Page 11 - Griffin Gazette Issue 3 - 2019

What you should know about Boxed Deliveries. Your Griffin rep can help you with scheduling and
Don’t pay for empty space. Fill the box! vendor selection to get the right product at the right
time in the right volume.
Knowing the tray configuration of your vendors’ Pairing your deliveries with those of an industry
shipping box can save you money. You will pay neighbor may help support the volume needed
freight on the entire box whether it’s full or not. A full for truck deliveries from a common vendor and
box can reduce your cost per unit. Your Griffin rep ship week. Your Griffin rep may offer some help
can advise you on how to order.
here too.
A higher freight bill might save your crop When scheduling truck deliveries be sure of
your labor capabilities and truck accessibility.
Understand how your chosen vendor ships when Communicate with your sales rep or directly to the
using Fed Ex or UPS. Priority and overnight deliveries supplier to ensure you have necessary access for
cost more than ground or 2-day shipping but the the truck and a loading dock or fork lift to handle
longer the delivery, the more opportunity for plant pallets or carts. Will they drop carts or do you
quality decline. Evaluate time of year, the product’s need to immediately unload them? Be clear on the
shippability, and when you need to receive your plants available delivery hours and make arrangements if
when choosing ship method. after-hours drop-off is an option.

Prepare for weather extremes Other Considerations
Does your chosen vendor use appropriate insulating When scheduling your orders, be aware of the
materials when it’s too hot or too cold? If not, be vendor’s truck delivery schedule to your area and take
extra diligent in tracking your shipments. Know advantage of cost savings on freight by taking delivery
when your deliveries are scheduled to arrive and be on weeks when truck delivery is an option.
there to receive them.
Understand the needs of the plants in your delivery.
When possible, get tracking numbers from the Some plants require expedited handling to maintain
vendor or via your Griffin sales or customer service quality. Be prepared to un-box quickly or move
rep. Track your deliveries to manage delays. plants/cutting to appropriate conditions to acclimate
and reduce plant stress.
Make friends with your UPS and Fed Ex drivers.
Developing a relationship can ensure better service Pay attention to detail when
and establish their willingness to go the extra mile
to protect your deliveries. Do they know where to receiving plants
deliver your plants; what location, what door? Is
there a sheltered place they can access if no one Be sure to check your delivery against the packing
is available to accept the delivery? Remember that slip. Note any shortages on the bill of lading from
drivers take vacations. Signage is useful. If necessary, the carrier and report the shortages to your sales
can you pick up plants at the terminal or nearest rep or customer service rep immediately.
distribution center to reduce the time on the truck? Understand your vendor’s claims policy. Record
shipping damage with photos of the damaged
Be flexible boxes, trays and/or plant material and note this on
the bill of lading. Communicate quickly with your rep
In times of extreme weather be prepared for and/or vendor. Give accurate counts of immediate
possible shipping delays. Vendors may find it losses. For questionable quality, report concerns
necessary to hold product for a few days or even even if you plan to transplant the product and wait
a week. Clear communication will help you plan and see if it recovers. File your claim with your
your labor requirements and allow you to make supplier or Griffin rep immediately. Most vendors
necessary arrangements for receipt of product require notification within 24 hours of receipt.
on different dates or at different times. Tracking
numbers can help with this. Following the steps above can make for more
predictable and desirable outcomes while helping
to reduce your costs associated with this ever-
LTL or Grower Truck can be a good option increasing business cost element.

Consolidating vendors and/or product delivery
dates can increase the potential for truck delivery.

GRIFFIN GAZETTE 2019 | 11