29 June, 2021

MANAGING THE CHALLENGES OF FURNITURE LOGISTICS

Furniture warehousing and delivery processes rely on robust logistical strategies so that products reach customers. However, the pandemic has created additional logistical problems.

Selling and delivering furniture differs from smaller commercial transactions such as apparel and consumer packaged goods. Sellers may store and ship furniture in large sizes, from assembled bookcases to whole dining room sets. These large pieces require a significant amount of storage space and appropriate transportation options. It also includes a higher risk for liability costs if the furniture becomes damaged during the last-mile delivery process.

Sellers explore several options when it comes to furniture storage. In the case of e-commerce sellers, they may choose to skip the warehouse space, and instead, send orders directly to and from the manufacturer. The seller may also opt to use a third-party fulfillment warehouse or distribution center (3PL or 3PF), to store and ship the products whenever orders are placed.

Unfortunately, the pandemic has exacerbated many of the logistical challenges associated with shipping furniture. A recent report found that 97% of manufacturing and logistics executives had undergone a supply chain disruption due to the pandemic. Roughly 73% plan to pursue major shifts in how they run their supply chains.

FURNITURE LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES

Here are some of the challenges that impact furniture logistics:

Increased online shopping demand: With the pandemic forcing stores to close, shoppers may make more online purchases. This increase in furniture demand results in added shipping delays with fewer available shipping resources since many sellers never made contingency plans to handle a pandemic.

Driver shortages: The transportation industry has experienced driver shortages for several years. For furniture sellers, this problem becomes compounded for drivers who not only make deliveries but also assemble the furniture for homeowners as another additional service. With fewer drivers and higher order volumes, sellers may stretch delivery schedules.

Higher shipping and liability costs: Furniture is typically delivered with other furniture. Packing other items may lead to damage, as boxes and crates may shift in delivery trucks. Due to the size and bulkiness of the furniture, sellers may also ship fewer pieces on each vehicle while adding additional delivery routes. This problem leads to higher transportation and fuel costs.

Inventory management issues: Warehouse layouts may pose challenges for sellers trying to fit as much inventory as possible within the allowable square footage. Due to space limitations and warehouse location relative to shoppers, sellers may opt for more direct manufacturer-to-consumer supply chains, which can create production scheduling disruptions.

Last-mile logistics: Customers desire perfection when it comes to furniture delivery services. They want high-quality products delivered quickly and carefully. Even the slightest ding or scratch during transportation or when moving the furniture into the home may cause the customer to return the piece. This issue creates higher last mile and reverse logistics costs

To tackle these logistical issues, furniture manufacturers and distributors benefit from performing enterprise-wide evaluations of their supply chains. These evaluations may help discover the exact nature of issues in their processes and to implement the appropriate measures.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Increase warehousing and distribution center locations: increasing the number of distribution centers closer to where customers live, helps reduce furniture shipping costs. You may also increase delivery schedule times as drivers do not have to make longer transportation hauls to reach customers. In these instances, working with an experienced 3PL that offers distribution and warehousing services may provide competitive pricing and inventory management solutions.

Implement white glove services: White glove services may lower the amount of returned furniture due to damage during the last mile delivery. Workers unpack and inspect the furniture before it gets placed in the truck for final delivery. This process helps guarantee that the furniture was not damaged when leaving the manufacturer and cuts on additional transportation costs. Then, two drivers accompany the shipment during the last mile to install or assemble the furniture, ensuring the customer’s satisfaction.

Invest in inventory management and logistical software: Technology offers numerous ways to optimize warehouse receiving processes and sorting processes and develop logistical strategies. You may use inventory management software to track furniture placement in warehouses and vehicles, allowing for more efficient item placement in warehouse zones and on delivery trucks. Sellers may also use artificial intelligence technologies to perform visual inspections of furniture to spot damage while enhancing supply chain productivity.

WSI FURNITURE LOGISTICS

At WSI, we understand the hurdles that sellers face when storing and shipping furniture pieces to customers. Our 3PL solutions help streamline the warehousing and delivery process by providing enhanced inventory management solutions, scalable warehousing and distribution centers, and reliable fulfillment center services. We help sellers get their furniture on the road and to their destinations on time and at competitive prices.

Contact WSI to learn more about our consumer goods logistical services.

Ready to start with WSI?

Let’s Connect
×