Keep it simple, stupid (K.I.S.S.)

Author: Amy Dabe, MMD Warehouse Supervisor

Image attribution: Casablanca Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When I think of the word “kiss,” the first thought is of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. However, as time has gone on, I find it means one simple phrase: Keep it simple, stupid (K.I.S.S).

As I have stretched my business wings within the industry and started taking over the logistics side of things here at MMD, I find myself repeating that a lot, especially when it comes to shipping outbound freight. Between meeting with carriers to discuss rates and giving them a tour of what we do and ship, I’ve found it easiest when the process is kept simple.

For example, about 90% of the products leaving our warehouse via freight are our wood products, from the ever-popular 4ft oak lath to custom-cut wood stakes. These products can be on the heavy side, as a pallet of oak can weigh up to 2700 lbs. So when it comes time to ship much-needed products to a customer, a lot of things have to be done right. Much of this boils down to the customer’s needs.

When shipping items freight there is a lot of information that we need to gather in order to make sure the item is shipped properly. We also need to relay important information to our carriers to get multiple rate quotes, figure out costs, and transit times). 

Questions we typically ask include: 

• Do you have a way of unloading the material off the truck?
• Do you need a liftgate/pallet jack service? 
• Is there a dock? 
• Is there a time frame/set receiving hours? 
• Who is the contact onsite to receive the delivery? 
• Is this a “Hot to Trot” delivery that needs to be received by a certain date? 

Once I have the answers to these questions, I am able to prep the material and communicate the information to the Carrier via the BOL (Bill of Lading).

At times, arranging an LTL shipment can be hard because, just like everything in the world, the trucking industry also ebbs and flows. Not all carriers are the same, so what may affect one may differ from the other, such as ease of use to customer service. Other factors come into play with the fluctuation of fuel prices across the nation (for example, a shipping quote can change upwards of $1,000+ within a few weeks for the same shipment to the same place). And just like most industries, the trucking industry has seen a rise with new technology being developed, from tracking software to new trucks and trailer designs. It keeps me wondering why it isn’t simpler. 

In a rock band, each individual has their part to play, and while one may be more important than the other, they all have to work together to play well. When it comes to KISS, you’ve got the original lineup of co-founders Gene Simmons on vocals and bass guitar and Paul Stanley on vocals and rhythm guitar. Joining the co-founders are Peter Criss on drums and vocals and Ace Frehley on lead guitar and vocals. Better known by their costume parts of Simmons as the Demon, Stanley as Starchild, Frehley as Spaceman, and Criss as Catman. Just like the ebbs and flow of freight, the band also had some major changes losing Catman in 1980 followed by Spaceman in 1982. However, KISS adapted and brought on new players to the game – Eric Carr, known as the Fox, and Vinnie Vincent, the Ankh Warrior. This adaptability and teamwork, guided by the principle of keeping things simple, is what drives success in both music and business.

When it comes to LTL/Freight shipping, there are a lot of complexities that most people don’t know, such as how a BOL is generated and how the information goes from dispatch to driver. It is like a band – you’ve got your lead singer(s), guitars/bass, and drummers. In the case of LTL, the driver is going to be the lead singer as it’s in their hands to get the shipment where it needs to be as well as interact with the customers onsite. Dispatch is like the guitars/bass, keeping things in rhythm and doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work, such as updating tracking, maintaining contact with the customers, updating shipment statuses, checking with the driver, and adding/adjusting to the routes. Drummers are also pretty important, and when it comes to LTL, a lot of the time these are the men and women behind the scenes at the LTL/Freight terminals who are loading/unloading freight from one trailer to another, checking weights/classes of items among other things. 

In conclusion, the principle of K.I.S.S.–keep it simple, stupid–is a powerful reminder in both business and life. Whether you are managing freight, navigating the complexities of the shipping industry, or even listening to your favorite rock band, simplicity can lead to efficiency and success. By focusing on clear communication, straightforward processes, and eliminating unnecessary complications, we can achieve our goals more effectively. Remember, simplicity not only streamlines operations but also enhances customer satisfaction and overall performance. So, next time you find yourself overwhelmed, take a step back and remember to keep it simple, stupid.