Step on the gas pedal.
E-commerce and big-box retailers are going full throttle in their quest for industry domination. Their natural tendency is to beef up classic hallmarks – their sales, marketing, and customer service (to be exact). But, clamoring for “Amazon-like” notoriety requires a much heftier scorecard. The first link in the chain of command these days is quick shipping and delivery.
Supply and demand fight to keep pace with changing U.S. demographics and the tightest expectations ever seen in U.S. transportation markets. But it isn’t long distance freights feeling the heat as much as local transport of goods and wares.
In 2018, Amazon announced it was bringing last mile delivery in-house, reducing reliance on major carriers, FedEx and UPS. The retail giant is leaning on its own fleet of 20,000 vans and trained delivery drivers to make door-to-door pit-stops. Home Depot also rolled out its express same-day and next-day local delivery services in 35 major U.S. metro areas. And, in the spring of 2019, Ace Hardware initiated its “buy online, deliver from store” fulfillment option channeling consumer immediacy and convenience.
Feeling Right at Home: Local Supply Chains
Digital shopping habits and online influencers are changing product inventory levels in unprecedented ways. According to data from Doddle, 50 percent of shoppers decide where they’ll buy online based on in-store availability. In fact, the largest percentage of domestic goods travel short distances. It’s reported that approximately 50 percent of the weight and 37 percent of the value of goods across America are transported less than 100 miles between origin and delivery.
Gorgo Group’s dedicated fleet shuttles LTL or full truckload services in the eastern corridors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. We can fill our empty lanes with outside freight opportunities at low, competitive rates. It’s an omnichannel approach that delivers cost-effective and reliable services for our regional customers as well as brick and mortar enterprises. As fulfillment hubs set up shop close to urban and residential neighborhoods, demand for our trailers and hauling equipment has risen exponentially too.
But is the supply chain and logistics industry bound to trip over itself in light of mass expediency?
Freight Transport: Avoiding Bottlenecks and Staying Competitive
The long and short answer is technology remains both the problem and the solution. You could say the wheels on the truck go round and round, but exactly how, when, and where they touch down are interchangeable nuances. With the internet nudging our need for instant gratification, the pressure to evolve, track, and digitize our output is critical.
Here’s how retailers can fuel their customers’ journey.
Flexi-delivery Options
Consumers want what they want – on their time. Try using in-store parcel lockers (where consumers can pick up their pre-paid purchases), bicycle deliveries, and electric vehicle drop-off.
Data Capture & Tracking
Real-time data surrounding delivery will redefine inventory management and peak planning projections. This will also spill into warehouse operations, robotics, and the future of supply chain costs.
IT Infrastructure
Collaboration and analytical decision making should be managed through experienced, appointed teams. Utilize nimble applications and cutting–edge platforms for better end-to-end performance. Hidden risks will likely diminish, and you’ll stay way ahead of the curve.
How can Gorgo Group help you raise your standards of performance? We share the open road with Fortune 500 conglomerates and small, independent companies moving cargo and making supply chain operations seamless.
If you’re located in our region, reach out. We’ll help you to your next destination… that’s our driving force.