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LTL Solutions for Consumer Packaged Goods

When handling time-sensitive consumer goods, both manufacturers and retailers rely on Colonial Cartage to deliver efficient, dependable service on time and within budget.

Consumer packaged goods (CPG) are items used daily by average consumers, requiring routine replacement or replenishment. Examples include packaged food, beverages, cosmetics, toiletries, and other consumables. CPG covers a wide swath of essential products that play an unassuming yet vital role in our daily lives and are stocked in every grocery store, pharmacy, big-box chain, or local convenience store.

Due to their high volume, competitive landscape, and sometimes short shelf life, speed and cost are critical to cover an extensive distribution network and meet an ever-tightening delivery window. Consumer taste has also evolved to demand more variety, greater sustainability, and a more effortless shopping experience.

CPG companies have responded with more SKUs, shorter lifecycles, and improved customer service levels. All this places an even greater emphasis on maximizing supply chain efficiency to drive growth while keeping costs in check.

What are the benefits of LTL?

Under these pressing demands, CPG manufacturers have turned to LTL shipping, often working in conjunction with 3PL services, to address their most significant needs, such as:

1. Timely delivery

To create more variety on limited shelf capacity and keep shelves stocked, retail stores are reducing their on-hand inventory with a more frequent delivery schedule that offers shorter lead times and narrower delivery windows. Suppliers unable to comply with the stricter guidelines face steep fees or penalties or even loss of distribution. An experienced LTL carrier with a large fleet, broad shipping network, and relationships with the receivers can make the deliveries on time to stay compliant.

2. Reliable capacity

Due to rising freight costs, an acute driver shortage, and fluctuating volume demands, CPG shippers face the (increasingly complex) task of securing reliable shipping capacity. An asset-based carrier can dependably meet the capacity demand if they have the necessary experience and resources. Streamlined operations anchored in expertise and technology are a must.

3. Cost reduction

As shipping rates and service fees continue to climb, CPG suppliers in a low-margin, capital-intensive industry must balance the need for innovation and higher customer satisfaction with maintaining a viable business model. Operational efficiency across the supply chain needs to be constantly and relentlessly optimized. The best optimization methods include utilizing modern 3PL services such as cross-docking, freight consolidation, and co-packaging.

Dependable and cost-effective LTL and 3PL solutions to meet all shipping needs for consumer packaged goods

In partnership with sister company Atlanta Bonded Warehouse, Colonial Cartage provides LTL solutions and 3PL services that empower CPG companies, both large and small, to succeed in today’s competitive market.

We have over 70 years of experience providing dependable warehousing and transportation services to national and local CPG companies. With a service area covering 26 states and a fleet of over 260 refrigerated, food-grade trucks and trailers, you can count on Colonial Cartage to help your business reach its full growth potential.

Our award-winning services include:

  • Freight consolidation: Working in collaboration with Atlanta Bonded Warehouse, Colonial Cartage’s LTL freight consolidation program is one of the largest in the country, with weekly deliveries to retailers, wholesalers, and distributors in 26 states. Benefits include lower cost, faster transit time, and reduced risk of damaged products.
  • Cross-docking: We have invested in our cross-docking process, technology, and infrastructure over several decades to eliminate unnecessary freight handling and storage. The results are shorter transit times, fewer damaged products, and lower cost.
  • Warehousing: With 6.4 million square feet of space across 15 facilities offering both shared and dedicated warehousing in five states, we have the experience and the scope of operations to grow with your business.
  • Co-packaging: Looking for packaging, re-packaging, and labeling services for your products for faster turnaround and scalability with no capital investment? We provide multiple co-packaging services, including eCommerce fulfillment, co-packaging (secondary), re-packaging, and reconfiguration to help you free up resources and focus on growing your business.

Contact Colonial Cartage today to learn more about LTL solutions for consumer packaged goods companies.