Three Retail Shipping Methods Built for Speed
Streamline deliveries with transloading, pool distribution or DC bypass
As the retail industry continues to innovate and consumer expectations rise, so too does the market’s demand for faster, more efficient retail logistics services.
Whether you need to move merchandise, product displays, store technology—or anything else that keeps your business growing—a logistics transportation expert like AIT can help you build flexible, customized solutions that not only streamline your processes, but also make sense for your unique needs.
Read on to learn more about three popular retail shipping methods (transloading, pool distribution and DC bypass) known for their efficiency-boosting power.
Cut less-than-a-truckload costs with efficient pool distribution
Instead of sending a large volume less-than-a-truckload shipments to a region on a fleet of multiple, separate vehicles, pool distribution combines orders destined for one geographic region (say, from a manufacturing facility in Chicago to a Southwestern hub in Phoenix, for example). Once the truck arrives in Phoenix, the cargo is offloaded, sorted and delivered locally.
This method not only cuts down on both costs and transit time, it also reduces claim risk, as it involves less handling.
Get to market quicker with DC bypass
DC bypass, sometimes called bypass freight, gets product to market faster by removing traditional a step—the distribution center (aka “DC”)—from the supply chain.
With the DC out of the picture, product instead goes directly from the manufacturing site to their final destination, whether that be a retail outlet or a customer home.
A great fit for fast-moving merchandise (think seasonal or top-selling items), this method saves time, as well as labor and transportation costs. Plus, it speeds up inventory updates, cuts the change for product loss or damage, and can enhance the customer experience.
Mode switch to get farther, faster with transloading
Transloading allows shippers to switch between the most convenient, efficient and/or cost-effective transportation modes and containers (barge to truck to plane and back to truck, for example). Intermodal shipping is similar but involves keeping freight in the same container for the entire journey.
This shipping method can not only help you save on transit costs, it also allows you to extend your reach (switching from rail or truck to a seaplane, for instance, is a requirement to get to many remote locations in Alaska).
What to expect from AIT’s retail logistics experts
Backed by more than four decades of experience and a global resource network, our cost-effective retail logistics have helped hundreds of new and existing retailers meet and exceed their goals.
With AIT, you’ll enjoy dedicated, around-the clock customer support, access to cutting-edge logistics technology, and more, including:
- Real-time shipment visibility
- Competitive pricing
- Industry-leading cargo security capabilities
Learn more about our retail logistics capabilities
Start updating your retail shipping methods today
Depending on your organization’s business goals, products and other factors, three retail shipping methods known for their efficiency (pool distribution, DC bypass and transloading services).
Amid changing consumer demands and an evolving industry, a reliable retail logistics provider ensures you can keep up with and surpass in-store expectations.
If you want to keep up with demanding customer expectations in today’s constantly innovating industry, consider partnering with retail logistics experts to introduce efficiency-boosting shipping methods into your supply chain.
Whether you’re interested in pool distribution, DC bypass, transloading, or a more customized solution, when you partner with AIT you’ll benefit from decades of experience and customer satisfaction.