Month: October 2023

In today’s fast-paced global economy, the role of efficient logistics is unparalleled. Whether a small-scale company or a giant organization, logistics professionals are the key drivers for smooth operations.

With time, keeping yourself updated with the latest knowledge is important. Investing in logistics courses and certifications would help you stand out. In this blog, let’s discuss some of the reliable logistics courses and certifications and how they can boost your career:

How Logistics Courses Could Accelerate Your Career

Regardless of the industry you work in, every operation is dependent on logistics. So, developing new skills would provide you with tools to make informed decisions. This knowledge would help you optimize processes and make you an invaluable asset to your company. Some of the takeaways are as follows:

1. In-Depth Knowledge

Logistic courses can uplift your career as they provide tools to manage logistics, transportation, and distribution operations. You can leverage this knowledge to optimize processes. Besides, you can streamline your operations and implement plans that achieve strategic results.

2. Skill Enhancement

It’s significant to keep learning new things for skill enhancement. It is essential to a career and diversifies your job goals. Plus, it also helps you adapt to the fast-changing world. With such logistics courses, you could analyze the data and have a better problem-solving approach to make things smoother. These skills would ultimately lead you to change and growth. 

3. Professional Certifications

Some employers may ask you for professional certification. So, earning such certificates and adding credibility to your resume is important. With expertise and experience, you’ll excel in your role rapidly. Some industry-relevant certifications include Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP ) and Certified Logistics Professional (CLP).

4. Career Progression

Learning new skills is quite important for career progression. Researchers hugely emphasize constant learning to advance in your career. These courses would prepare you for leading positions and managing complex operations. 

You would accelerate your career progression by enrolling in such logistics courses and certifications. 

Best Logistics Courses and Certifications 

There are hundreds of logistics courses and certifications. Let’s explore some of the best ones recognized by the industry and can help you stand out:

1. APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD)

CLTD is one of the most recognized courses by industry leaders and professionals. This certification would give you the expertise and knowledge to drive logistics excellence. 

It covers everything related to logistics, distribution, and transportation. With this course, you would streamline operations and save time and costs in your workplace. Plus, it would open exciting opportunities for you in logistics and supply chain management.

The price starts at $1,035 for the basic learning system and goes up to $2,465 for membership.

2. Certified Logistics Professional (CLP)

CLP is another one of the most recognized certifications in the industry. This course will give you all the secrets to efficient logistics management. From managing inventory to transporting goods, you can streamline every process. 

Candidates who complete this certification can take on complex logistics challenges and develop effective strategies. You’ll learn logistics network design, inventory management, warehouse management, and global transportation. 

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

CSCP is more like an all-in-one approach that covers everything from sourcing materials to ensuring efficient logistics operations. With CSCP, you’ll learn everything to master the entire process. This certification can propel your career in logistics and supply chain management. 

The program covers forward and reverse logistics, global supply chain networks, logistics operations, and demand management. Plus, you get to diversify your learning and experiences with this certification. 

Price starts at $1,365 for learning guides, while the complete bundle, including certification, exam, and membership, goes for $2,465. 

E-Learning Platforms for Logistics Courses

If the courses are too complex or pricey, you can look for alternative options. These options would also add great value to your career and provide you with the tools and knowledge to excel in your role. Here are a few e-learning platforms for logistics courses:

1. Coursera

Coursera is one of the most popular e-learning platforms. It partners with renowned professors and universities to offer various courses. It has various logistics courses, including Supply Chain Logistics, by the State University of New Jersey. This course covers transportation, logistics networks, and other operations. 

By enrolling in this course, you will demonstrate effective logistics management, technology use, and effective management practices. 

After completion, you would also get a certificate that you can add in your resume and LinkedIn profile for career progression.

2. Udemy

Udemy is another e-learning platform offering a wide range of logistics courses at different levels of expertise. It gives users a flexible learning platform. 

Some of the best logistics courses on Udemy include Logistics and Supply Chains by Operational Excellence Training and Logistics Management by Lawrence Gartside and Rowtons. 

These courses would provide the skillset needed to master the logistics functions and tools. Plus, you can add these courses to your portfolio for career progression. 

Udemy is also super user-friendly and affordable. The average price of Logistics courses starts at $USD. This makes an excellent choice for those who are new to the field and looking for ways to acquire new skills. 

Conclusion

Whether you opt for professional certifications like CLTD and CLP or enroll in courses on e-learning platforms, you’re taking a huge step towards accelerating your career in logistics management. With knowledge and proficiency, you can take on any challenge and succeed in it.

At the end of the day, it’s important to keep learning and keep growing. Your career will progress significantly when you aim for continuous learning and professional development. 

So, do not hesitate to invest in your future and become a great and certified logistics expert today.

Did you know that 32% of GPS tracking users reported a positive ROI in less than 6 months? This statistic alone showcases the impressive benefits of embracing automation for fleet management.

Fleet planning and management is a critical component of the transportation and logistics industry. It involves the careful coordination of vehicles, drivers, and resources to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of goods and services. 

However, with the rise of advanced technologies such as GPS tracking, telematics, and artificial intelligence, the fleet planning and management field has undergone a significant transformation. 

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits, challenges, and best practices of automated fleet planning and management and how you can optimize your operations for success.

Benefits of Automated Fleet Planning and Management

Increased Efficiency and Productivity

Automated fleet planning and management can help businesses and organizations increase their efficiency and productivity by streamlining their operations and reducing their costs. 

By automating routine tasks such as dispatching, scheduling, and reporting, fleet managers can focus on more strategic activities such as forecasting, planning, and analysis. 

This can lead to faster turnaround times, higher utilization rates, and better resource allocation. 55% of fleets reported reduced fuel costs after using telematics software. 

Reduced Costs and Expenses

Automated fleet planning and management can also help businesses and organizations reduce costs and expenses by optimizing routes, reducing idle time, and minimizing fuel consumption. 

In addition, automated systems can help prevent accidents, breakdowns, and other incidents that can result in costly downtime, repairs, and liabilities.

Improved Safety and Compliance

Automated fleet planning and management can also improve safety and compliance by monitoring driver behavior, vehicle performance, and regulatory compliance. 

This can help prevent accidents, fines, and legal disputes and enhance the reputation and credibility of the organization.

According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 22.2% of crashes were reduced when AI was implemented on route planning, which can detect roadblocks, heavy traffic, intersections, and roundabouts.

Automated Fleet Planning and Management Tools and Technologies

To achieve these benefits, businesses and organizations need to invest in the right tools and technologies for automated fleet planning and management. 

These can include GPS tracking and telematics, fleet management software, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and predictive analytics and data visualization. 

A staggering 64% of fleet managers are currently using a GPS fleet tracking solution in their organization, an increase of 8.5% from the previous year.

Businesses and organizations can customize their solutions to their specific needs and goals by selecting the right tools and technologies.

Challenges and Limitations of Automated Fleet Planning and Management

Automated fleet planning and management offer several advantages, but there are also challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. Some of the key challenges and limitations are:

Technical issues and system failures: 

Automated fleet planning and management systems rely on technology and can be subject to technical issues and system failures. These issues can result in delays, disruptions, and other problems that can impact the efficiency of fleet operations.

Lack of standardization and interoperability: 

Different regions and partners may use different systems and processes for fleet planning and management. Lack of standardization and interoperability can pose challenges for businesses and organizations that operate in multiple regions or with different partners.

Privacy and security concerns: 

Automated fleet planning and management systems collect and analyze data that can be sensitive and confidential, such as driver and vehicle performance data. Privacy and security concerns can arise if this data is not properly protected.

Human factors: 

Automated fleet planning and management systems require human input and oversight to be effective. Resistance to change and lack of training can hinder the adoption and effectiveness of these systems. 

Additionally, human decision-making may be necessary in certain situations where automated systems may not be able to account for all variables.

Automated Fleet Planning and Management in Practice

To overcome these challenges, businesses and organizations can learn from case studies and success stories of automated fleet planning and management. 

These can provide valuable insights into the benefits, challenges, and best practices of implementing automated systems. 

By analyzing key performance indicators and metrics, businesses, and organizations can measure the impact of automated fleet planning and management on their operations and outcomes.

Future Trends and Developments in Automated Fleet Planning and Management

Looking ahead, there are also future trends and developments to consider in automated fleet planning and management. 

These can include the integration with other emerging technologies such as blockchain, IoT, and 5G, the expansion of use cases and applications beyond transportation and logistics, the regulatory and policy implications of automated systems, and the social and environmental impact of transportation and logistics on the economy and society.

Conclusion

Automated fleet planning and management is a complex and dynamic field that requires careful planning, implementation, and evaluation. 

By leveraging the right tools and technologies, businesses and organizations can achieve significant efficiency, productivity, cost savings, safety, and compliance benefits. 

However, they also need to address the challenges and limitations of automated systems and adapt to future trends and developments in the field. 

With the right strategy and mindset, automated fleet planning and management can help businesses and organizations optimize their operations and achieve their goals.

The statistics don’t lie – so, why wait? Start exploring your options and take your fleet operations to the next level with automated solutions. Your business and your bottom line will thank you for it!

Are you interested in a career in transportation management? Do you want to expand your knowledge and skills in this field? If so, you may consider taking an online transportation management course in the USA. 

This blog post will discuss the benefits of online transportation management courses, the top courses available, and the future of transportation management.

Benefits of Online Transportation Management Courses

One of the biggest benefits of taking an online transportation management course is its flexibility. You can study at your own pace and from anywhere in the world. This is especially useful if you are working or have other commitments preventing you from attending traditional classes.

Another benefit is that online courses are often more affordable than traditional courses. You can save money on transportation, accommodation, and other expenses associated with attending classes on campus.

Top Online Transportation Management Courses in USA

To help you get started on your journey to becoming a transportation management expert, here are a few notable online courses and programs offered in the USA:

1. MIT OpenCourseWare – Supply Chain Management

This course is offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It covers inventory management, transportation, and supply chain design topics. The course is free and can be accessed online.

2. Georgia Tech Professional Education – Supply Chain & Logistics Fundamentals

This course is designed for professionals who want to understand supply chain and logistics better. It covers topics such as inventory management, transportation, and warehousing. The course is self-paced and can be completed online.

3. University of Wisconsin-Madison – Transportation Management

This course is designed for individuals who want to learn about transportation management in the context of supply chain operations. It covers topics such as transportation modes, routing, and carrier selection. The course is self-paced and can be completed online.

More Useful Courses

If the aforementioned courses don’t suit your needs, consider the following courses for transportation management:

4. Penn State World Campus – Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Information Systems

• Format: Fully online degree
• Duration: Approximately 4 years
• Key Highlights: Offers a full degree program covering supply chain management, including transportation.

5. Coursera – Transportation Management and Policy Specialization

• Institution: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
• Format: On-demand video lectures
• Duration: Varies by course
• Key Highlights: Includes a series of courses covering transportation, logistics, and policy aspects.

6. University of Washington – Certificate in Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics

• Format: Online with live sessions
• Duration: 6 months
• Key Highlights: Focuses on transportation strategies, logistics, and global supply chain management.

7. Michigan State University – Master of Science in Supply Chain Management

• Format: Fully online degree
• Duration: Approximately 20 months
• Key Highlights: Offers an in-depth exploration of supply chain and logistics, including transportation.

8. University of California, Irvine – Logistics and Transportation Certificate Program

• Format: Online with live sessions
• Duration: 3-6 months
• Key Highlights: Provides a comprehensive understanding of logistics and transportation management.

9. University of Arkansas – Online Executive Master of Business Administration (eMBA) with a Concentration in Supply Chain Management

• Format: Fully online executive MBA program
• Duration: Approximately 2 years
• Key Highlights: Offers an executive MBA program with a focus on supply chain management and transportation.

These courses and programs cater to a wide range of needs, from short-term certificates to full-fledged degrees, allowing you to choose the one that best aligns with your career goals and schedule.

The Future of Transportation Management

In a world where e-commerce is booming, supply chains are becoming more complex, and sustainability is a growing concern, the demand for transportation management professionals is on the rise. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of logisticians, including transportation managers, is projected to increase by 30% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This means opportunities abound for those with the right qualifications.

Transportation management is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and trends always emerging. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the transportation industry is expected to undergo significant changes in the coming years, with a focus on sustainability, automation, and digitalization.

In order to stay ahead of the curve, it is important to continue learning and expanding your knowledge in the field of transportation management. Online courses are a great way to do this, providing flexibility, affordability, and access to top-quality education.

Wrapping Up

Online transportation management courses offer a range of benefits, including flexibility, affordability, and access to top-quality education. 

If you want to pursue a career in transportation management or expand your knowledge in this field, consider taking one of the top online courses available in the USA. 

With the transportation industry undergoing significant changes in the coming years, it is more important than ever to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, streamlining your order fulfilment process is crucial to staying competitive and meeting customer expectations. 

Whether you run an e-commerce store, a brick-and-mortar retail shop, or a distribution centre, optimising your order fulfilment can save you time and money while improving customer satisfaction. 

In this article, we are going to explore some efficient ways to streamline your order fulfilment process.

Streamline Order Fulfillment: The Key to Success

Efficient order fulfilment is the backbone of any successful business. According to a study by OnTrac, slow delivery causes 63% of consumers to choose your competitor. For a large consumer majority (86%), any delivery within two days of order placement is fast. 

In any case, if a business fails to do that, 60% of consumers are unlikely to buy from the retailer again, and a striking 43% abandon carts or stop shopping from the said store. Meeting these demands while minimising errors and reducing operational costs is no small feat. 

But fear not; we’ve got you covered with these proven strategies.

1. Implement Robust Inventory Management

Inventory management is the heartbeat of your order fulfilment process. With accurate knowledge of your stock levels, you can avoid overstocking or understocking, both of which can be costly.

According to a survey by Salesforce, 43% of retailers reported that inventory management was their top operational challenge.

Invest in advanced inventory management software that provides real-time insights into your stock levels. This prevents overstocking and understocking and enables you to forecast demand more accurately. With the right software, you can automate reorder points and receive alerts when items need restocking.

2. Optimize Warehouse Layout

The physical layout of your warehouse plays a significant role in order fulfilment efficiency. Organise products logically, placing fast-moving items closer to packing and shipping areas. This reduces the time and effort required to pick things, leading to quicker order processing.

Consider slotting optimisation software that suggests the most efficient product locations based on their popularity and dimensions. An optimised warehouse layout can significantly reduce the time it takes to pick and pack orders, which is particularly crucial during peak seasons.

3. Automate Repetitive Tasks

Automation is a game-changer in order fulfilment. Consider implementing barcode scanning, conveyor systems, and automated picking robots. 

According to McKinsey, more than 30% of sales-related operations can be automated, which will reduce fulfilment costs and revenue boost. These innovations can significantly reduce human error and speed up order processing.

For example, barcode scanning can ensure accurate order picking by verifying that the right items are being selected. Conveyor systems can transport items efficiently between different warehouse zones, reducing the need for manual transport. Automated picking robots can pick and pack items faster and more precisely than human workers.

4. Invest in Employee Training

Your staff’s efficiency directly impacts order fulfilment. Provide comprehensive training to ensure they understand the processes, know how to use the technology, and are motivated to work efficiently. Well-trained employees can make a world of difference.

A recent research by ATD found that companies with a strong training program enjoy a 24% higher profit margin and have a 218% higher revenue per employee compared to those who don’t offer training.

Investing in ongoing training and development for your employees is essential. Regularly update their skills to inform them about new technologies and best practices in order fulfilment.

5. Offer Multiple Shipping Options

Diversify your shipping options to cater to different customer preferences. This includes standard shipping, express delivery, and even click-and-collect. Giving customers choices can enhance their experience and potentially reduce shipping costs for your business.

Standard shipping remains the most popular choice for cost-conscious customers, but offering express delivery can capture orders from those who need products urgently. Click-and-collect is gaining popularity as it allows customers to pick up their orders at a convenient location, saving on shipping costs.

6. Monitor and Analyze Performance

Regularly track and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order accuracy, fulfilment cycle time, and return rates. According to research by McKinsey, focus on customer experience has increased sales revenue for businesses by 2-7% and profitability by 1-2%.

Use these insights to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement. Continuous monitoring ensures you stay on the path of optimisation.

For instance, monitoring order accuracy can help you identify and rectify issues with incorrect orders, reducing returns and improving customer satisfaction. Analysing fulfilment cycle time can reveal areas where delays occur, enabling you to take corrective actions promptly.

Wrapping It Up

Streamlining your order fulfilment process isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing journey towards operational excellence. 

By implementing these strategies and staying adaptable to market changes, you can meet and exceed customer expectations while improving your bottom line. 

Remember, a well-planned order fulfilment process is the key to long-term success in today’s competitive business environment.

There are various types of contract logistics, all designed to benefit businesses by offering them higher operational efficiency and customized solutions. 

Here’s a detailed, straightforward insight into the dynamic world of contract logistics, promising strategic, cost-effective, and efficient logistics solutions.

What’s the Big Deal about Contract Logistics?

Contract logistics refers to outsourcing various supply chain and logistics functions to a third-party service provider. 

With the contract logistics market flourishing (anticipated to hit USD 388.08 billion by 2027 according to Mordor Intelligence), businesses are leveraging these services to streamline operations, cut costs, and foster growth.

Benefits of Contract Logistics for Businesses

Diving into contract logistics? Here’s what’s in it for your business:

Cost-Efficient Solution

By outsourcing, you sidestep various costs like transportation, warehousing, and staff training, creating a leaner financial framework for your business.

Flexibility is Key

Contract logistics allows you to scale operations according to recent market demands, offering a buffer against unpredictable economic changes.

Focus on What You Do Best

Leaving logistics to the experts lets you zoom in on your core business operations, ensuring undivided attention where it’s most needed.

Navigating Through Risks

Professional logistics providers come armed with strategies to mitigate supply chain risks and navigate potential pitfalls.

Exploring Different Types of Contract Logistics

Various forms of contract logistics cater to diverse needs and business models:

Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

3PL providers offer a wide range of services, including transportation, warehousing, distribution, and inventory management. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor their logistics solutions to specific needs.

Companies often turn to 3PLs to benefit from their expertise and resources, such as established carrier networks and state-of-the-art warehouses, which can lead to cost savings and improved service levels.

Many 3PLs offer value-added services like kitting, labeling, and quality control, making them a valuable partner for businesses looking to streamline their supply chain operations.

Fourth-Party Logistics (4PL)

4PL providers act as strategic partners, deeply integrating with a company’s supply chain operations. They may take on responsibilities like demand forecasting, vendor management, and performance optimization.

Their role extends beyond managing 3PLs; they focus on aligning the entire supply chain with a company’s strategic objectives and helping them adapt to market changes.

The technology-driven approach of 4PLs often involves sophisticated software solutions for real-time visibility, data analytics, and predictive modeling to enhance decision-making.

Fifth-Party Logistics (5PL)

5PLs are at the forefront of innovation in logistics, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimize supply chain processes.

They work closely with clients to develop sustainable logistics strategies, promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing the environmental footprint of the supply chain.

5PLs emphasize the importance of risk management and resilience, helping businesses proactively address disruptions and uncertainties in the global supply chain.

Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders are essential for businesses engaged in international trade, as they handle the complexities of customs documentation, tariffs, and compliance, ensuring goods move smoothly across borders.

They often have a global network of agents and partners, allowing them to provide end-to-end solutions for shipping cargo to and from virtually any location worldwide.

Freight forwarders play a crucial role in ensuring cargo security, handling insurance, and mitigating risks associated with international shipping, contributing to the safe and reliable transport of goods.

Wrapping It Up

Understanding different types of contract logistics and their benefits paves the way for businesses to navigate their supply chain journeys with enhanced focus, strategic optimization, and adept mitigation of risks.

As we venture further into an era marked by technological advancements and global supply chain complexities, incorporating different contract logistics pathways ensures a strategy that’s not just robust but also resilient.

Plus, it allows future-proofing businesses in a dynamic, ever-evolving market landscape. So, navigate wisely, choose your contract logistics partner strategically, and steer your business towards new, seamless, efficient operational heights.

Seven Ways to Pick Orders

Here are the seven ways to pick orders:

Single Line Orders 

Zone Pick 

Batch Pick and Sort 

Pick and Pass 

Zone Pick and Combine 

Cart/Bin 

One Order at a Time 

Let us take a closer look at each one of them:

Single Line Orders 

For many ecommerce businesses there are more than 50% of the orders that are single line orders. It becomes the fastest and cheapest to pick. You can batch all single line orders together for an SKU in order to make one pass through the pick line. It not only maximizes the pick density but also reduces walk time. Single line orders can then be taken to a designated pack station or inducted to the packing area as multiple orders of the same SKU that increase the productivity of the packing function.

When you receive order profiles, and if many of the single line orders are back ordered SKUs, cross dock them directly to the pack stations with printed orders. You can also eliminate the put away and picking.

One Order at a Time

When you handle one order at a time it works for companies with few orders that comprise many SKUs on each order. It is also inefficient for most ecommerce operations as the travel time required to pick one order at a time is excessive. You can find this in retail, business to business or wholesale distribution centers since the orders are large for major customer order shipping.

Cart/Bin 

It is used to pick and sort more than one order at a time, in one pass through the pick line. A batch pick sheet is generated that shows the SKU, quantity and location on the pick cart for the picked SKU. When the location for the SKU to be selected is reached, the total quantity of the SKU is picked and placed in the appropriate location of the cart. When the last SKU has been selected, all of the orders on the cart are complete and are ready for packing.

To implement the method, you need a pick cart so that you can compartmentalize the individual orders. You will need a pick cart to accommodate anywhere from 10 to 12 orders at a time with a capacity to carry large orders. There are smaller size SKUs that can have many more orders per cart. One variation of cart picking is to pick directly into the shipping carton. An order can be filled and packed with only one touch thus reducing the cost. 

Batch Pick and Sort

One concept that recognizes the desire to reduce the walk time is the batch pick and sort option. In this method, the orders are grouped together for picking an SKU order. Unlike the cart picking, the orders are not sorted during picking. These speeds up the process and permits more orders to be picked at once. The picked SKUs are taken to pack tables and are sorted by the customer order.

Time is saved during the picking process, but added time is required to sort the orders into their individual scores. This application is beneficial for larger operations where the sorting process is automated to various extents to reduce the labor. The options range from manually scanning barcodes on products to automatic unit sorters. You can utilize barcode scanning to sort SKUs to individual orders. 

Zone Pick

Breaking a large warehouse into smaller zones can make picking more efficient. You must designate items to be stored in different time zones. Assign each order picker a specific zone in a warehouse. 

An advantage to zone picking is that if the items are large or dimensional, they can not be recombined with other items. Just store the item by zone or even as an item in a ship alone warehouse. 

Zone Pick and Combine

One variation of the batch pick and sort method is to combine the concept of zone picking where two and more pickers work on the same orders at the same time. They take their selected SKUs to the same sorting area. These independently picked order parts are then combined to complete the order. 

Pick and Pass

Another concept for picking is to employ a pick and pass concept where the picker remains in a small area and the order moves from zone to zone with additional SKUs picked and added as needed to complete the order. This concept works best with a limited number of orders having a few lines per order.

One of the major disadvantages is to balance the picking requirements and productivity between assigned zones. Usually, a conveyor is used to transport a tote box from zone to zone with another conveyor that transports completed orders to the packing function.

These are some of the best order picking methods for ecommerce. In order to become more efficient and accurate in picking customer orders you can decrease the cost per order, improve customer service and also reduce the order fulfillment time.

Wrap in Aluminum Foil

One of the biggest challenges is to keep the ice cream frozen when delivering it. No one likes to have liquid ice cream. If the ice cream melts and gets refrozen then the ice cream will become all icy and it won’t have the desired smoothness and consistency that you would expect from when consuming it. What if someone is living far away and you want to deliver the ice cream and keep it completely frozen until it reaches its final destination. With the right prep you can deliver the ice cream without it melting.

The first thing you would like to do is to wrap the ice cream in an aluminum foil. You can use the foil to make a lot of deliveries and make it as durable as possible as it has a layer of plastic. The aluminum is good at keeping the ice cream insulated. It doesn’t allow the cool air surrounding the ice cream to escape and it keeps the ice cream cool for quite a long time.

Even if you have to put the ice cream in a cooler or other container it will be a good idea to use aluminum foil to wrap up the ice cream first.  

Keep it in a Cooler

Using a cooler is one of the best ways in keeping the ice cream safe for long. Since you want to protect the ice cream from the warm air outside, an insulated cooler can help you achieve it. 

Hard coolers are better at insulating especially when you buy a high-quality cooler that keeps the ice for a long time. Soft coolers are more portable and allow you to carry the ice cream in the cooler directly from the car to the door of the person you are delivering it to. There are plenty of soft coolers for retaining ice as it can keep the ice cream frozen for a long time.

Let it be Away from Hot Food

It is quite possible that you will be delivering hot food and the ice cream in the same order. Stores would even pack it in the same delivery bag. If you want to deliver the ice cream and have it frozen then it is important to separate the cold food from the hot food. Don’t have ice cream and hot food in the same cooler.

You must keep the hot food separate from the cold food. Keep separate coolers for that so that the hot food doesn’t touch with the cold food. Otherwise, the heat from the hot food will melt the ice cream super quickly. The ice cream can cool down the hot food quite quickly.

Add Salt to the Ice Surrounding the Ice Cream

When you add salt to the ice, it lowers the temperature dramatically. When you add salt to the ice in your cooler you can keep the cooler much colder than if you had to use regular ice. Fill up your cooler up to 50% with loose ice. Add a generous amount of salt to the ice. You can also use rock salt. The ice will start to melt and at the same time it will drop the temperature and let it stay below freezing point until all the ice is melted. You can allow salted ice to stay anywhere from -7 degrees to -2 degrees. It is cold enough to keep the ice cream from melting for 24 to 48 hours when the ice cream is kept in a high-quality cooler. It is important to ensure that the ice cream is kept in a waterproof container otherwise the ice cream will get wet and it will end up being yucky.

Use Dry Ice More Often

One of the best ways to keep the ice cream from melting when delivering especially to long distances is to use dry ice. It is frozen carbon dioxide and has a temperature of -78 degrees. It is more than cold enough to keep the ice cream frozen. Dry ice lasts for 1-3 days for deliveries. 

When you deliver ice cream using dry ice make sure to keep the windows open and let the air flow in your car or else the carbon dioxide the dry ice lets off can asphyxiate you. This can cause death. However, it is easy to avoid as long as you have good air flow in your cubicle.

Take Ice Cream Out of the Freezer

The less time the ice cream is away from the freezer it takes less time to melt. When you organize the delivery make sure to take out the ice cream from the freezer at the very last minute.

Don’t allow it to sit on the bench for 20 minutes or longer while other items are being prepared. Leave it in the freezer and only when everything is ready let it be out and take it for a delivery run. When you make this small adjustment, it makes all the difference in the world in delivering soft mushy ice cream against nice frozen ice cream.

Ideally the faster you can deliver the ice cream the better it is as it gives less time to warm up and melt before the person can either eat it or put it in the freezer. These tips above can help you keep the ice cream frozen for a longer period of time. 

So don’t waste time and deliver your ice cream in the best way possible!

One of the main stages is storage that plays an essential part in the distribution process. Storage doesn’t only involve looking after the goods but you should also check out some of the aspects that are involved in a good warehousing service:

Safekeeping: the goods can help make them easy to handle and gain access

Maintenance: It is all about managing the products, their safety and preservation

Inventory: Check out the inventory of the cargo and the available stock

Transportation: Manage the preparation, packaging and shipment to the destination

Storage helps play a vital role in the supply chain given the fact that it helps guarantee good delivery times, reduce warehouse losses and provide better services. They also occupy a position which is not only ahead of competitors but also ultimately increases profits.

When you have a good storage system it is vital for expanding a business. The importance of knowing different kinds of logistic storage which can help choose the one that is suited to the specific needs of each business and its target market.

Storage by Location

The internal storage offers greater protection as it provides the control of climatic variables like lighting, humidity and temperature in order to maintain the integrity of the goods.

There is external storage as well where it is impossible to control environmental factors. It makes it ideal for loads that are not affected by weather. It also offers surveillance of the goods in areas that are installed in places which are closed off with security fences, flexi barriers and railings. 

Storage by Function 

Regional storage It is a kind of storage that has a strategic location that guarantees the product distribution in the shortest possible time. These are the warehouses that are organized to receive large quantities of goods that come from production plants on lorries.

Central storage It is the kind of storage that is located near the production plant. It aims to keep the cost of goods transport to a bare minimum. It stores most of the stock and distributes it to various regional warehouses if these exist. 

Temporary storage These are the spaces that are conditioned for a limited amount of time to meet stock needs in the event of specific demands. 

Free warehouse This is the name given to the storage space for goods that come from imports and exports. The free warehouse offers plenty of tax benefits given that the cargo is not subject to import duties. The goods that are stored here are tax free when entering and leaving the depot.

Storage In transit These are warehouses that are located between the point of sale and the regional warehouse. The transport time should not be more than 24 hours. There are fast moving warehouses that prepare to hold the goods for a short time and have a high turnover. 

Customized Storage It is important to choose the kind of storage which is suited to each company and product. It is a team of workers who know how to get the most out of the facilities and have experience in handling each type of goods. They also offer storage solutions that are tailored to the customer’s needs. 

The first step of the storage process is to count the goods which is done at the first time they are received. However, depending on the situation there are goods that are counted after storage. After counting the goods, they are transported to the warehouse. Since the warehouses are in suitable places that will contribute to the transportation process, the storage process takes place quickly.

After transportation, the goods are then placed in the warehouse in a suitable way. Storage is a bridge that is between the manufacturer and the retailer in the procurement process of the product. It is important to plan according to the characteristics of the goods when storing. Some goods require a specific temperature range during their stay in storage. There are also goods that need to be protected from light. All these details must be followed so that they can be transported undamaged. It is therefore important to check out the qualities of the warehouse. 

You can also check out the types of warehouses which are as follows:

• Cold storage
• Open warehouses
• Closed warehouses
• Automatic stores
• Traditional warehouses 

The quality of storage is important for logistics as it consists of two main services that are transportation and storage. Moreover, logistics and service become much more efficient with effective storage processes. 

These are the ways that storage in the logistics chain comes into effect. It not only becomes more efficient but also more effective.