With the unprecedented circumstances we are facing today, supply chains and distribution channels have been hit extensively. All the transportation mechanisms and transportation methods were tumbled, among which dairy logistics was also into the questions. Dairy Companies are also facing the same stress of raw materials being highly influenced by international policies and governmental rules. Also, dairy and milk products are among the essential necessities which need to be lively, i.e. it should be fresh while consuming.
Moreover, the new demands of the customers of more organic options and ingredients have been of utmost significance today. To make sure that the dairy products are organic and fresh before consumption, efficient dairy transport logistics is the need of the hour. An efficient and optimised dairy logistics with improved and quick supply chains are the only solution to transport dairy products to different regions without depleting its freshness.
How does an Efficient Dairy Transport Logistics look like?
An efficient dairy logistics involves three most important functions:
- Dairy Products Collection
- Dairy Product Distribution
- Management of other logistics flows
These three functions look pretty simple and generic but effectiveness and efficiency in these functions is what counts the most.
Dairy Product Collection
The dairy product collection pattern has to be done as per the frequencies of the supply by the farms. This frequency depends on farm-to-farm and as per the production process of most farms. For most of the farms, the frequency is regular days, alternate days, or once in three days.
Then a dynamic way of managing collection orders is needed to be taken care of where planned collection orders or routes should be set for the specific dairy plants. Any specific dairy product also plays a huge impact on transportation activities. For instance, milk with a good amount of fat and protein firstly needs to be delivered to cheese plants instead of directly to the milk plants.
Advanced collection schedules are to be maintained, understanding the maximum and minimum demand plans of different plants. The collection order is needed to be placed with the plants. The most efficient route needs to be set wherein the transportation methods for dairy products can be carried smoothly and quickly. Also, the selection of tanks and trailers that will transport the product needs to be finalised as per the carriage required for a specific plant and route. Sometimes, huge collection trucks are used to maximise the carriage and utilisation.
Dairy Product Distribution
Once collected, the main game starts with the distribution methods. The dairy products need to be delivered on time until it perishes off. For instance, collection delivery patterns are also set in advance, as in setting up a specific frequency of distribution days. For organising an efficient distribution channel, the products collected are taken to distribution centres if the area of coverage for further distribution is huge.
These products can be directly delivered to the stores or to the retailers as well if the area to be distributed is less. Container load optimisation plays a major role in promoting less damage to dairy products while distribution and for more efficiency. The distribution channels are made more flexible in a way that supports the load management perspective so that the trucks are not overloaded and tumbled.
Multi-drop routes and stops for one transport truck can be executed as per the demand. The distribution routes and tracking of the distribution vehicle can also be done with the use of software or a real-time feedback system. Through this, transportation methods and deliveries can be managed more effectively.
Management of other Logistics flows
Other large production companies also need not just distribution to the distribution centres and the retailers, some semi-finished dairy products like whey and cream to process them further. These dairy logistics from farm to large production units involves big trucks and trailers carrying the products. These logistics flows become of utmost importance as these involve bulk transactions between farms and the production plants.
Conclusion
Managing dairy transport logistics effectively involves the use of new and advanced technologies with efficient planning systems and transportation flows. Acquiring insights on the delivery status helps to monitor the transportation of dairy products and proves to be efficient in managing the transportation flows. Having optimised dairy logistics is of utmost importance to make sure that the distribution is collected, segregated and distributed to the right receivers and at the right time.
Following this, we here at Freightlinxs strive to offer the best freight services for dairy logistics and management. We have been in the industry with years of experience, offering our high-end freight and transportation services for the daily products that reach within time. Be it high volume loads or regular frequency pickups; we will have you covered.
We make the best use of budding technologies to help you monitor your delivery and give you efficient features to manage your distribution as per your requirements. To know more, get in touch with our distribution reps today!