Food for Thought: What it’s Like Serving the DFW Food Industry During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all differently.
Some folks are totally out of work- for example, childcare operators or retail positions. Others are still working, just differently. Like teachers, who were forced to quickly learn online platforms to continue educating. On the other extreme, the Dallas Mavs have picked up their entire operation and moved into “the bubble” at Disney World in Orlando, FL. (I’d say there’s a clear winner in these scenarios! I mean, have you seen Luka Doncic’s Instagram?)
No matter how your life has changed, one thing is certain: You’ve been forced to adapt.
One shining example of adaptation is the DFW food industry. Whether it’s drive-through produce pick up, or takeout only operations, food logistics has changed. For those of us who serve in the food industry, like our food logistics team at Dallas Courier, we’ve had to roll with the punches.
Here are a few procedures Dallas Courier has changed as we move fresh and frozen foods during COVID-19:
Increased Sanitization
Dallas Courier has always been a stickler for sanitary and safe deliveries. But this pandemic has prompted us to take even greater precautions when it comes to clean workspaces and vehicles. As required by the FSMA, we’ve always ensured our vehicles are cleaned and sanitized before and after deliveries. But now, we’re kicking it up a notch with increased hygiene standards for our drivers and extra care on frequently touched surfaces. Keeping our drivers and our customers safe while making on time deliveries in Dallas and Fort Worth is our top priority during COVID-19.
Contactless Delivery
Another change that’s taken place is the process for delivering your time and temperature sensitive items. We love our customers. We think of you as family. Creating lasting relationships is one of the reasons why our Dallas Courier business has been so successful for nearly 40 years. But now, we have to take a step back. Literally. Like 10 steps back, actually.
Forget social distancing, we’re committed to physical distancing when we’re making your deliveries. Contactless deliveries are a great way to ensure unnecessary contact stays at bay. When we can’t keep proper distance, we’ll wear a mask and gloves to protect you and us. We long for the day when we can give a good handshake, or even some knuckles. But until then, we’re making changes in the way we deliver to ensure less contact for our customers.
The food industry is largely uncertain these days. Will your restaurant close? Will it stay open? Can you still serve your customers? These are all great questions. We can’t answer them, but we can help you provide logistics answers to these questions when you get the final word on the status of your food.
Maybe you’re going to focus on one central restaurant location, and you want all your fresh and frozen items to be transferred there before they’re spoiled. Or maybe your supplier shut down, and now you need your scheduled deliveries from an out of town location by tomorrow. In this current climate, the need for urgent deliveries will arise, and Dallas Courier is available 24/7 to assist.
Redistribution
Redistribution is the definition of change! Redistributing food gives surplus food a second chance by moving it to those in need or to a commercial redistribution site. In the current times, our food chain is broken. With factories shut down, driver shortage, and restaurants shuttering, many organizations find themselves without the right supplies, with too many supplies, or with supplies stuck somewhere in between.
Changing up the current food supply chain means redistribution efforts have to increase. Teams like Dallas Courier are available 24/7 for urgent delivery needs, getting fresh, perishable foods to the right places, even if that means a change up mid-delivery.
It’s true. Some things have changed in the DFW food industry.While we can’t control it, we can adapt.
That’s exactly what Dallas Courier is doing. We’re modifying our existing services and adding new ones to meet the needs of North Texans now. We’re bringing fresh ideas along with nearly four decades of experience.
Navigate the changing DFW food industry with Dallas Courier at the wheel.
We’re here 24/7 to talk about your business’s specific transportation and logistics needs.