Successful retail shipping logistics and planning require attention to inbound shipping. That’s why industry leaders and shipping experts are considering innovative strategies to deal with the potential transportation problems. Flexibility and adaptability are essential to ongoing recovery and success.
According to data from The Logistics of Logistics, these strategies include expanding networks (56%), forming long-term contracts (38%), and optimizing delivery strategies. Additionally:
- Nearly 38% of respondents said they were improving their shipping procedures early in 2022.
- 25% were using alternative shipment routes.
- Almost 19% were looking for long-term carrier relationships.
1. Poor End-to-End Visibility Within the Supply Chain
One of the biggest challenges facing retail shipping service providers is poor visibility into supply chain operations. Without real-time visibility, the most fundamental processes and steps are complicated and prone to error. Mastering the logistics of inbound shipping depends on solid visibility and insight into the many daily operations and logistical procedures occurring across the transportation network.
2. Lack of Real-Time Control Over Retail Shipping Schedules, Routes, and Rates
3. Failure to Plan for Rising Freight, Fuel, and Driver Costs
Careful planning is critical to smooth shipping and smart transportation in the retail industry. Rising costs, including fuel, shipping, and driver-related expenses, heavily impact retail inbound shipping. Optimizing retail shipping services depends on close and careful financial management.
4. Reliance on Outdated Tools and Manual Processes
Failure to see the benefits of automation and a reluctance to use modern tools and technology to improve shipping services encumbers shippers significantly. Manual processes become inefficient in keeping up with the high-pressure demands of inbound retail shipping and key transportation processes.
5. Difficulty Managing Disparate Data Streams and Sources
Another inbound retail shipping challenge that shippers must overcome is effectively managing diverse data streams, information, and insights. Without an understanding of data and metrics, supply chain logistics remains fractured and weak. Even the best retail transportation strategies will continue struggling with saving time and money.
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Overcome Inbound Retail Shipping Challenges With MercuryGate
Retail shippers need to know what they’re up against, what current market trends dictate, what customers expect and anticipate, and what obstacles they will face with every load from the first mile to the final-mile delivery.
Download our case study to find out how we helped one retail customer cut inbound freight costs by 15%.
