Moving freight to more than one place? Read this first
Whether it’s a nationwide store reset, an installation across multiple sites or a promotional display rollout, managing large-scale logistics projects can quickly get complicated. Delivery windows are tight, on-site resources are limited and one misstep can throw off your entire schedule.
Keeping everything on track requires clear communication, strategic planning and the flexibility to adapt in real time. Follow this guide for a step-by-step approach to planning your next project. Then, learn how ArcBest can make the process easier.
Creating one strategy for multiple destinations
When planning your logistics strategy for multi-location projects, it’s important to take a centralized approach. Instead of managing each location individually, map out a complete plan that accounts for every stop, coordinates the correct mode of transportation and organizes deliveries in the right order.
This approach keeps freight flowing efficiently and helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Here’s how to make it happen:
Establish your timeline
Many multi-site projects revolve around fixed deadlines, which puts pressure on each part of the supply chain. Set yourself up for success by building a detailed (and realistic) schedule:
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List all important dates. Take note of when deliveries are required at each location.
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Gather site-specific requirements. Check for restricted receiving hours or dock access limitations. These details can affect your delivery windows and how early freight needs to arrive.
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Determine transit time and lead time. Account for how long it will take to prepare freight, secure a carrier and complete shipping. If possible, add buffer days for unexpected delays. Learn about lead time.
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Plan for setup or staging. If crews need time to unload, inspect or install materials, build that into your timeline. Freight may need to arrive a day or two before on-site work begins.
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Map it out. Create a visual schedule or spreadsheet with each site’s milestone dates, shipping deadlines and any known constraints. This becomes the foundation for your full logistics plan.
Learn more about building a load plan for a product launch.
Choose the right mode
Once you have a timeline in place, you can decide how each shipment will get to its destination.
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Need fast transit for some shipments? Full truckload or expedite may be the solution.
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Looking to save costs? Less-than-truckload can be more economical but may require additional handling time.
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Shipping from the same warehouse to multiple places? A pool distribution strategy may be the right approach.
Remember that flexibility is often just as important as speed. Having backup carriers and contingency plans in place means you can quickly adapt in case of delay. This works to keep your overall timeline on schedule. Your logistics provider can help you determine the best mode to use.
Protect your goods
Having many destinations involved in your project may increase the risk of damage. Fragile displays or sensitive equipment can't afford to be mishandled, especially when they're part of a tightly sequenced campaign. When your freight is protected from damage, so is your timeline.
To reduce risk, it’s important to take a proactive approach:
- Use packaging designed for specific handling and transit conditions
- Create clear handling instructions for each step of the process
- Track freight in real time and respond quickly when issues arise
- When standard service isn’t enough, utilize white glove delivery
Learn about properly packaging LTL freight.
Let’s simplify your next rollout
Need help navigating the complexities of your next multi-location project? ArcBest’s managed logistics team brings proactive planning and real-time communication to keep your project running smoothly.
With managed, you gain a dedicated team focused on making sure each delivery arrives where and when it should. Choose ArcBest to simplify your rollout and take the stress out of multi-location shipments.
See if managed logistics is right for you with our beginner’s guide to managed.
