Before we answer that compelling question, let’s define “logistics” as it relates to the supply chain. Logistics refers to the aspect of any supply chain that warehouses or delivers products and/or services to its customers. Customers can be manufacturers receiving raw materials, distributors, retailers, and, finally, consumers. The goal of logistics is to ensure that these products and services reach their respective customers both on time and as efficiently as possible. Lost time equals higher costs. The unloading of these goods and services can frequently be a sticking point. It is here, during this important phase where goods are received and stored, that time can be lost due to damages, shifted freight that must be repackaged, and unfamiliarity with relaying products to warehouse personnel. To expedite this all-important step, many operations managers turn to professional lumper services.
Receivers often outsource lumper services to vendors who are completely independent of their core businesses. Hiring lumpers is widely viewed by freight agents and logistics managers as a cost- and time-saving measure for drivers. Also known as freight unloaders, lumpers unload trucks and containers, which is especially important for goods that have been trucked to the loading dock, as it allows the driver to rest and prepare for the next load to be hauled. The term “lumping” also refers to the fee or service charge to your shipper, primarily by the larger grocery chains that prefer to have their perishables unloaded quickly and expeditiously by professional third-party freight unloaders. These professionals are experienced and perform this difficult task with efficiency and a high degree of safety for themselves and others.
Another major reason that lumper services are used in supply chain logistics, especially for perishables, is that their services save grocery chains millions of dollars annually in staff and labor costs. Think of it: not having to cross-train existing personnel and divert them at will to perform difficult and potentially dangerous tasks saves on benefits and workers’ comp expenses. Instead, hiring professional freight unloaders as needed by the individual job is far more cost-effective. Logistically, having to pay only for services when they are needed creates major cost savings without safety risks or extended timelines. It is a win-win scenario for all parties. That is the major reason retailers hire lumper services to unload freight on their loading docks. As leading freight unloading professionals, Express Freight Handlers deploys our supervised teams as needed to jobs nationwide. We successfully unload over a million trailers and containers each and every year.
We invite you to contact our team for more information regarding what our business can do to improve the efficiency of yours. To get started, contact us today.
