Lemons, limes, shredded cheese, and berries are a few of the fastest perishing foods. When kept properly, some can last between a week and a little over a month. This, of course, presents a problem for the food transportation industry.
Items with a limited shelf life need efficient delivery systems and last mile logistics. Companies have to manage strict schedules, ensure outstanding cold chain maintenance, and excel in proper coordination and communication.
How can a company, be it with previous experience or new to the industry, satisfy client requirements and ensure consumers will receive fresh products? The first step is proper execution of route configuration.
There’s a lot more to consider, though. Read ahead for different ways your business can enhance its food transportation service and optimize last mile logistics.
Configuring a Transport Route
Before all else, a company needs to form solid lines of communication with every individual and entity involved throughout the delivery process. This includes loaders, stock trackers, drivers, depots along the route, and clients on the other end.
A healthy approach involves a confirmation system. This is where all individuals have a platform that facilitates communication. Email is one option, but there are others that work much better.
Once everyone’s on the same page, make sure to iron out details and include information on the following:
- Vehicles involved
- Exact routes to follow with GPS guidance
- Paperwork needed at each step
- Transported goods with attached expiration dates
Transporting Mixed Temperature Foods
To manage a cold chain and ensure food safety, you need refrigeration and freezing units. The most common examples involve vehicles dedicated to each type of temperature. However, you can also acquire and implement vehicles with compartments for both.
Of course, it’s harder to manage the transportation of goods with different requirements and expiration dates. It does, though, allow for smaller fleet numbers with more efficient loads.
Last Mile Logistics
Shipping partners will always have a fast option available. A speedy delivery isn’t always necessary, though. You can opt for a slower schedule and timeframe that still keeps your goods fresh and safe.
The last step is the most important, though. You shouldn’t seek the cheaper option for this leg of a trip. It’s the part of the voyage where your end-user receives the goods.
Last mile logistics can mark the difference between a happy client and one that never uses your services again. Keep in mind that this step is the most difficult, as fleets in this section need to navigate obstacles like traffic and parking regulations.
Get the Right Vehicles for the Job
A lot more goes into distributing frozen goods than people think. Keeping these items fresh is the central part of the transportation challenge. There are many ways to optimize the process, but one stands out.
The right vehicle makes all the difference, whether you need compartments for heated, frozen, dry, or refrigerated goods. Our vehicles are custom-tailored to specific industries and can even have multiple temperatures in a single vehicle.
Click here for a free quote and a long list of options for your business. You’ll find everything you need for optimizing transportation, last mile logistics, and proper configuration. We’re ready to answer any questions you might have!