Transporting quality food is an essential part of the food supply chain to be running smoothly. The US alone generates hundreds of billions of pounds a year, so it is up to us to deliver food to customers in a timely fashion. Most food products have a shelf life, which makes it vital that quality and safety is kept up with in food logistics. A disruption in operations can lead to food being spoiled and your business running into legal trouble or customer dissatisfaction. However, there are a good number of methods that can be utilized to avoid such potential issues. Here are a few ways to ensure that food is transported with quality and safety.
Quality Modes of Transportation
Be aware of what kind of mode of transportation you are using to get your food shipped. There is a special need for raw or cold foods to be delivered within a time frame, but also at the right temperature. Have knowledge of the types of trucks out there that would work best for the kind of food you are trying to transport. Food logistics could use reefers or LTL trucks, but that is for you or a 3PL partner to choose. You need to be sure that you are complying with all applicable laws as well.
Storage and Shipping of Quality Food
Next, you don’t want to spend all your money on just shipping food products. Consider the inexpensive shipping options. One way to save money is consolidating shipments from multiple buyers when it is possible. By reviewing the locations of the freights, you can determine if they can be consolidated into a less than truckload (LTL). You need to be sure that you are complying with all applicable laws as well. This means, that even through consolidation is an option, you do not want to contaminate certain foods. It is important to separate some raw foods from other products during transport.
Along with the right packing and storage, you want to plan out routes that will benefit you, your carriers and customers. Smart truck route planning can make or break food supply chain logistics. Be tactical so that products stay on schedule and are shipped to the correct location. And when they arrive at their destination, ensure that carriers are loading and unloading food products as per protocol. The safety of food flows through production until consumption, and correct transportation handling is the biggest of them all.
Food Logistics and Transportation Communication
The best way to ensure quality shipping is through communication. A 3PL food logistics’ level of quality is impacted by internal communication, communication with the shipper, and with the carrier. There needs to be regular check-ins and communication between departments and teams to make sure that processes are going smoothly, and the quality is staying consistent. Additionally, there needs to be regular meetings so that everyone on the team is on the same page. This is especially important for produce seasons. The team needs to know the changes and shifting demands in the market so that they can plan accordingly. Any sort of delay or change absolutely needs to be communicated so that the shipper can adjust so that no food is wasted.
Technology would help in communicating the location of your food products by systems like Track and Trace. Take advantage of data that is provided using technology in the operations. You want to find efficient ways to increase productivity and manage costs.
At Becker Logistics, we know accountability and food shipping. Food freight makes up a majority of our overall shipping and we have the knowledge and know-how to ensure that every food shipment is delivered with quality. If you would like to see how Becker Logistics can improve your food shipping then, reach out and contact us today. Additionally, if you want to get started shipping now the request a quote here.
