limiting face-to-face interaction is a must. More businesses are turning to contactless delivery, so that shoppers have the option to receive their items without direct contact.
Security
Another concern with final-mile shipments occurs when the package has already arrived at the customer’s doorstep. Approximately 36% of Americans have had a package stolen from outside their home. Consider ways that unattended packages can be tracked, such as email notifications upon delivery. This way, the customer has peace of mind that they can pick up their purchase immediately and limit the window of opportunity for theft.
As you navigate the new supply chain landscape, we are here to help! Contact us to find out how we can work together. Let’s create a supply chain that is more efficient, accurate, and connected with innovative technology solutions, together.
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