According to industry statistics, logistics contributes £139 billion GVA to the UK economy. It’s a sector that supports countless organisations. It helps keep food on our tables, it feeds the constant flow of consumer demand, and it’s the lifeblood of industry infrastructure.
But it’s a competitive playing field. With over 200,000 logistics enterprises in the UK alone, new startups need to hit the road running if they want to thrive.
If you are looking to succeed in the logistics business, then you’ll need to follow the recommendations below.
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A great location
Location is everything when it comes to running a logistics business. This is because you’ll want to be situated close to a port so ship containers do not have far to travel to be unloaded and distributed. Additionally, your business will need to be close to the railway, and motorways so you can transport the goods in your car with ease.
The thing to remember here is that the closer you are to all these things, the lower your operating costs will be. This is because you will have to pay less for items and containers to be moved from the port to the next stage of the distribution process.
Access to the right lifting equipment
Logistics companies often work with shipping containers. This means that you’ll need access to proper lifting equipment to remove the container from the boat and get it dockside. The good news is you can now hire as well as buy this type of heavy-lifting equipment from specialist providers, which can work out more cost-efficient for your business.
Quality vehicles
To be successful in the logistics field you will also need access to plenty of quality vehicles. This means vehicles that are the right size for carrying a range of different loads, that are well maintained, and that use clean and sustainable energy. Often you will need a range of sizes of vehicles from very large lorries to smaller vans that can be assigned according to need.
Many industry leaders are moving to electric vehicles because they are more efficient and cost-effective to run, and they are better for the environment. By making this swap in your business, it can help you forge a positive reputation with your customers and the general public. Something crucial to ensure a steady stream of clients.
Excellent drivers
While great vehicles are a must, great people to drive them are also crucial to the success of any logistics business. After all, they’re in charge of getting your deliveries from A to B in a safe and timely manner.
Picture sourced at Pexels – Licence CC0
To find the best drivers for your business, look for those that have the right qualifications, and plenty of experience with the class of vehicle you want them to operate.
Reliable tracking systems
Last of all, if you want to succeed in the logistics game you will need to use reliable tracking systems. This is because by tracking every item you transport accurately you will be able to provide the very best service to your customer.
Indeed, by integrating your tracking systems with automated apps, your customer will be able to see precisely where their item is, without having to contact you. This can help greatly to manage their expectations and ensure a higher level of satisfaction with your service.
There are many types of tracking systems you may wish to consider. These include barcodes, QR codes, and NFC tags. Ensure you weigh up the pros and cons including cost before you make your decision.
Logistics Business Success
The tips in this guide scratch the surface of logistics business success. Keep your business lean and efficient, and monitor industry trends.
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This is a contributed post.