Supply chain challenges can quickly add up and cost your business both time and money. From long delays to rising operational costs, these stressors disrupt your efficiency and drive up your expenses. By addressing these pain points and partnering with a reliable logistics provider like Mulder Brothers Brokerage, your company can streamline its operations and save money at the same time.
Common Supply Chain Stressors
Long Loading and Unloading Wait Times
Many truck drivers are compensated based only on the mileage they drive, not for the time they spend waiting at the cargo dock for truck loading and unloading. Cargo processing times regularly add up to several hours per day, particularly at warehouses with inefficient processes. Long loading and unloading times add stress to the supply chain by delaying shipments and eating into a driver’s wages.
Driver Shortages and Retention Issues
The trucking industry faces persistent issues with retaining skilled drivers. Retention is a challenge due to an aging workforce, long hours, difficult working conditions, and limited support. As a result, drivers are quick to switch companies; in fact, driver turnover (drivers leaving one fleet for another) is over 90%.
High churn in the pool of skilled drivers can lead to higher freight costs and shipment delays as products wait for transport and carriers compete with each other to offer higher pay and better benefits. Businesses must also contend with the cost of recruiting and training new drivers; these expenses can further strain already tight budgets.
Rising Fuel Costs
Fluctuating fuel prices directly impact shipping costs. Fuel surcharges can quickly escalate and put pressure on logistics budgets. Rising costs also make it harder for businesses to accurately forecast their expenses, which in turn leads to unexpected financial strains.
Treatment of Truckers
The supply chain challenges of recent years have called attention to the high importance and growing shortage of truck drivers, especially as online purchases continue to increase. The industry has an incredibly high turnover rate, which isn’t surprising since many truckers report feeling dehumanized in their role or like they are only a number. They also report that receivers and shippers treat them poorly and even go as far as to deny them access to their restrooms. Such treatment does not support job satisfaction, employee retention, or a reliable delivery network.
Congestion at Distribution Hubs
Busy distribution centers often face bottlenecks that delay deliveries and increase the risk of mismanagement. Inefficient handling can ripple through the supply chain and result in missed delivery windows and strained customer relationships, particularly in industries or programs with tight schedules, such as the Walmart Consolidation Pool Program.
Truck Maintenance
Truckers often pay for routine or unexpected maintenance and new tires themselves. These fees are second only to fuel costs in their overall expenses and make up as much as 10% of their out-of-pocket expenditures. Besides that, maintenance can cost well over $100 per hour.
Whether it’s a planned inspection or unscheduled repairs, truckers will also pay in the form of lost wages from the downtime. If your business offers onsite repair shops, this can be a great benefit for your truckers by alleviating some of the burdens of truck maintenance and reducing downtime. This helps not only your truckers but also your supply chain as a whole.
How Mulder Brothers Can Help
Mulder Brothers was born from a partnership with Art Mulder & Sons Trucking (AMST), a family-owned and operated business founded in 1971. Because of our long history with AMST, we have a depth of experience with the trucking industry that other logistics providers simply don’t have. We promise to do what’s right even when no one’s looking and to build a dedicated relationship with you and your business.
Here’s how we can help alleviate the stress on your supply chain.
1. Comprehensive Transportation Services
From full truckload (FTL) to less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, we provide flexible logistics options for businesses in just about every industry. We specialize in frozen transportation logistics and offer a nationwide network of trusted carriers and warehouses to help our clients optimize their shipments.
2. Walmart Consolidation Program
We also specialize in helping businesses navigate Walmart’s stringent delivery requirements. We can help you consolidate your shipments, simplify your processes, and reduce your costs while maintaining your high on-time-in-full (OTIF) scores.
3. Cross-Docking Services
Save time and money by letting us handle your cross-docking needs. We’ll consolidate your products, expedite shipping, shorten your supply chain, and trim warehousing costs.
4. Partnership with Cold-Link Logistics
At Mulder Brothers, we partner with Cold-Link Logistics to provide frozen warehousing solutions in several locations across the U.S. to keep your perishable goods at optimal temperatures. Our partnership guarantees quality and compliance with industry standards for transporting frozen goods.
5. Service-First Mentality
Mulder Brothers prioritizes customer satisfaction, and we work closely with our clients to develop not only customized, data-driven logistics strategies but also friendships. We’re committed to transparent, efficient communication as we help you navigate the complexities of the supply chain. Our hands-on approach makes sure you’re supported every step of the way, and you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with a company consistently honoring its promises.
Solve Your Supply Chain Issues
Supply chain stress doesn’t have to drain your resources. Let Mulder Brothers solve your optimization issues and save you money. Contact us today to get started!