Achieving Agility with Custom Contract Logistics

UK manufacturers are under increasing pressure from rising operating costs, market volatility and persistent supply chain disruptions. They are also navigating the transition to net zero. For companies producing critical supplies, these challenges are compounded by unique, industry-specific demands that require careful consideration. Agile logistics strategies help companies enhance resilience, increase customer satisfaction and unlock new growth opportunities. Custom contract logistics allows you to consider both your current and future needs so that your business can adapt to demand and scale as you grow.

As a trusted logistics partner, we understand the value of designing robust, personalised transportation and warehousing strategies that meet individual needs. We develop flexible, scalable and proactive logistics solutions that reduce costs, improve efficiency and boost customer satisfaction – making your business a highly agile, competitive organisation.

We deliver customised logistics for a longstanding customer in the pharmaceutical industry, where precise and reliable deliveries are essential. We provide a fully integrated and responsive logistics solution, fully aligned with this customer’s operational goals, by continuously monitoring performance and optimising load management and transportation routes using real-time, data-driven insights.

LTL & FTL: Choosing the right shipping method

Less than truckload (LTL) is ideal for small shipments; it allows businesses to share truck space to achieve cost savings. It’s a flexible solution for frequent deliveries to multiple destinations. Full truckload (FTL) offers the most cost-effective option for large, time-sensitive shipments with minimal stops. For businesses with consistent, high-volume shipping needs, this dedicated shipping solution can often be a more secure, cost-effective option.

Often, the best solution for businesses seeking agility is finding the sweet spot between the two, and that’s precisely what we identified for our Deeside-based pharmaceutical customer. They required regular deliveries of critical supplies to Glasgow, but pallet quantities fluctuated with demand. While LTL is ideal for delivering niche goods or managing inventory during off-peak periods, the customer’s needs aligned better with FTL. We saw an opportunity to optimise the process to improve costs and transit times — all without compromising the integrity of the load.

We quickly identified another customer with similar needs — the frequent transportation of food packaging from Wrexham to Dundee. By combining their shipments, we delivered a zero-impact, sustainable and cost-saving strategy that maximised vehicle capacity while eliminating empty miles.

Vehicle versatility: Selecting the right vehicle

When Storm Darragh hit in late 2024, we were determined to minimise its impact on our customers’ operations, particularly the transportation of critical medical supplies. With extreme weather threatening delivery schedules, we took swift action to ensure a safe and reliable service through low-impact rescheduling. We also acknowledged the need for a more resilient solution that would safeguard the integrity of the pharmaceutical products we were carrying.

Using our flexible planning system, we were able to quickly transition from curtain-sided trailers to fully enclosed box trailers that would completely protect shipments from the elements. Once we reorganised our fleet, we notified our customers of our intentions, and the solution was well received. As a result, we maintained an uninterrupted supply chain and provided a fully watertight logistics solution.

Building resilient supply chains

In today’s unpredictable business environment, supply chain resilience is essential. Monitoring trends and analysing potential disruptions allows transport planners to anticipate challenges and respond appropriately. Working in real time ensures seamless operations and mitigates risks. At Williams, we work proactively on behalf of customers to identify the most efficient, cost-effective and sustainable transport routes. We track driver performance and reinforce efficient driving through training. We also explore and invest in the latest technologies that drive greener, more efficient logistics solutions. Our practical, end-to-end and tailored logistics scale with demand, support future growth and strengthen our long-term relationships with customers.

Custom contract logistics provides a strategic advantage for UK manufacturers. By tailoring transport and warehousing solutions to specific requirements, we ensure you remain agile, competitive and ready for success.

If you are facing transport challenges, Williams is here to help. Get in touch today to discuss how our custom contract logistics ensure the agility, efficiency and resilience of your business. Call us on 01490 412576 or email huw@williamshaulage.co.uk.