Efficient shipping processes are vital for more than just the supply chain industry. Missteps create bottlenecks, reduce customer satisfaction, and erode margins. The relationship between warehousing and shipping is symbiotic and both need to be optimized to be completely efficient.
Every warehouse has different processes and systems to stay optimized. And different shipping companies also have varying strategies and processes.
This blog outlines a few strategies warehouses can use to create a seamless system with shipping.
Five Key Shipping Strategies to Boost Warehouse Efficiency
1. Implement Cross-Docking for Quick Turnover
Cross-docking is the process of planning shipments and arrivals. This allows inbound pallets to be ready for quick outbound shipments. Cross-docking bypasses storage and accelerates outbound flow.
This is ideal for high-velocity items or last-minute order surges. This strategy requires coordination between the warehouse and shipping companies. As well as, the right amount of warehouse temp staffing to process the inbound shipments quickly.
2. Strategically Position Staging Areas Close to Shipping Docks
Optimizing warehouse layout can create a big difference in efficiency and speed. Positioning staging areas close to shipping docks reduces picker and loader travel time. By placing staging, packing, and loading zones near docks can boost efficiency by up to 25%.
Optimizing for better flow can also help temp labor be more effective as well. When workers can quickly do their job without having to spend time traveling from place to place they do their work faster.
This can be especially important during the busy season. When it is more likely to have temporary warehouse workers on shifts.
3. Use Order Wave Planning
Order wave planning is a technique used to improve order fulfillment. By grouping customer orders together based on specific criteria and then releasing them to the floor in organized batches. It’s commonly used within WMS or warehouse management systems.
This helps distribute workload evenly and optimize where resources are located.
4. Choose Carriers & Modes Based on Data-Driven Performance Metrics
Choosing carriers and modes based on data helps you pick the right system for your warehouse. Evaluate shipping options by cost, speed, and reliability.
Regularly optimizing carrier selection can help boost efficiency. Some WMS can be used to integrate inventory visibility with accurate packing and carrier decisions.
5. Optimize Warehouse Layout to Support Shipping Flow
Designing warehouse zones to support streamlined shipping looks like fast-moving SKUs being forward stocked, clear paths, and logical pick routes. Efficient zoning reduces travel time for pickers, enabling faster order fulfillment.
Staffing Strategy: Leveraging On-Demand Labor
The best strategy warehouses can build is a flexible workforce. Shipping surges demand speed and flexibility in staffing. Warehouse job apps and staffing platforms help managers find warehouse staff to get the job done.
Traditional temp agencies near you can provide workers but cannot provide the flexibility or reliability warehouses need. There is a lack of transparency which leaves many warehouses wondering how much a temp agency charges per hour.
Modern staffing apps help you quickly find pickers and packers, hire picking and packing staff, and staff warehouse shifts during peak demand without long lead times.
Workers use staffing apps like Bacon to pick up warehouse shifts that fit their schedule and skills. This choice means Bacon workers are more likely to show up than traditional temp workers.
Ship Smarter, Staff Smarter
Optimizing shipping processes, from layout to carrier selection, dramatically improves throughput. Pairing these strategies with flexible, agile staffing platforms like Bacon, creates a responsive and resilient warehouse operation. It also allows managers to find warehouse workers to work when they need them.
