Shipper
Shipping Modes
The supply chain will use a variety of different shipping modes in order to move goods through the supply chain. Although trucks (lorries or rigs) are the main method used, other methods include sea- and air-freight. All loads must be secured, often with the use of pallets, slip sheets and pallet shrouds in order to achieve this.
Shipping Capacity of Supply Chain Partners
Most partners in a retail supply chain will have their own means of shipping goods. Some may carry out most of the onward (downstream) distribution - they may even collect goods from upstream locations. Others may only have sparse transport capacity or even none at all.
Dedicated Shippers
There are some companies whose sole function is to ship goods. There are various English language names for them such as shippers, hauliers, couriers, transporters or distributors.
The service they provide may just involve occasional spot deliveries for companies that have an unscheduled need or have suffered a temporary shortfall in transport capacity; or they may regularly supplement delivery capacity for given routes and/or given days. They may even provide a dedicated and exclusive service providing all shipping needs for one company or even for a complete supply chain.
Although their core function may be to move goods, some shipping companies have expanded into other services such as reverse logistics, warehousing and regional consolidation (or hub distribution). Some have even branched into finishing goods. This service is useful for retailers and wholesalers who buy, and take delivery of, bulk quantities of goods without knowing the final destinations. Once these destinations are known, the shipper will apply packaging and labelling or reconfigure goods, so that they are appropriate for each destination.
Consumer | Customer | Importer | Packaging Supplier | Producer | Retailer | Shipper | Wholesaler
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