CPG Logistics / CPG Supply Chain

CPG logistics encompasses the transportation, warehousing, and distribution activities required to move consumer packaged goods from manufacturing plants through distribution networks to retail shelves or end consumers. CPG supply chains are defined by high shipment volumes, broad SKU assortments, multiple distribution channels, and relentless pressure to keep freight costs low while meeting retailer compliance standards.

The operational complexity in CPG logistics comes from scale and variability. A single CPG brand may ship full truckloads to major distribution centers, LTL shipments to regional accounts, parcel orders to DTC customers, and temperature-controlled loads for refrigerated product lines – all in the same week. Each channel has different carrier requirements, delivery windows, and documentation needs. Managing this across spreadsheets and email becomes untenable once a brand reaches meaningful volume.

Retailer compliance adds another layer of pressure. Major retailers enforce strict OTIF requirements – often with financial penalties for late or incomplete deliveries – and demand EDI integration, advance ship notices, and specific labeling standards. CPG shippers who can't meet these requirements reliably risk losing shelf space, facing chargebacks, or damaging relationships with key accounts.

For growing CPG brands, the logistics challenge often outpaces headcount. Scaling from 50 to 500 shipments per week shouldn't require tripling the logistics team, but without automation for load planning, carrier selection, and freight audit, it often does. The brands that scale efficiently are the ones that invest in systems that handle the operational volume while freeing their teams to focus on strategic decisions – carrier negotiations, network optimization, and cost reduction.