Smart Logistics Planning to and From Alaska
As a freight shipping company, our day to day activities involve managing a wealth of logistics for our customers. As a freight cargo company that has been in the shipping business for over 50 years, we have learned some things about smart logistics planning, especially when it comes to planning logistics to and from Alaska.
ELEMENTS OF LOGISTICS
There are a number of elements that go into logistics planning and within each of these elements is a flow of action, important factors to consider and the specifications for each shipment. As we list each element we’ll take a look at the flow of actions, factors and technique for shipping the item.
- Customer Order Processing: The first step in every logistical process is taking the initial order from the customer. The flow of action for this step involves devising a checklist for the cargo which includes size and weight of cargo, shipping schedule and location of delivery and the cost of shipping the cargo.
- Location Analysis: This piece of the process is important in all logistics planning, but it is especially important for us here at AAF. Shipping to Alaska often involves freight going to remote areas of the state or freight that will be shipped during peak winter months. When this is the case (often with us) we must determine the most cost effective and efficient means of transporting the freight. In Alaska, this means determining the number of transfers that will be required to get the cargo to its final destination.
- Material Handling: This part of the logistics planning has to do with the type of cargo or material we will be shipping. Is it heavy cargo? Is it hazardous material? (Which is something few freight companies will ship, but we will.) Is it perishable? Each type of cargo will require a specific type of handling; some will require quite extensive planning while others will have more of a standard approach.
- Packaging: This piece is similar to material but some cargo will require certain packaging. For example, perishable cargo will require refrigeration. Fragile cargo will require specific packaging that will protect the contents. Packaging must be determined in the planning phase and the appropriate type of packaging secured for the cargo.
- Transportation: This is one of the final phases of logistics planning and is literally determining the means of moving the cargo: ground, air or water. If cargo will require several transfers the various means of transportation will be ordered during this phase.
- Customer Service: The final, yet most important part of logistics planning is the customer service piece. This is simply following up and insuring that the customer is happy with the shipping process. Here at Alaska Air Forwarding, we are very diligent about following up with our customers and ensuring that their shipment arrived on time and safely to its destination.
Smart logistics planning is essential in the shipping business. When we take the time to plan methodically and correctly, we actually save our customers money because planning enables us to anticipate problems that may occur and resolve them beforehand.
If you have cargo that needs to be shipped, contact Alaska Air Forwarding. We’ll make sure your cargo arrives safely and in the most cost-effective way for you.
