Five Ways the Automotive Industry Can Prepare for Supply Chain Disruption
The automotive industry has faced more than its share of challenges rebounding from pandemic-era supply chain disruptions. Since many of these challenges are outside an organization's control, including geo-political crises, semiconductor shortages, inflation, and extreme weather events, minimizing controllable factors that interfere with supply chains is more important than ever. Logistics partners are essential in streamlining operations and solving challenges on clients' behalf. Here are five ways Gebrüder Weiss solves customers' automotive industry challenges:
- Cost savings: On the logistics front, 3PLs and freight forwarders can directly impact an automotive company's bottom line. With the industry's complex and interconnected supply chains, a missed delivery deadline can create delays and production shutdowns with long-term adverse consequences. As a 500+ year-old logistics partner with a global network to reliably manage procurement, production, and delivery, we can prevent needless cost escalation and keep controllable challenges from disrupting the chain.
- Transparency: Without full transparency and reliable updates, automotive companies face unnecessary challenges communicating across the supply chain. Case in point – one of our clients at the Mexico/U.S. border noted that a previous partner did not always provide them with updates on lead times or maintain established delivery patterns, leaving shipments to sometimes linger on cross docks. This made it harder for them to keep their manufacturing customers updated and even led to production delays. After becoming our client, the company now has a reliable timetable, and this predictable flow of goods has a ripple effect of efficiency throughout the chain.
- Flexibility: A flexible supply chain is resilient, and one-stop solutions are key to flexibility. The chance of miscommunications, disruptions, or missed deadlines increases if there are multiple partners for crucial steps, such as engaging one company for raw materials warehousing and another for sea freight. Automotive companies need a partner that offers a truly global network, a full range of services, and turnkey logistics. We have the reliability and flexibility that automotive companies require to keep business moving.
- Partners in sustainability: Sustainability is an important consideration for an automotive supply chain partner. The shift to electric vehicle production, changing environmental regulations, and sustainability target requirements have added to the pressures automotive leaders face. To stay ahead of policy changes and shifts in consumer buying habits, the automotive industry should identify a logistics partner that is a leader in supply chain sustainability, one with responsible practices already in place and the ability to anticipate and address changes long before they are required. We are proud to offer a zero-emissions program; customers can offset CO2 emissions by supporting a certified climate protection project. We are also updating our own facilities to reduce emissions.
- Priority service: Of all the supply chain challenges, customer service should be the last of an automotive company's concerns. We have offered dedicated customer service throughout our history. Clients are paired with a single point of contact, and our above-average employee retention rate for the industry means minimal turnover. Many of our clients have been working with the same point of contact for years, even decades. This approach allows our teams to anticipate and develop customized solutions based on their extensive knowledge of each client's needs and be better positioned to prevent supply chain issues on clients' behalf.
As a 3PL partner with global automotive industry experience, we partner with automotive clients to optimize their supply chains and develop efficient logistics systems. Global client case studies highlight our process, abilities, and solutions – from streamlining a multi-component supply chain for Magna to moving freight across our reliable, well-established network for Volkswagon AG.
We offer a spectrum of services, including regional forwarding, warehouse logistics, cargo and groupage, and air and sea freight. Our specialists advise manufacturers and suppliers so they can gain competitive advantages through effective supply chain management and turnkey, integrated transport, warehousing, and information logistics.
Explore working with Gebrüder Weiss for your automotive supply chain needs. Contact us today.
