Logistics Management: Shippers will invest in “mission critical” options

With an increased number of natural disasters, both abroad and here in the U.S. in recent months, businesses need to consider developing contingency plans, noted less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier Saia Inc.

As reported in LM earlier, Saia Inc. found that shippers responding to its “National Trends in Small to Medium-sized Businesses” had a variety of concerns. But chief among them is having a “Plan B.”

“Small to midsize businesses have a lot they are concerned about, most pressing is the economy,” said Saia President and CEO Rick O’Dell in an interview. “I was surprised and pleased to learn that they are increasing their supply chain spending this year.”

And a substantial part of that that will be invested in failsafe operations.

In the event of a major business interruption or emergency event, respondents said their company:

• Has alternative suppliers for key materials and parts (38 percent)
• Maintains safety stock (36 percent)
• Has a business continuity plan already in place (25 percent)
• Plans for contingent shipping arrangements (20 percent)
• Accelerates shipments as needed (21 percent)
• Carries business interruption insurance (17 percent)
• Implements a crisis communications plan with key vendors (14 percent)
• Monitors product transportation paths (13 percent)
• Taps into onsite emergency preparedness plans and onsite tools (8 percent)

“Even with the concern many executives are feeling, not all companies are cutting costs at every corner,” said O’Dell. “In fact, when it comes to their supply chain, many companies are increasing their budgets this year. Nearly half of those surveyed say they are increasing their less-than-truckload budget.”

With regard to shipping, executives say their 2011 budgets are increasing when it comes to:

• Less-than-truckload (46 percent)
• Truckload (20 percent)
• Expedited Shipping (19 percent)
• Guaranteed Shipping (18 percent)
• Distribution (15 percent)
• International (13 percent)
• 3PL (2 percent)

When it comes to carrier measurements, executives were asked which measurement they valued most. On-time delivery leads the way hands down (65 percent) followed by pick-up performance (11 percent) and claims-free service (9 percent).

Nearly half of all executives (41 percent) say they are unfamiliar with the federal government’s Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) program. Of those expressing familiarity, more than half (54 percent) are concerned the program will impact their supply chain.

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