October is a good time to take a fresh look at your logistics.
The final few months of the year can bring increased demand, tighter deadlines and less flexibility when something doesn’t go to plan. The earlier you spot potential pressure points, the easier they are to deal with.
Here are six areas worth checking before Q4 gets into full swing.
1. Look at last year's problems
Were there periods when you struggled to arrange transport? Did you need more storage than expected? Were there last-minute deliveries that put pressure on your team?
Your business may have changed since then, but those problems can highlight where you might need more flexibility this year.
2. Check your transport capacity
If volumes increase, will your existing transport arrangements still work? And what happens if you suddenly need to move something that doesn’t fit your usual requirements?
Having access to different vehicle options can make a big difference, particularly when you need to move larger loads, specialist goods or something at short notice.
At Blue Whale, our fleet ranges from small vans through to 45-foot artic curtain sides, alongside specialist vehicles including flatbeds, Hiabs and Moffetts.
3. Don't forget about the unexpected
A customer may bring a deadline forward. A supplier could be delayed. A production issue might mean something needs moving urgently.
You can’t predict every situation, but you can make sure you know who to call when one happens.
Having a logistics provider you can speak to directly gives you another option when your original plan needs to change.
4. Review your storage requirements
If you’re expecting higher volumes towards the end of the year, consider whether your current storage capacity is going to be enough. Particularly if goods need to be held temporarily before being distributed.
It’s worth looking at this now rather than waiting until your warehouse is full.
Blue Whale provides storage and warehousing alongside transport and distribution, giving businesses additional flexibility when they need it.
5. Give international shipments some extra thought
The right transport option will depend on the shipment, destination and timescale, with road, sea and air freight all offering different advantages.
Planning ahead gives you more time to make sure the route, paperwork and timings are all in place.
Blue Whale can arrange international freight by road, sea and air, helping businesses move goods to destinations around the world.
6. Know who you're relying on
When everything is running smoothly, your relationship with your logistics provider might not get much thought.
It’s when a delivery changes, a vehicle has a problem or a deadline suddenly moves that you find out how good that relationship really is.
At Blue Whale, we’ve been helping businesses with their transport and logistics for more than 30 years.
Speak to the Blue Whale team on 0116 275 3864 or find out more about our services here.