5 Tips to Help Small Businesses Navigate Shipping Disruptions

Around the world in 2021 and 2022, businesses are facing cargo and shipping delays throughout their supply chain. A small business often feels that it has little control over global supply chain disruptions. But no matter your company

size, you can take a few important steps to make things work better in your situation. What moves might you make? Here are a few things you can do.

1. Work With Logistics Professionals

Navigating a complex global disruption like the Covid-19 pandemic calls for working with professionals who are more trained and have a larger network than you and your small business staff. If you're still trying to manage shipping - both inbound and outbound - in-house, now is the time to take advantage of the options and resources provided by larger logistics services.

Not only does a national or international logistics service have a global network to turn to, they also have the time to be dedicated to figuring out the right solutions. They can also leverage their reputation and take at least partial responsibility for your shipments' on-time arrival.

2. Be Flexible About Shipping Methods

Ocean cargo is probably the most visibly disrupted part of the shipping chain in 2021. Its popularity as a low-cost means of transportation to keep costs low means that many other businesses opt for this bulk shipping whenever possible.

However, a company may need to be flexible about its shipping routes at the moment. This could include more costly - but less challenged - means like air freight and over-the-road options. While the cost may be higher, you can

recoup your investment by prioritizing small, high-dollar goods through these means.

3. Give Yourself a Buffer

Many businesses in recent years worked toward a lean supply chain and inventory management systems that prioritized moving goods only when needed for use. However, it may be time to get less lean to be more maneuverable in this business climate.

Look for ways to purchase and have on hand more inventory and enact backup plans before they're needed. This can be a challenge, but having these in place gives you an edge over competitors who are still waiting on goods.

4. Offer and Use Alternatives

One of the best ways to avoid disruptions from shipping delays is to avoid being in the shipping chain affected.

A small business with a strong local market might offer, for instance, delivery to customers within a certain radius. You might also opt to stage goods at strategically located warehousing services closer to their final destinations, preventing you from relying on international delivery in some circumstances. And opting for more local vendors may be a smart priority.

5. Analyze Your Supply Chain

While you can't fix global shipping problems, you can look carefully at your own supply chain to see where you can strengthen specific weaknesses that put your small company at risk.

Analyzing your supply chain is a complicated task that involves assessing the strength and resiliency of your suppliers and shipping partners as well as the strength of their own supply chains. A small business may need professional help determining what they can and can't adjust to enact more buffers, avoid weak links, and help motivate suppliers to firm up their own shipping chains.

Where to Start

Do you need help with any of these methods for managing ongoing transportation crises as you head into 2022? Start by meeting with the logistics team at JBS Logistics Inc. We will help you determine your needs, find the best transportation and warehousing solutions, and implement changes to make your supply chain work better. Call today to make an appointment.