Logistics Expertise: Automotive Freight
Logistics for the automotive industry is arguably the most complex specialization within the entire logistics and transportation sector. A modern car is such a complicated structure that its production requires the timely delivery of thousands of parts and components from dozens of suppliers.
Any disruption in the supply chain can lead to delays or even a halt in the entire production process, which, of course, means significant financial losses for the vehicle manufacturer. Therefore, companies active in the automotive industry, looking for a logistics service provider, should ensure that their potential partner can guarantee a smooth and delay-free delivery process.
Just-in-Time deliveries
Automotive production is a process that occurs in precisely defined stages. Each component must be installed in the vehicle at a specific moment to continue the installation of subsequent parts, thereby completing the assembly process of the entire vehicle. Today’s automotive factories are robotic and computerized, and production proceeds very smoothly and quickly. Therefore, it is crucial tto ensure all parts are delivered just in time, to avoid any disruptions in the production process. A specialized logistics partner should design and implement the delivery process of components from their producers to the final destination, which is the automotive factory, to prevent any delays. Contingency plans should also be developed, to be implemented in case of delivery delays, to prevent production disruptions.
Real-time cargo status tracking
Given the importance of ensuring the timely delivery of parts for the smooth continuity of automotive production, it’s obvious that a logistics service provider must enable real-time cargo status tracking. The option to check where a truck with cargo is at any given moment allows for the activation of the aforementioned contingency plans in advance if it turns out that parts will not be delivered on time due to road blockages or other unforeseen circumstances (such as theft of the trailer’s contents during a stop).
Special express deliveries
Automotive factories involved in the production process of a single model of a given brand are not always located in the same city, region, or even country. It may be that engines or transmissions are produced in a facility in one country, while complete vehicles are assembled in a factory located in another. A shutdown in one plant can thus mean delays in other production centers. The cause might not always be a lack of some components. Sometimes, an unplanned machinery breakdown on the production line can occur. In such a situation, the fastest possible delivery of the missing part is necessary to repair the fault and resume production. Again, time plays a crucial role here. A logistics service provider serving shippers operational in the automotive industry should also be prepared to carry out such express transports, meaning next-day deliveries, same-day deliveries, and deliveries on weekends and other non-working days.
Flexibility
A logistics partner cooperating with enterprises in the automotive industry should ensure flexibility in the services provided. This means being prepared to transport various types of cargo (thereby having the equipment adapted for their safe transport) and being able to guarantee the execution of the service at the scale and scope currently required by the client.
Support
Another thing that is inextricably linked to the need to maintain timely deliveries. A logistics partner for the automotive industry should provide full support and service to the client, including the ability to contact outside standard working hours. In the event of delays or disruptions in the delivery process, competent representatives of the logistics company should always be available to answer the client’s questions and respond to any situations as they arise.
If you’re in the automotive industry and looking for a proven and trusted logistics partner, consider Coyote Logistics. We invite you to contact us.