How to Create Efficient Shipping Schedules

It's a competitive world out there. If you're shipping items to customers, you're probably competing with many other companies that are similar to yours. How do you stand out? You get ahead of the competition by creating the most efficient schedules and by meeting customer needs most effectively.

Shipping and logistics can get complicated though, so how do you create that perfect shipping schedule? While there probably isn't a perfect one out there, the experts here at Eleets 3PL can at least help you build a more effective one that will keep your customers coming back over and over again. Here are some of the factors that you should consider when trying to develop a more efficient shipping schedule.

Focus on Inventory Management

One thing that you can do to ensure a more efficient shipping process involves the items being shipped. Without good inventory management techniques, the best shipping plans are basically worthless. You need to properly track inventory, or partner with a firm that can, in order to avoid issues like delayed order processing, late shipments, and customer dissatisfaction. A well-organized warehouse or distribution center makes an enormous difference in your day-to-day operations.

Make Packing and Processing More Efficient

Now that you are keeping better track of your items, it makes it easier to find and ship them. Have the supplies you need to pack and process them on site and easy to access. A properly outfitted warehouse makes it easier to ship your products to customers more efficiently and without mistakes.

Know Your Seasonal Trends

How busy is your company during the typical summer? Which season represents peak business for you? How do you do with the holiday rush? Knowing what to expect at all times of year can help you develop a more efficient shipping schedule. The better you understand the history of your company and previous demand for your items, the better you can serve your customers.

Know Your Customers

You also need to know your customers well. What do they want and what do they expect of a company in your space? Do they want fast shipping or inexpensive shipping? Both? Knowing what your customers really want from you can make it much easier to build a more efficient shipping schedule, whether two-day shipping seems like a must or your customers don't mind waiting a little longer for a more unique product.

This also ties into knowing seasonal trends. Knowing how customers behave in a given season helps you outline your shipping strategy. How much of a rush can you expect during the holidays? If you sell seasonal items, do customers expect clearance sales and create a smaller sales boom at the end of each season? Knowing your inventory and knowing your customers is key if you want to ship out products efficiently.

Your Logistics Experts in Santa Ana, CA

So if you're looking for ways to improve customer satisfaction and build a better shipping schedule, we can help. Contact Eleets 3PL at (714) 426-4255 today and see what our expertise in the logistics field can do for you. We'll help you get your products to your customers faster than ever!