Finding the right 3PL provider to perform and manage your beer, wine and spirits logistics operations can be a daunting task. Mistakes in this industry can be costly and damage your reputation with customers. In this article, we’ll examine the 3 most common mistakes that 3PL providers make when handling these sensitive products.
One of the most critical aspects of beer, wine and spirits logistics is ensuring that all involved parties, especially warehousing facilities, are properly licensed. Regulatory bodies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the United States strictly monitor compliance in the handling of alcoholic beverages.
If you inadvertently partner with an unlicensed facility, you risk severe penalties, including fines and disruptions in your supply chain. This could mean a frantic scramble to relocate inventory, a process that is not only stressful but also expensive. To avoid such pitfalls, you must perform thorough due diligence on potential partners to confirm all necessary licenses are in place.
Different types of alcoholic beverages require specific handling equipment to ensure they are transported safely and without damage. For example:
Inadequate or inappropriate handling equipment can lead to significant product loss through damage, which is not only a direct financial hit but can also damage your reputation with its customers. It is vital that your chosen 3PL provider has the right tools for the job, tailored to the specific products they handle.
It is also vital that your products are stored in the appropriate environment. For temperature-sensitive products, this means partnering with a 3PL provider that has the specs, systems, and space to perform temperature-controlled warehousing.
Some 3PL providers, like Weber Logistics, also provide temperature-controlled transportation services which can integrate with warehousing services to create a full cold chain solution for your products.
Having robust standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place is vital, especially when dealing with potential spills or damages. Spills, particularly in the case of beer, can create extensive messes that attract pests and require specialized cleaning procedures. Make sure that your logistics partner not only has strong SOPs in place but also adheres to high standards of cleanliness and food safety management, such as those required by AIB certification.
“AIB” is short for the American Institute of Baking, now known as AIB International. AIB has become one of the world’s foremost providers of training and certification programs related to food safety, quality management, process optimization, and avoidance of recalls. AIB’s “Consolidated Standards for Inspection” represent requirements that a food-grade facility such as a warehouse must meet to keep food products safe.
AIB audits are conducted annually. The audit process typically takes 1-2 full days and covers every aspect of warehousing operations, from procedure and paperwork review to detailed reviews of equipment and facility conditions. This intense process – along with the associated price tag – keeps many companies from going through with it.
AIB certification shows that a 3PL truly walks the walk when it comes to keeping food and beverage products safe as they travel through the supply chain. With such an intensive audit and certification process, only the companies that have full confidence in their abilities will invite such an audit.
While there are 3PLs of all sizes that handle beer, wine and spirits products, it’s only premium-service regional providers like Weber Logistics that have the infrastructure to support you, plus the flexibility to develop custom solutions for your business.
Contact us today to learn how we can put our beer, wine and spirits logistics expertise to work for your supply chain.