Beyond Hops & Barrels: Mastering Brewery Logistics

Running a brewery isn’t just about hops, barrels and brilliant beer. It’s also about shifting pallets, finding reliable storage and meeting tight delivery schedules, often with logistics partners who don’t quite understand the realities of your operation.

If you’re a brewer scaling up production or handling seasonal peaks, you’ve probably faced at least one of these challenges. The good news? You don’t need to invest in another complex platform to solve them. You need practical support that fits the way you work.

Here’s what we’re hearing from UK brewers, and how FLOX can help.

 

# 1. “Our deliveries are too small for big 3PLs… and too big for the van guy.”

The problem: You’re regularly shipping pallets, sometimes a few, sometimes more, but you’re not moving full truckloads. Most large 3PLs aren’t set up for this kind of flexible, lower-volume work. At the same time, smaller van-and-driver operations often lack the coverage, reliability, or paperwork you need. You’re stuck in the middle—not big enough for one, too big for the other.

The fix: FLOX matches you with logistics partners who already run similar routes and handle part loads. These aren’t random hauliers from a listing, they’re vetted operators we know, who want this kind of work. You get the responsiveness you need without having to scale up your volumes just to get attention.

 

Beyond Hops & Barrels Our deliveries are too smal

 

#2. “We can’t find reliable overflow warehousing when we need it.”

The problem: During busy periods like festival season, product launches, or export surges, your regular warehouse fills up. You need short-term storage for a week, a month, or just long enough to clear some space. Most warehousing providers want long-term contracts or don’t have availability when you need it. That last-minute scramble wastes time and holds up your operation.

The fix: FLOX helps brewers find flexible warehousing quickly. Whether you need dry storage, racked space, or room to stage collections, we work with operators who understand the stop-start nature of brewing. We don’t just give you a list—we do the legwork and bring you back a real option.

 

# 3. “Our logistics partners don’t understand alcohol handling.”

The problem: Shipping alcohol comes with added complexity such as bonded stock, fragile packaging, duty considerations, and temperature constraints. General hauliers often lack knowledge of the specifics, and it shows. You end up repeating the same instructions, checking everything twice, and worrying that something will go wrong.

The fix: FLOX connects you with transport partners who already move alcohol and know what’s required. That means fewer mistakes, smoother handovers and better peace of mind. Whether it’s understanding HMRC requirements or handling glass and kegs with care, we work with providers who take it seriously.

 

Beyond Hops & Barrels Our logistics partners don’t understand alcohol handling

 

# 4. “We don’t have time to shop around for rates.”

The problem: You’re busy managing production, sales and logistics. You don’t want to be calling five different hauliers to get quotes or chasing people who don’t reply. Even when you get a quote, you don’t know if the service is any good.

The fix: FLOX does the chasing for you. Tell us what needs moving and when, and we’ll come back quickly with a vetted option. Often, it’s someone already running that route. No delay, no spam, just a clear, workable solution.

 

# 5. “We don’t want another dashboard. Just someone who can sort it.”

The problem: Platforms that promise to ‘digitise your logistics’ often just give you another dashboard and a learning curve. That’s not helpful when you need to move something now.

The fix: FLOX is service-first. If you’d rather ring us, email us or send a WhatsApp, we’ll work with that. Our platform supports the work. It doesn’t replace the relationship. Use it when it helps; ignore it when it doesn’t.

 

Beyond Hops & Barrels Summer hits hard - and so do festivals

 

# 6. “Summer hits hard—and so do festivals.”

The problem: Warmer weather and event season put real pressure on your supply chain. You suddenly need to move more stock, find overflow warehousing, and hit tight deadlines all at once. Traditional providers often struggle to respond at the pace you need, and the demand spike leaves you scrambling.

The fix: FLOX is built for this kind of reactive, seasonal pressure. Whether it’s getting extra pallets out the door for a beer garden delivery or finding space during a warehouse bottleneck in July, we can help quickly. We already work with partners who understand the ebb and flow of the drinks trade and know how to respond when the heat and orders ramp up. 

Need help moving beer, storing stock, or solving a logistics gap? You don’t need a subscription or a system login. Just get in touch and we’ll help you sort it.

We’ll handle the freight. You focus on the brewing.