Overcoming Summer Shipping Challenges in the Food and Beverage Industry
Insights and Strategies from Fairmont Logistics to ensure successful delivery of your goods in the busy summer months.
The summer months bring a unique set of challenges for food and beverage companies involved in shipping across the United States. Rising temperatures, increased demand, and changing consumer behaviors all contribute to a complex logistics landscape. During this time, there is also a great opportunity to drive additional business and increase your gross profit. For example, in the beer industry, some companies see 40% of total annual sales come from May through August.
We’re sharing valuable insights and strategies to consider to help overcome the challenges faced during the summer season and ensure the successful delivery of your perishable goods.
Managing Temperature Control
Temperature-Sensitive Products: Always discuss the impact of high temperatures on perishable food and beverage products, and explore best practices for maintaining temperature control throughout the shipping process. This includes leveraging advanced refrigeration systems, using insulated packaging, and collaborating with carriers that prioritize temperature management.
Heat Waves and Delays: Ensure that the potential disruptions caused by heat waves and extreme weather conditions are addressed, along with strategies to mitigate risks. This may involve adjusting shipping schedules, monitoring weather forecasts, and implementing contingency plans to ensure the timely delivery of products.
Talk to Fairmont’s Temperature Control Experts
Handling Increased Demand
Seasonal Demand Peaks: There can be a surge in demand during the summer months for fresh produce, beverages, and outdoor dining supplies. Anticipate and manage increased demand through accurate forecasting, proactive inventory management, and efficient supply chain planning.
Scalability and Flexibility: Highlight the importance of having a scalable supply chain and the ability to quickly adapt to changing demands. This may involve partnering with logistics providers who have a wide network and sufficient capacity to accommodate increased volumes during peak periods.
Learn more about Fairmont Logistics network
Ensuring Product Quality and Freshness
Shelf Life Optimization: Offering strategies to extend product shelf life, including implementing efficient inventory rotation practices, minimizing product handling, and leveraging advanced packaging technologies that provide enhanced insulation and protection.
Quality Control: Emphasize the significance of rigorous quality control measures to maintain product integrity throughout the shipping process. This includes conducting regular inspections, implementing proper hygiene protocols, and adhering to food safety regulations.
Questions? Reach out to our quality experts.
Enhancing Communication and Visibility
Real-Time Tracking: Discuss the importance of real-time visibility into shipments during the summer months to proactively address any potential issues. Exploring technologies like GPS tracking, temperature monitoring, and ELD sensors that enable businesses to closely monitor their shipments and make informed decisions.
Collaboration with Carriers: The value of open communication and collaboration with carriers cannot be underestimated. Emphasize the need for clear communication regarding temperature requirements, delivery expectations, and contingency plans to ensure a smooth shipping process.
Continuous Improvement and Evaluation
Post-Season Analysis: Conduct post-season evaluations to identify areas for improvement. Analyze shipping data, customer feedback, and operational performance metrics which can provide valuable insights to optimize processes and mitigate challenges in future summer shipping seasons.
Proactive Planning: Stressing the importance of proactive planning and early preparation for upcoming summer shipping challenges. Encouraging businesses to evaluate their logistics strategies, assess their partnerships, and implement necessary changes well in advance.
While summer presents unique challenges for food and beverage companies involved in shipping, it also offers opportunities for growth and success (as of 2022, the global beverage market is valued at $1.8 trillion!). By understanding and proactively addressing these challenges, businesses can ensure the delivery of high-quality, fresh products to their customers.
Trust Fairmont Logistics as your partner in navigating the complexities of summer shipping, and leverage our expertise to overcome obstacles and achieve seamless logistics operations during the summer season and beyond.