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logistics business practices lpc

4 Ways to Improve Your Logistics Business Practices During COVID-19

The outbreak COVID-19 has affected virtually every professional realm in some way. In the world of logistics and supply chain, a handful of businesses have thrived (and increased warehouse and fulfillment roles) but global supply chains and long-distance transportation have been interrupted for the time being.

 

We are thankfully starting to make our way back to a fully operational economy, but this slower period is not necessarily a time to relax. Instead, taking advantage of a relative downtime and giving your business practices a revamp is a great idea, so that when things return to normal you can hit the ground running.

 

There are several ways that you can continue to improve and innovate your operations while the world is on pause. Read on for our top four ways to improve your logistics business practices during COVID-19.

 

Review Safety Protocols

 

The outbreak of COVID-19 has taken us all by surprise and has instilled a heightened need for safety and wellbeing. Now is a great time to review your health and safety protocols and best practices and communicate to your current and future team members that their safety is your number one priority.

 

A safe workplace environment, relative to prevention of infectious diseases and physical injury, will be at the top of every candidate’s list when looking for a new position. Considering that logistics and warehouse are industries that can already present a number of safety concerns, taking the time to review and address each and every one of them will reflect positively on you as an employer, and help you to stand out from companies that may be falling short.

 

Keep Lines of Communication Open

 

Amidst a crisis that seemingly changes by the minute, communicating changes and updates to your staff, your customers and your colleagues is of utmost importance. Especially in an industry such as logistics, where there are many moving parts and coordination with different departments and suppliers, staying on top of communication is non-negotiable.

 

Take the time to develop streamlined and concise methods of communication to use during a crisis, so the next time something disrupts your operations, you can begin reaching out and covering your bases with no time wasted.

 

warehouse lpc

 

Revisit Your Business Plan and Expenses

 

Regardless if your logistics business has been positively or negatively affected by the outbreak, it is very likely that there has been a shift in one direction or another. Whether that means a loss or increase of revenue, manpower, or operation hours, it would be wise to adjust your business plan accordingly.

 

Taking some time to mindfully reallocate funds and resources here and there depending on the realities of your current situation (and the situations that may arise in the next few months) is very important. Preparing for any of the changes before they happen and giving yourself some wiggle room is good sense, especially after seeing how COVID-19 has already affected the business world.

 

Check in on Employees – and Yourself

 

This rapidly changing climate is affecting us all in different ways. Checking in on your current employees in this uncertain time will paint you in a positive light, and it’s also just a nice thing to do. Showing empathy is one of the best ways to not only maintain a good relationship with your employees, but it also increases retention rates – and in a somewhat volatile job market, you want to make sure your employees feel heard and seen.

 

And last, but certainly not least, take some time to check in on yourself. Leading a team through a pandemic is stressful and doing so is no easy feat. Most of us are all figuring it out as we go, so don’t be too hard on yourself if things get tough. We’re all in this together!

 

Are you looking to add some new employees to your logistics operation? It’s one of our specialities. Whether you need one team member or twenty, you can count on us to find the perfect match. Reach out to us today.

 

     

logistics

How a Strong Logistics Team Improves Your Bottom Line

With online shopping and an expectation of quick delivery becoming the new norm, businesses need to step up in order to meet customer demands. Business owners know that in order to keep their customers happy, they must deliver exceptional customer service and an unbeatable experience.

 

So, how do you make sure this happens? You can start by looking at the logistics process of your supply chain. Your logistics team is absolutely vital to your business’s success. A combination of a fool-proof logistics process and an experienced team will help your business reach new heights and improve your customers’ overall experience.

 

What is logistics?

 

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals defines logistics as part of the supply chain process that plans, implements and controls the efficient flow and storage of goods, services and related information. A logistics team manages these materials and information between the point of origin and point of consumption in order to meet the customer’s requirements. One of the key objectives behind logistics is that the customer receives the right product at the right time and place—all at the right quality and price.

 

Logistics and freight transport companies went on a hiring frenzy last year in May. To keep up with the skyrocketing demand in the U.S. shipping markets, they added 18,700 jobs. Now that consumers’ shopping habits have shifted towards e-commerce, companies need more workers and a logistics infrastructure that can support this demand.

 

Why should I care about logistics?

 

Your logistical process plays an important factor in your company’s profitability. While logisticians manage the movement of materials and goods, they’re also responsible for identifying any potential areas of improvement. They understand how to move products better, at a lower cost, as well as solve problems quickly and creatively as they arise.

 

With so much choice available on the market, when you fail to meet your customer’s demands, they will quickly turn to your competitors. Customers want high quality products at the right price, but they also expect quality customer service from start to finish. Regardless of whether your customers are purchasing your products online or offline, your products and delivered experience need to meet your customer’s expectations. When you have a professional and experienced logistics team on hand, you can feel assured that they will help you achieve these critical business objectives.

 

logistics

 

How a great logistics team improves your business

 

It’s five times more expensive to acquire a new customer than it is to retain an existing customer. By increasing your customer retention rates by just 5%, you can increase your profits by 25 to 95%. Considering this, customer retention should be at the top of your priority list. If you consistently deliver the quality products and service that your customers know and love, they are more likely to stay loyal to you.

Let’s take online orders as an example. Customers like the convenience of being able to track their orders and receiving up-to-date alerts about them. If there are any delays due to weather or unforeseen events, customers appreciate being kept in the know. Your logistics team should have access to this type of information, which can make all the difference in the customer’s experience. When you keep your customers in the loop by offering special services and promotions, it is an easy way to strengthen your customer’s loyalty to you.

Lastly, logistics professionals develop partnerships with suppliers and secure competitive rates for materials and services. They identify and implement processes that are more efficient and strive to reduce business costs. They do all of this while still delivering quality products and services to customers – we can’t think of a reason to not want an amazing logistics team by your side.


What qualities should I look for in candidates for logistics jobs?

 

With so many changing and moving parts in this line of work, you need people with the right qualities and skills on your logistics team. When interviewing candidates for this role, take note of the qualities and skills listed below:

 

  • Managerial skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills
  • Strong time management skills
  • Strong problem solving and decision-making skills
  • Negotiation skills
  • IT skills to manage electronic data
  • Logical and organized approach to work (especially)

 

When operating a business, we know that finding the best people to hire can be challenging and time-consuming. Get in touch with us today if you need help! As well as knowing the right qualities required to build a powerhouse team, we also understand what candidates want from their employers, and can help find the perfect match.

 

Contact us today to find and hire quality candidates

 

At LPC Personnel, we specialize in finding top talent within the logistics industry. We’ve been doing this for over 30 years, so it is safe to say we understand your business needs and the type of talent you’re looking for. Contact us today so we can help you find your ideal candidate.

Jobs in Houston Texas

Can You Really Trust Your Staffing Agency?

The staffing market is booming, with thousands of candidates across the U.S. being matched with great positions daily. However, some candidates are still wary of working with a recruiter during their job search. Understandingly, welcoming a new person into a critical time of your life can be a nerve-wracking experience. How do you know whether you can really trust your staffing agency?

 

At LPC Personnel, candidates have been relying on us for over 30 years to help them land steady and rewarding jobs. We are more than just a ‘temp’ agency. We take the time to foster deep, meaningful relationships with both our clients and job seekers to find the best matches possible – and ones that last. There are thousands of honorable recruiters who take their contacts’ success to heart, and we’re proud to be among them!

 

According to Statista, staffing agencies across the U.S. agree that ‘improving the candidate experience’ is one of their top priorities. Here are some reasons why we believe that you can trust a recruiter, if you still find yourself on the fence.

 

We’ve Got the Experience

 

When deciding whether or not to work with a staffing agency, some of the first questions you ask yourself might be: ‘Do they really have the experience to get the job done? Do they actually care whether I enjoy the position? Am I in good hands?’ The answer to each of these questions is yes! At LPC, we aren’t going to ask you to trust us blindly, but we do have over 3 decades of experience and countless testimonials that suggest you can.

 

This leads us to our first recommendation for working with a new staffing agency. In the beginning of your partnership, it’s a good idea to ask your recruiter about their experience when it comes to the types of jobs that you’re interested in. This will give you an indication of whether they have the network you need to support your goals! You should also check testimonials online. It’s important to see what other candidates’ experiences have been like with the person and/or company before dedicating your valuable time.

 

Jobs in Greater Houston Area

 

At the end of the day, it is a recruiter’s job to connect job seekers with employers. Highly skilled recruiters have a wide network of contacts, seasoned industry knowledge and serious dedication to placing candidates in roles that work for both parties.

 

These recruiters value your time and the effort you put in when submitting job applications. Say goodbye to the days of sending your resume into online oblivion, only to never hear back regarding jobs that you could very well be qualified for (which happens more often than you might think).

 

Whether you’re looking for temporary work or your next executive position, you can trust that your recruiter will make sure your resume showcases you in the best possible light. They’ll also match your unique skillset with the right client, and make sure you’re seen.

 

When working with a good recruiter, you’ll sense that they’re not just in it for a pay check. They really do want you to succeed!

 

“We aren’t just in this for a pay check. We really do want you to succeed.”

 

We Offer Personalized and Consistent Service

 

Other questions you may ask yourself are: ‘There must be a lot of people using staffing agencies, won’t I be treated like just a number? Aren’t they just going to put me in a position, get paid and disappear?’ Speaking for LPC Personnel, the answer is no!

 

We ensure that each and every qualified candidate is given the dedicated attention they deserve, assigning only one recruiter to a job seeker. This means that you’re not pushed through a revolving door of recruiters who don’t really know – or care – about your needs.

 

You want to select a staffing agency that focuses on your needs, not just on their profits. If you’re frequently speaking to different individuals, who are hard to reach and struggle to remember your name, then you may want to consider switching staffing agencies.

 

Staffing services in the Greater Houston Area

 

At LPC Personnel, most of our recruiters have been working with the company for at least six years. Why? Because we love what we do and know how to do it well. Our recruiters will stick by you every step of the way, from initial interview to settling into your new position. We also make ourselves available via phone or text after the workday is done, because let’s be honest – our work is never really done!

 

“LPC Personnel will stick by you every step of the way, from initial interview to settling into your new position.”

 

We know what employers are looking for, but more importantly, we know how to thoroughly prepare candidates for interviews so that you make the best impression possible. Our team will coach you through every step of the interview process, because when you succeed, we succeed as well – it’s a win-win. Honesty is the best policy, and good recruiters are happy to offer the advice and/or insights that we’ve learned along the way to better your chances of success.

 

Remember, your recruiter should know the job search game inside-and-out. They should keep up with changing trends and expectations related to employers. Then, even if they can’t find a good match for you right away, a good recruiter will never forget about your resume – they’ll continue searching to find the fit that’s right for you!

 

Embarking on a new job search can be overwhelming, and it’s a recruiter’s job to show you that you can trust them to lend a helping hand throughout the entire process.

 

Staffing services in the Greater Houston Area

 

We Create More Opportunities

 

Recruiters and job seekers have the same end goal in sight: to find you a new job. Trusting that they know what they’re doing will be mutually beneficial for both parties.

 

No matter the type of job you’re looking for, whether it be temporary work or a job that you hope to turn into a career, our recruiters at LPC Personnel strive to make a solid connection between job seekers and employers. Yet even still, you may find yourself wondering: ‘do they really know what I’m looking for?’

 

Well, based on the communication between recruiter and job seeker, we could be able to unlock some great opportunities that you may have not noticed while searching solo. Staffing agencies work closely with employers, and often have the insider scoop on jobs before the listings are even made available to the public.  More so, you may discover that with your skillset there could be a world of other job paths that you have never previously considered. There are countless cases of people finding work through staffing agencies that turned into a lengthy career.

 

We hope that you are in this for the long haul, because we certainly are!

 

Trust us yet? If you’re in the Greater Houston area and are interested in working with a recruiter from LPC Personnel, don’t hesitate to get in touch!