materials purchases from overseas, while also selling to a range of customers. When working with a customer, Nexterus focuses rst on “what hurts the most,” Polakoff says. They implement a solution to address that, before moving on to other solutions. With Fibox, that meant an initial focus on parcel and domestic less-than-truckload shipments. Nexterus also armed Fibox with its transportation management system, BrillDog, while its 24/7 customer service team acts as an extension of the Fibox logistics team. In addition, Nexterus handles all kinds and sizes of freight— key for Fibox as their products can range from parcels to over-sized.
THE KEY TO TREASURED PARTNERSHIPS A few features form the basis of successful relationships between logistics providers and their clients. Solid and honest communication is crucial. By providing information on operations, growth, and seasonality, shippers help logistics providers, who can use this data to design storage solutions, material handling equipment, automation, and labor requirements. This data also helps in developing pricing and appropriate operational metrics. Manufacturers that have implemented a robust production planning system, or e-commerce retailers invested in sophisticated order management systems need to make sure their logistics provider(s) can properly integrate with the systems they have. While technology is critical, beware of technology for its own sake. “Automation should be used to reduce the overall labor requirements of the logistics provider’s operation while increasing productivity, picking accuracy, and performance,” says Steve Simonson, vice president, Tompkins Solutions. Consider the flexibility a logistics provider can oer in terms of space and labor, as well as technology. Flexibility in these areas can enable quick reactions to changes in your business. Keep customer service in mind. An experienced, responsive, and diligent customer service team can keep goods or shipments from being held up or your internal team from becoming overwhelmed with exceptions and fire drills. Consider the insight and ideas the provider can oer such as analyzing past split shipments and oering to delay some cargo to avoid extra charges without aecting the production or replenishment process, or analyzing and optimizing the transportation network. Logistics providers can also provide insight on market conditions and key supply conditions changes, such as labor shortages and rate increases.
The two companies meet every 60 days to review freight data and
brainstorm ways to improve shipments. By working together, Fibox has been able to leverage Nexterus’ relationships with carriers across the country to handle logistics and mitigate costs. When Fibox’s growth prompted a need for additional warehouse space, Nexterus’s relationships and expertise allowed them to effectively negotiate for that space. Communication, collaboration, and transparency are critical to any relationship, whether you’re working as a vendor, a partner, or a customer, Polakoff says. “The more you can talk and share problems, the better the output in designing processes and solutions that work for everyone.”
MADE TO ORDER: BaubleBar and SnapFulfil
BaubleBar, founded in 2011, offers fun, often whimsical jewelry, phone cases, and other accessories, many of which can be customized. Its products
January 2023 • Inbound Logistics 117
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