How Gebrüder Weiss services support resilient supply chains
At Gebrüder Weiss, we know that supply chain customers need more than just logistics support—they need a reliable 3PL partner who can safeguard operations through business continuity planning. With over 500 years of experience in global logistics, we've built a reputation for adapting to the unexpected. Our proactive planning approach ensures uninterrupted operations, combining logistics risk management with business continuity strategies to help customers mitigate risks and maintain supply chain resilience amid economic challenges, labor shortages, weather disruptions, and geopolitical shifts. Whether managing cross-border freight or adjusting to nearshoring trends, Gebrüder Weiss offers the expertise and flexibility to keep your business moving forward—no matter what disruptions arise.
A 360O Approach
We take a 360O approach to business continuity planning. We consider risks and gaps and then outline workarounds, actions, resources, and supply chain disruption solutions to mitigate the risks and fill in the gaps.
Some business continuity plans take an if/then approach: if Scenario A happens, then we're prepared with Plan B. This binary method is limiting and can expose a business to additional risks. At Gebrüder Weiss, we often say there are "1,000 possibilities" regarding a logistics need. Our 360O approach gives us a more expansive solution to address the 1,000 possibilities.
Keys to Success
A 360o business continuity plan must be built on established operating procedures, including internal and external operations, and accepted by all stakeholders across the supply chain. Our keys to success include:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) - We have senior-level staff responsible for designing and implementing SOPs, developing systems for continuous improvement, and overseeing all compliance, U.S. operations, and internal process functions.
- Internal operations – We focus on maintaining a highly efficient back office, which allows our operators and client-facing managers to focus on client needs rather than office operations. In turn, our teams can spend time finding more cost-effective carrier options or customizing client solutions. We also prioritize internal communications and ongoing training so our employees can quickly respond to any situation.
- Engagement – We involve our customers and stakeholders in the plan's design. Their input is valuable to the process, and involvement increases engagement and plan adoption. We also have established channels to ensure ongoing communication and consistent education across locations and staff levels.
Mitigating Risk Across Categories
These supply chain disruption solutions ensure smooth operations, even under unexpected challenges:
- Technology – In today's connected world, managing freight and logistics risks requires constant vigilance to guard against technological threats, from hacking to outages. Choosing a 3PL with advanced technology ensures efficient risk management and uninterrupted operations. To enhance security and strengthen logistics risk management, Gebrüder Weiss brings partners with advanced fraud prevention technologies, such as Highway™. Cutting-edge logistics technology ensures that our customers benefit from real-time freight visibility, providing complete transparency. This visibility enables supply chain managers to make quick, informed decisions and maintain continuity during disruptions.
- Labor – Labor risks range from outright shortages to a strike in a critical supply route to a key employee's sudden absence. We develop business continuity plans with clear roles and responsibilities for employee coverage and adequate training and communications for these employees.
- Location(s) – Preventing disruptions is our first line of defense against location-based risks. During the pandemic, the importance of location risk management became even more evident, prompting us to anticipate the shift toward nearshoring. We significantly expanded our warehouse spaces, senior executive staff, and port operations in preparation. As nearshoring becomes a central strategy for many businesses, customers increasingly seek logistics providers who efficiently manage cross-border operations. Our expanded facilities near the U.S.-Mexico border offer customers the freight forwarding flexibility to adapt quickly to changing conditions and ensure uninterrupted supply chain operations.
- Suppliers/partners – Part of location risk extends to suppliers and partners. Understanding their remote operations capabilities and business continuity plans is critical to execution. Our eSourcing platform serves as the central transaction medium for business relations between suppliers and Gebrüder Weiss worldwide. We have an efficient procurement process from end to end.
Planning for Generations to Come
At Gebrüder Weiss, we think in terms of generations, not quarters. We've been reliably moving the world's freight for centuries, and with our business continuity approach, we have a foundation to sustain us for generations to come.
Are you ready to ensure your supply chain is resilient? Contact us.
