Week of January 9th, 2023
Linking supply chain news with dangerous goods compliance
Every busy holiday shopping season is followed up by a surge of retail returns. This puts a spotlight on the need for better reverse logistics processes, especially when shipping dangerous goods.
Let’s examine some recent industry news.
SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS
- Managing Electronics Returns: The growth of e-commerce has brought with it an increase in returns of electronics. Here’s why having a well-defined and compliant reverse logistics process in place is critical.
- EV Market Growth Brings Lithium Battery Transport Challenges: EV market growth has brought with it lithium battery transport challenges, especially for businesses returning damaged, defective or recalled batteries.
- A New Year’s Resolution for Stemming Retail’s Returns Tsunami: In a commentary for the Logistics Report, the University of Tennessee’s Alan Amling and Thomas Goldsby write that a solution to the post-holiday reverse-logistics mess is within reach.
- 2022 On Track to be a Record Year for Shopping Returns: PayPal executive Peggy Alford discusses the surge of post-holiday returns, changes in how we shop, and expectations for next year’s consumer spending and the economy.
- 5 Trends Affecting Supply Chains in the New Year: Adaptability has been key as companies looked to their supply chain teams to overcome a steady stream of disruptive events. Looking ahead to 2023, the end is not yet in sight.
- Putting the Retail Supply Chain in Reverse: Retailers that don’t consider product returns their biggest source of supply may want to rethink their reverse logistics approaches for 2023.
OUR PERSPECTIVE
- A complete reverse logistics plan is critical. Returns aren’t just a post-holiday problem – they’re a normal and integral part of the supply chain. Moving forward, an increasing number of DG will enter the reverse logistics supply chain, so having a comprehensive returns management plan in place will position organizations to meet consumer expectations, ensure the safety of all stakeholders and improve the customer experience.
- Compliance is your responsibility. Return shipments of DG are subject to the same regulations as outbound shipments with regards to packaging, labels, documentation and shipping method. Since it’s the shipper’s responsibility to comply with all hazmat transport regulations, customers must be equipped to adhere to these rules – whether they’re aware of them or not. Take steps to simplify the process as much as possible for your customers. For example, deliver all lithium battery-related shipments with all the labels and markings necessary for fully compliant returns along with easy-to-follow instructions
- Be ready for recalls too. A comprehensive returns management process should also include plans for dealing with the dreaded recall. These returns typically come from retailers and distributors, not consumers, but the concern is the same. In case of a recall, make it as easy as possible for customers and supply chain partners to compliantly return dangerous goods. Because recalls often happen unexpectedly, be prepared with an advance plan in place before it happens.
Need help managing your DG returns? Check out Labelmaster’s 6-step recipe for successful lithium battery reverse logistics or click here to find out how Labelmaster can support your large format lithium battery shipping needs.
To learn more about Dangerous Goods software or how to establish a competitive advantage by mastering DG shipping, visit https://www.labelmaster.com.
Have questions about Dangerous Goods transport? Call the Labelmaster Regulatory Hotline at 1.800.621.5808.
