Countless businesses send consumer packaged goods (CPG) across the US and beyond every day. But finding a way to transport products safely and efficiently can be tough.
Let’s go through the basics of CPG shipping, including what it is, some key challenges, and CPG packaging tips.
Consumer packaged goods are everyday items that average consumers use frequently. These can include:
Because these items tend to be consumed and replenished often, they must be readily available. That means that an efficient CPG freight strategy is critical to ensure retailers can meet demand.
As with all types of freight transportation, consumer packaged goods shipping can be challenging, and businesses may encounter some common obstacles in CPG logistics.
However, understanding these potential issues will help you avoid them. Here are some of the CPG shipping challenges to be aware of:
CPG shipping must be timely and efficient. Many food items and beverages have a brief shelf life, so the longer they stay in storage, the less time retailers have to sell them. Transportation delays can stop goods from being delivered on time and increase their risk of going to waste.
With this in mind, on-time delivery is essential for CPG logistics.
To help keep deliveries on schedule, CPG businesses should create a strict shipping schedule that allows carriers adequate time to transport goods. Plan ahead to make sure that all essential parts of the process, such as packaging and labeling, are included in the schedule.
And don’t forget that the time of year and weather conditions can impact shipping times, so take these factors into consideration when determining shipping routes.
Read more tips for avoiding late deliveries.
Demand for consumer packaged goods can fluctuate depending on the season and other key factors. Predicting the demand for specific goods throughout the year is a common CPG shipping challenge businesses face.
However, staying on top of consumer trends and studying historical sales data can help with capacity planning.
Transporting goods frequently is expensive, especially in periods of high demand. Even large CPG businesses with a generous shipping budget may look for ways to reduce costs.
There are many different ways to save money on your freight shipping. CPG businesses could consolidate several smaller shipments into a single full truckload (FTL) shipment, explore different types of freight shipping options, or reassess their CPG packaging strategy.
When dealing with CPG freight, shippers must always comply with regulations. Make sure all goods are packaged, transported, and provided to retailers as per the current rules.
Any mistakes here, no matter how genuine, can lead to fines, reputation damage, and possible legal action.
Choosing the right CPG packaging to ship your products is crucial to ensure they arrive at their destination safely. If CPG products don’t arrive in saleable condition, you end up wasting time and money.
How do you package goods for shipping safely? The best packaging materials depend on the items being transported. To help you choose, here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
Bubble wrap is a great packaging option for safe CPG shipping. This prevents fragile items from being damaged and liquids from leaking in transit. Cosmetics, glass containers, and cleaning supplies can all benefit from bubble wrap.
Air cushions are another reliable CPG packaging solution for sending goods safely. These help secure items in their boxes or crates, because they can absorb impacts that may occur on the road or while unloading.
Void fill closes gaps in boxes and gives products less space to move around in transit. Because it tends to be soft, void fill poses little to no risk to the goods it secures.
Depending on the CPG freight being shipped, you may need to use insulated boxes or dry ice bags to create the right temperature environment.
Bags and mailers (plastic or cardboard) are a simple way to package non-breakable goods. They may be used when shipping small, strong items in cardboard boxes. This also helps products take up less space in trucks.
When packaging products for shipping, always include labels with the necessary information. To facilitate a smooth transportation process, always verify the required details.
CPG logistics can be a complicated area for businesses. Meeting demand for popular items is essential, and a well-planned shipping process will help you do that.
At DTS, our shipping and logistics professionals will help you find the right solution for your business. We’re here to provide the advice and guidance you need to get your CPG shipping right. For your free quote, get in touch today.
Whether you're a company looking to improve one facet of your supply chain, your entire supply chain, or simply looking for a transportation and logistics consultation, we can help.
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