The process of removing cargo from a sealed container or trailer and preparing it for its next transportation stage is known in the logistics industry as “devanning.” Other names for this service include unstuffing, stripping, or unloading. Especially for imported goods, devanning is a pivotal step in a distribution chain. Most devanning tasks are performed manually, with Full Container Loads (FCL) devanned at a warehouse. Shipments that are Less Than a Full Container Load (LCL) are generally devanned at a Container Freight Station (CFS). Since this process is a critical link in any supply chain, it is important to have professionals perform the task. In this posting, Express Freight Handlers, whose teams successfully unload over a million containers and trailers every year nationally, further defines the role our devanning services perform specifically for eCommerce businesses to help them control overhead costs.
eCommerce businesses face different challenges than brick-and-mortar retailers. To retain customers, finished goods must be delivered on time; therefore, inventory levels must be optimal, stockouts must be eliminated, and shipped customer orders must be delivered when promised. During the pandemic, consumers’ delivery expectations were heightened when major online retailers promised one- and two-day deliveries to consumers’ doorsteps. Therefore, for small to mid-size eTailers, it became and remains imperative to establish a solid supply chain strategy to set a strong foundation for both consumer satisfaction and future growth.
In the sometimes lengthy eCommerce supply chain sequence, it is most important for logistics management to improve inbound and outbound logistics strategy by partnering with Express Freight Handlers as a dependable, experienced, third-party vendor providing devanning services as needed. Freight loading and unloading times, particularly as they pertain to moving cargo from one mode of transport to another, are Key Performance Metrics (KPIs). As these are not daily tasks, many warehouse and logistics managers entrust this work to day laborers or staffers diverted from their regular assignments. This is neither a sound practice nor cost-effective. Day laborers are inexperienced, slower, and more injury-prone than experienced lumpers. Likewise, existing employees could be injured and submit a liability claim. At best, while taken from their usual roles to perform devanning, your company’s productivity is negatively impacted.
Instead, Express Freight Handlers will deploy a seasoned, experienced, professional team with a supervisor. Your required metrics will be scrupulously adhered to as our teams perform the assigned task. When complete and approved by your logistics overseers, upon request, we will present a customized report, then depart until our skill set is again required. This is a cost-effective means of performing devanning jobs as needed, and it eliminates potential liability and Workers’ Comp claims as well. Express Freight Handlers invites you to contact our team with your questions. We will be glad to demonstrate why a partnership with our firm will improve your supply chain linkage and, likely, increase your ROI. Call today!
