Keep your Shipping Department the Best in Class

There are lots of different types of companies but when it comes to shipping the processes are rather similar.  So why are some companies absolutely dominating in the shipping game and others are not doing anything? There are a whole lot of variables and after working for several billion dollar companies I have noticed trends in the large companies and the answer to creating an amazing shipping department is having systems in place.  The more that is left to chance the more that is left to failure in a shipping department.  Now that e commerce is becoming the fastest growing kind of company and in many States the only type being allowed to run normally.  So let's go over a few things to help shipping departments thrive during this covid-19 season.

The first thing is rather simple and that is to know and plan everything out the best way possible.  Knowing all the items that you use on a daily basis.  Now break that down to every roll of tape, every type of box and how many.  Look at trends in selling and find what size boxes or bags you are going to be using the next month.  These are all the things that you need to know.  Because having the right shipping supplies on hand means you can ship them the most efficient way.  If this can be done then you can purchase your shipping supplies in the best financial way.

Being fiscally responsible is also how you get ahead in the shipping department game.  If you are purchasing the products from a supplier that is giving you the best price for the quantity you actually need then you are right on track.  That is important because it is not worth spending extra if it will sit so long and that cash flow is now gone for a month.  Being wise with your spending is important and most companies that are saving the most use a supply chain that delivers the right products at the right time.  That is the type of department you need to run and it is simply started by being nerdy.

Now you have the right products for the best price you must ensure your employees are working in the best and most efficient way.  Have competitions to see who can do the most of something the best with the least amount of product.  Then award a winner for the team or person that finds the best system.  Now take that system and use it and improve. Keep finding the fastest, best and least expensive way to do things.  This is how Ford created the assembly line and it was the big leap that make our manufacturing system take off in the United States.  The ability to innovate and be efficient is what makes us great.  Now also reward those who do well and who have created the processes.  Give people the incentive to be better and work better and share in the profit that it creates. Incentive is what makes our country great and what can drive people to succeed and help  your shipping department succeed as well. Don't count out the manual labor workers who have been doing something for years. Give them a reason to do the fastest job possible and I bet they have the knowledge and skill to find it and do it.