Product Distribution Research Assignment Paper on Walmart

Product Distribution: WALMART
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Institutional Affiliation
Walmart has more than 150 distribution centers in the U. S servicing direct delivery, stores and clubs. The transportation system consists of approximately 6,100 tractors and 61,00 trailers. Each distribution center is strategically located to serve at least 100 stores within a 150-mile radius. The company uses private fleet comprising of trucks and drivers. The firm distributes over 80% own items from the warehouse making the road transportation mode a convenient channel CITATION Wal17 \l 1033 (Walmart, 2017).
The centralization of the distribution areas also promotes the use of road transport compared to any other means. Moreover, this mechanism is convenient, flexible and cheap considering the proximity of the stores to distribution centers (Smarta, 2013). The transportation system is fast and responsive promoting the remix distribution strategy as employed by Walmart. Moreover, it is an eco-friendly model with reduced costs incurred from efficient routing. Unfortunately, it can cause delays due to bad weather, accidents or traffic. Walmart also uses the intermodal system for long distance shipments. This channel helps in global sourcing geared at meeting customer needs fast. It is reliable and fast, however, expensive and delays do occur (DeWitt & Clinger, 2013). If a problem occurs with one mechanism then, it alters the process of shipment.
Walmart’s road transport will remain as the convenient mode for the firm. Moreover, technological advancement has enabled the organization to initiate innovative techniques in this model. A recent example is the unveiling of the Walmart futuristic trucks. The remodeled trucks aim to enhance fleet efficiency, lower carbon footprint and reduce costs. Therefore, the firm is confident in moving with the wave of technological developments but with a key focus on their fleet operations (Walmart, 2017).
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