Dispatching & Logistics Nightmares
By Chaille Brindley
Date Posted: 9/1/2007
If you're like most managers involved in shipping unit loads of products, you find that it can be difficult to tackle all the logistics headaches that emerge on a daily basis. And while you may be used to asking for help from third party logistics and trucking companies, you may have never thought about soliciting the expertise of pallet and packaging professionals.
Pallet companies have to arrange delivery to their customers and delivery from suppliers of lumber or pallet cores. A truck that delivers a load of pallets can be dispatched to go to a different customer and pick up a load of freight for the return trip. Then those trucks also can haul freight or pick up pallet cores on the way back.
Some pallet companies have extra yard space that can be used for spotting trailers for pallet users. Many recyclers are located in metropolitan areas, which can be a major plus in terms of haul distance. And they be willing to offer this added service for a small fee. Some are even freight certified to haul these trailers to locations as needed.
Consider turning to existing pallet and packaging suppliers, especially those with large truck and trailer fleets, to solve logistics nightmares. Make sure not to overlook the pallet guy because he may be able to perform these services at a cost competitive rate because of backhaul efficiencies.
