Shipping costs have become an increasingly worrying factor for businesses that need to transport products to and from different locations. Low-cost freight shipping has become more elusive as demand for these services grows while fuel costs rise. With this in mind, many businesses are on the lookout for the best freight shipping rates they can secure
Consolidate
For businesses that frequently ship goods, it may be helpful to consolidate shipments so they are larger but less often sent out. Consolidation of that shipments so they are larger will result in more savings than if you ship small orders more frequently. Most consumers have no problem waiting a day or two more, especially if the shipping fee is reduced and the goods are not perishable. This will also reduce the risk of leaving some empty space on your pallet that you will still be charged for.
Choose The Right Carrier Lane
It is less expensive to have your goods shipped in the backhaul lane as this is a return trip for transport firms who would rather give a discount than have a truck come back from its initial trip empty. A head-haul lane is when the truck is sent out specifically to deliver your goods and your cargo ends up being the only shipment. You will essentially be paying for sending out cargo and covering the cost of a return trip of the vehicle, hence the higher cost.
Routes and Carriers
When choosing a carrier, you need to ensure the route or destination you want them to travel is one they do so regularly. This will increase the chances that other clients’ cargo will also be included and you may be able to take advantage of less than truckload rates. Depending on the range that needs to be covered, you may also want to confirm if the carrier you are considering is national or regional. If your clients are spread far and wide, you will want a carrier that goes the distance rather than risk an arrangement that features sub-contracting that could be more expensive.
Third-Party Logistics
While you can work directly with the transporter that owns the transport vehicles, it often makes sense to deal with third-party logistics providers. They work with a wide network of transporters covering a large geographical area and with various arrangements in place to accommodate all types of cargo demands. Choose a well-established provider that works with many transporters and can provide you with the most competitive freight shipping rates.