Versatile Distribution Networks – Why Your Business Needs Them

There’s so much involved in getting your goods from Point A to Point B. One of the main decisions that needs to be made is which means of transportation offers the best option in terms of price, time, and reliability.

According to the United States Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, an understanding of the distance the shipment must travel, its weight and value, the availability and cost of transportation modes, and the relationships these variables have to one another are essential to a complete understanding of freight transportation.

Having a versatile distribution network at the ready is key to making the right determination. But very few businesses have the distribution resources necessary to perform an extensive comparison. That’s where a third-party logistics (3PL) provider is worth its weight in gold.

Distribution Options

There are four major means of transportation: roadway, rail, air, and sea, with each offering different advantages and disadvantages. For instance, a method that might be good for shipping one order might not be the best solution for another order.

A lot of factors go into determining the best route, which is why you need a 3PL with advanced software to calculate the distance, pricing and delivery timetable, plus identify other factors, such as weather conditions, maintenance work and road construction, that could affect delivery routes and times.

Roadway – Transporting goods by roadway is one of the most popular ways to get orders to their end destination. It’s a good choice for all sizes of deliveries and for shipping locally, regionally, and nationally. Third-party logistics providers establish shipping networks with carriers and set volume rates that deliver savings to you.

Freight rail – One of the most fuel efficient methods of transportation, freight rail is often the better option when moving large shipments of goods from region to region, coast to coast, or internationally. It offers greater reliability and faster journey times over long distances. Businesses also can realize lower costs through fuel savings.

Often times, 3PLs will compare roadway versus freight rail to determine the best price and schedule of delivery.

Air Freight – While expensive, it is the best option to use when goods have to arrive within a short time frame. Because of the volume of goods they distribute, 3PLs can usually offset the expense with pricing agreements established with air freight carriers.

Ocean Freight – Usually, ocean freight is reserved for bulk items or large, heavy goods that do not need to reach a destination in a quick time frame. With its stable fuel supplies and reasonable standard rates, this method of transportation is growing in popularity.

Many times, ocean freight is used in combination with roadway and rail for intermodal transportation to and from ships.

A Distribution Plan for Your Business

Your supply network and market reach are two key factors to take into consideration when developing a distribution network that meets your company’s needs.

At Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, we evaluate the advantages of the various means of transportation to develop a solution that’s right for your business.

Get ready to take advantage of the benefits and cost savings of having versatile distribution networks in place for your business. Contact Brendamour Warehousing today for a free consultation.

Let us show you how we can move your goods in a fast and economical manner!