Ask a distributor why their inventory numbers never quite match reality, and the honest answer is rarely "we don't track inventory." It's that they track it twice: once in the warehouse and once on the route, in two systems that don't talk to...
Ask any DSD distributor what keeps them up at night, and hiring drivers is near the top of the list, right alongside margin and fuel. A route with no driver is not an abstract staffing gap; it is deliveries that do not go...
The health and wellness category is one of the most compelling growth stories in food distribution right now. The U.S. dietary supplements and functional food market is valued at $228 billion in 2026 and growing at a 9.5% compound annual...
This is the third article in our three-part series on how AI is reshaping modern distribution operations. In our first article, we explored the foundations of DSD AI and its impact on demand forecasting. In the second article, we examined...
The beverage distribution industry is evolving rapidly. Rising operational costs, changing consumer expectations, tighter retailer requirements, labor shortages, and increasing competition are forcing distributors to rethink how they manage route accounting operations. Beverage companies that once relied on traditional paper-based...
In today’s fast-moving distribution environment, route plans created at the start of the day can quickly become outdated. Traffic congestion, weather disruptions, unexpected order changes, and last-minute delivery requests can all render inefficient the most carefully designed route. In this...
Transportation costs are a significant component of a distribution company's expenses, and managing these costs effectively in a volatile market is critical to maintaining profitability and ensuring smooth operations. Factors such as fluctuating fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages,...
Direct Store Delivery (DSD) is a complex logistical challenge that requires careful route planning and execution for delivery efficiency and cost-effectiveness. In previous articles, I have analyzed innovative strategies and technologies to optimize route deliveries. In this article, I explore the possibilities that Artificial Intelligence...
In a recent article, we explored some strategies to increase the efficiency of routes in a DSD operation. However, optimizing these routes can be complex, involving various dynamic factors. In this article, I explore innovative approaches to optimizing DSD routes...
In my previous article I talked about how to prevent warehouse theft. However, stealing from the warehouse is not the only way to steal products from a Distributor. Products can also be stolen during the delivery phase. In this article,...