FCL UK Distribution Solution Paves Way for Star Wars Merchandise Launch

FCL UK Distribution Solution Paves Way for Star Wars Merchandise Launch

FCL integrates shipping, warehousing, pick-and-pack and transportation to our client’s UK retail network.

The Challenge

Major international promotional company ESP Global approached us to handle its UK distribution requirements. These included airfreight, warehousing and pick-and-pack operations. ESP chose FCL because of its ability to provide an integrated logistics solution coupled with its strong UK market knowledge.

The Solution

Promotional goods totalling 100 metric tonnes were air-freighted into the UK over a period of 3 weeks, to tie in with the launch of the film Star Wars: Episode III. FCL worked closely with carriers to ensure timely Customs clearance at the point-of-entry, and efficient movement of the cargo to our 40ft trailers, saving costly storage charges.

We transported the cargo from Manchester Airport to our warehouse in Kingswinford that was used primarily as a cross-dock. In our warehouse hub the loads were scanned to allow efficient tracking of individual packages and assist stock allocation within our pick-and-pack operation.

The pick-and-pack operation was required to unpack individual boxes and repack the goods to the retailers’ requirements. This also provided a further quality control on the imported cargo.

From our distribution centre FCL managed the outbound delivery to more than 300 retail stores across the UK, with the requirement that all goods must arrive within a 1 hour delivery window. Shipments were consolidated where possible to further reduce costs.

Results

The delivery standard was attained in 98.9% of cases, with significant cost reductions.

Following this successful result, ESP has commissioned FCL UK to undertake similar operations for Manchester United and Chelsea football clubs.