Logistics for Manufacturing Companies
Manufacturers wishing to improve their supply chain need look no further! Check out FreightCenter’s guide to logistics for manufacturing companies ready to enhance their shipping experience.
Logistics for Manufacturing Companies
Manufacturing and logistics go hand-in-hand in the world of economics. Manufacturing involves the creation of products, while logistics revolves around the distribution of said products. Since the two industries are so intertwined, manufacturing companies must have strong, efficient logistics backing them.
Whether you are a new manufacturing company or a seasoned veteran, FreightCenter can handle your logistics operations through our network of carriers and a variety of shipping options. Explore more about logistics for manufacturing companies and how you can benefit from the FreightCenter experience.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
Awards and Endorsements
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter for Freight Shipping?
Expertise in Freight Shipping: With over 25 years in the logistics industry, FreightCenter is dedicated to guiding you through the entire logistics process, from beginning to end. Our goal is to make freight shipping easy to understand and book. Don’t waste time researching and receiving quotes from individual carriers- FreightCenter’s got your back!
Competitive Rates with Tailored Solutions: We prioritize high-quality customer service without breaking your wallet. We utilize our relationships with regional and national carriers to offer you competitive, affordable rates while providing personalized solutions to your needs. Need a liftgate? We got you! Want to expedite your order? Leave it to us! We’re ready to provide tailored solutions that don’t compromise your freight shipment.
Personalized Customer Support: FreightCenter is committed to satisfying our customers. Our friendly customer support team is here to help you every step of the way, from initial inquiries to post-shipment concerns. We handle all aspects of logistics, including tracking, paperwork, and communication with carriers, so you can focus on your business while we manage your shipment. Choose us for our reliable service and affordable quotes!
What Does Logistics Look Like for Manufacturing Companies?
Manufacturing logistics involves more than just shipping products to customers; it encompasses interconnected processes that require effective coordination of all moving parts. While many different processes are happening simultaneously, manufacturing logistics management can be split into four categories:
Procurement involves gathering, storing, and tracking raw materials to be used during production. Manufacturers are, in this stage, the customers receiving products from contracted suppliers. Short-haul transportation is often used to transport the materials and parts from the supplier to the manufacturer’s facilities.
Production involves the process of converting raw materials into finished goods while efficiently utilizing resources to avoid performance and budget issues in the future. During this phase, products in development are transported between facilities using short-haul transportation. Once the products are completed, they are sent to a company-owned or leased warehouse, where they are stored until customer orders are received.
Transportation is the shipment of finished goods from company warehouses and fulfillment centers to the customer. Manufacturers have many choices on how to ship their products, depending on their customers’ locations and what is more optimal for their operations. This stage involves not just transportation management but also last-mile delivery, which is the most expensive and time-consuming aspect of manufacturing logistics.
Communication is a critical aspect that runs throughout the entire manufacturing process, extending into earlier stages as well. Information and data related to production are shared with manufacturing teams, suppliers, vendors, partners, and customers through various channels, including transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS).
When manufacturing companies invest in their logistics, they often experience enhancements in production, transportation, and customer satisfaction. To achieve these improvements, each stage of the manufacturing process is monitored using specific metrics and KPIs. This enables companies to identify areas that can be improved, streamlined, or modified to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and further optimize their supply chain.
Effective logistics for manufacturing companies also revolves around three key elements:
- Inventory management and demand planning: Proper inventory management involves keeping levels stable; too much and too little inventory can create issues.
- Route optimization: Many factors can increase transportation costs and time spent on the road, including traffic, fuel costs, detention, and delivery times. By using a TMS platform, you can create an optimal route that cuts down travel time and expenses.
- Partners and suppliers: Properly utilizing and communicating with your partnered providers and suppliers ensures transparency and supply chain visibility.
Addressing the following three factors promptly when shaping or revitalizing your manufacturing logistics plan will make the rest of the process much smoother and quicker. However, this doesn’t mean that you can relax your efforts in logistics afterward; the supply chain is a constantly evolving process, with new challenges and innovations frequently emerging.
It’s essential to continue evaluating your manufacturing logistics management to identify what is working and what needs improvement while also incorporating new ideas and technologies as they arise. Doing so will make manufacturing a stronger, more efficient system. An effective manufacturing logistics management system should do the following:
- Add revenue without sacrificing quality control
- Manage delivery times and production schedules
- Improve the rate structure of shipping processes
- Reduce transportation management costs
- Increase customer service and satisfaction
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your freight requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload.
The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.
Challenges of Handling Logistics for Manufacturing Companies
As manufacturing is a major industry, challenges and issues manufacturers face can be detrimental to both them and their partners and fellow industries reliant on them. This includes logistics, which is a sector rife with problems of its own.
Some logistical challenges faced by manufacturing companies include:
High transportation costs: Transportation is one of the costliest parts of the logistics process, which isn’t helpful when you need to transport both raw materials to your manufacturing plants and finished products to your customers all the time.
Supply chain visibility: Due to the complexity of the supply chain, manufacturers often struggle to obtain a complete understanding of its interconnected elements.
Last-mile delivery: This is the most crucial part of the logistics process, as this is where finished products go from the warehouse to the customer. However, it is also a complicated procedure due to disruptions in the supply chain, potentially causing customers to experience delays or miss their deliveries.
Fluctuating market demand: Manufacturers often struggle to interpret market trends and their impact on production output. Demand also affects inventory levels and transportation availability.
Compliance and regulations: Whether you are shipping domestically or internationally, every state and country has regulations regarding producing and shipping goods. International shipping regulations and customs are tricky to navigate without assistance, as is all the paperwork involved.
Limited resources: While more prominent manufacturing companies can afford all the resources they need for production, small-to-medium-sized manufacturers have a more challenging time procuring the materials, equipment, and supplies they need for an efficient logistics management operation.
These challenges may seem daunting, but they can all be resolved using practical, strategic methods that don’t waste money or time. Try these simple, effective solutions for combating manufacturing logistics challenges:
- Consider exploring various transportation methods. For instance, you might try intermodal shipping to reduce travel time and optimize your routes. Additionally, consider consolidating shipments into a single bulk shipment and scheduling deliveries during off-peak hours, as these strategies can help lower costs.
- Invest in innovative technologies that automate certain processes, like order picking and packing. You can also use software for shipment tracking, inventory management, dock scheduling, and data analysis. These all can increase efficiency and supply chain visibility.
- Maintain a localized asset network by keeping distribution centers, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities close together. This approach reduces transportation costs and minimizes disruptions in the supply chain so customers will receive their deliveries on time and improve your brand’s reputation.
- Invest in demand forecasting and data analytics software. Using historical data and previous trends, manufacturers can accurately predict demand changes and prepare for them accordingly.
- Investigate the local and international laws relevant to shipping your products to create a list of global compliance standards and update it as regulations change. To simplify the process, consider using an automated documentation system or appointing a compliance officer to manage these tasks.
- Consider partnering with a 3PL to handle all your logistics. By outsourcing your operations, you can rely on the 3PL’s expertise, connections, and guidance so that you can focus on your core business objectives.
FreightCenter Handles Logistics for Manufacturing Companies
If you are considering outsourcing your logistics operations, it’s important to choose a 3PL that can meet all your needs. FreightCenter is an excellent option. With over 25 years of experience working with numerous manufacturing companies, we are well-equipped to ensure you have the best shipping experience possible.
We offer a range of services built to help manage logistics for manufacturing companies, including:
- Providing multiple discounted quotes from our extensive carrier network, allowing you to select the best rate for your needs.
- Guiding you through the entire booking process, from packaging to documentation. Our freight experts are well-versed in all aspects of logistics and will assist you in finding solutions for your shipping needs.
- Managing your logistics operations, including warehousing, order fulfillment, and transportation, so that you can focus on your core manufacturing goals.
Ready to enhance your freight shipping? Let FreightCenter handle your manufacturing logistics! Call (800) 716-7608 to speak to one of our account representatives, or try our free online quote tool to compare reduced rates from our carriers today!
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Frequently Asked Questions about Logistics for Manufacturing Companies
Q. What kind of trends are shaping logistics for manufacturing companies?
Market trends influencing manufacturing logistics specifically include AI and machine learning software, autonomous vehicles for last-mile deliveries, nearshoring and reshoring to minimize disruptions, and the adoption of green logistics practices. All of these trends are advancing manufacturing logistics or at least impacting it in some way.
Q. How does automation impact logistics for manufacturing companies?
Automation holds significant potential for manufacturers as a tool for increasing optimization and efficiency in manufacturing plants and warehouses. With automation, manufacturers can speed up material handling through robotics, reduce human error with inventory tracking and order fulfillment, enhance warehouse management with automated storage and retrieval systems, and optimize routing and scheduling using AI-powered transportation management systems.
Q. How does supply chain visibility impact manufacturing logistics?
Monitoring shipments of raw materials, production, and deliveries in real-time enhances supply chain visibility, which helps manufacturers make better decisions, cut costs, ensure transparency for stakeholders, and boost customer satisfaction.
3 Advantages of Using FreightCenter for Logistics for Manufacturing Companies
25+ Years of Service
We have over 25 years of experience, as evidenced by our large network of professional carriers. Our knowledgeable team of shipping experts is ready to help you optimize your shipping experience.
Customizable Shipping Options
Need a liftgate? No problem! Need to ship your products quickly? We got you covered! Our FreightCenter agents can offer tailored solutions for your specific shipping needs while offering affordable rates you can’t find anywhere else.
Friendly Customer Support
Our customer support team has the answers to many of your shipping questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through every step of the shipping process, from initial inquiries to post-shipment issues.
