What a remarkable journey! A heartfelt thank you to Startrack for offering us an insightful depot tour. Our guide, Karen, was incredibly knowledgeable, and I'm grateful for her taking the time to show us around. The facility is truly awe-inspiring, bustling with passionate individuals who understand the critical role of last-mile delivery.
My excitement about this depot tour might seem odd, but I'm a firm believer in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the services we provide. This approach allows us to maximize the value we deliver to our clients. Karen answered some of the most common questions my clients pose:
1️⃣ How can a premium carrier lose a pallet?
Pallets often get broken down at the depot. To ensure clear identification, place shipping labels on all sides and affix "Do not break down" signs on the pallet.
2️⃣ What causes carton shipments to get delayed or lost?
Avoid placing labels on sticky tape or taping over them, as it can distort the barcode and make it unreadable to scanners.
Refrain from using recycled packaging, as old shipping labels can lead to incorrect scanning.
3️⃣ Why do carriers charge manual handling fees?
With depots handling massive volumes (up to +150,000 parcels during the Christmas period and 50,000 parcels on a regular day), automation is vital.
Manual handling fees are levied for items that fall outside the automated process.
Common reasons for manual handling charges include:
Satchels on Road Express services, as they get stuck in the conveyor belts.
Flat packs, fragile items, and liquids, which can't be processed via conveyor belts due to various risks.
Sharing this experience has hopefully provided you with a fresh perspective! If you're seeking someone with an in-depth understanding of freight to enhance your business, don't hesitate to message me or email me at William.cowlishaw@inxpress.com.
#StartrackDepotTour #FreightInsights #LastMileDelivery #LogisticsExpertise #inxpress #freightforwarding
Assistant General Manager at Keolis North America; Retired Executive Director (NYC Department of Correction)
3wWas glad to be part of that winning cast.