5 Lessons in Logistics from Bram Stoker’s Dracula

Posted 28th October, 2021

Dracula may be best known as one of the most famous pieces of Engish literature ever, not to mention the most important gothic work ever published. Stoker’s work has defined our perception of vampires in film and fiction ever since it was first published in 1897. There is also, however, another theme within the pages that is often overlooked – a masterclass in logistics. Read our very special halloween-themed post to discover more.

1. Choose the right packaging

Choosing the right packaging is crucial to ensuring that your goods get to their intended destination in perfect condition. This is something that Dracula was clearly aware of when he decided to migrate to Victorian England – bringing with him 50 boxes of soil to be distributed to his various properties in and around London. 

With his perishable shipment facing a cross-continental journey by sea, Dracula was careful to pack his goods in suitably sturdy crates to make sure they could withstand the journey and arrive intact, even if exposed to damp. In fact, he chose his packaging so well that his soil even survived the ship being wrecked on the shores of Whitby.

2. Stack your goods safely

The fact that Dracula managed to get his 50 boxes of soil from Transylvania to England safely is a testament not only to his correct choice of packaging but can also be attributed to paying attention to how his shipment was stacked.

This is especially important for palletised goods. Stacking your pallets safely will help to ensure that, like Dracula’s soil, none of your packages gets compromised. The most important rules are don’t overload, don’t overhang, and don’t make it top-heavy.

3. Choose a trusted carrier

Knowing how important it was that his goods arrived safely, Dracula was careful to choose a carrier that he could trust with his precious freight. Unfortunately for them, his hunger eventually got the better of him. 

Although the crew sadly didn’t complete the journey intact, Dracula’s goods survived the difficult and challenging journey unscathed and were successfully distributed to their onward destinations.

4. Label your shipments clearly

While ensuring that you choose the right packaging is vital to protecting goods in transit, it is also important not to overlook your labelling. Making sure that all the required information is displayed and remains clear and legible will help to ensure a smooth journey and prevent any avoidable delays. This is particularly important if your consignments are likely to be exposed to damp conditions.

Dracula’s effort to ensure his labels could withstand the moisture and humidity encountered during their long journey at sea later proved of huge benefit to Harker and Van Helsing in their efforts to track him down.

5. Consider using a fulfilment centre

A fulfilment centre can look after your goods and take care of shipping your orders so that you can focus on your core business operations knowing that everything is taken care of. It can allow you to streamline your delivery process, freeing up both time and space.

Dracula was clearly aware of the value of using a fulfilment centre, as evidenced by his decision to use his Carfax residence as a centre of operations for his soil distribution project.

For all your palletised shipping needs or to learn more about our dedicated fulfilment centre, get in touch with the experts at Station Couriers today. Call now on 01686 621190 to discuss your needs.