Choptankblog

Smart Shipping Tips in Challenging Economic Times

06.01.09

Recession is a time where solutions and planning are not only vital but also necessary for the continuation of success. As a company, we have worked hard to ensure our customers receive the solutions they need to continue competing during these hard economic times. Shipping is a necessity- but also a place where companies need to invest time into research and discovery of alternatives. As prices fluctuate and rise it becomes imperative that one understands every possible option. We are dedicated to providing those for you and hopefully, helping you develop the best possible solution for your transportation needs.

Consolidation can help you scale down on shipping costs. To be most efficient, utilize every bit of space you pay for, from floor to ceiling, and consider double stacking pallets. Truckload shipping can also make better use of your money. Instead of packing shipments into different trucks, a truckload can be used to drop off multiple shipments along a straight route or within close proximity of each other. This method of consolidation cuts back on the time and stress of planning and allows you more peace of mind knowing your goods are on one truck. You can more easily track your shipments and save money at the same time. As fuel costs increase, cutting down on miles and freight costs is more and more important. Sending multiple shipments can become much costlier than a single truckload. Shippers are finding that especially for regional shipments, consolidating into truckload saves them valuable time and money.

The other two reasons to consolidate: reliability and quality. Finding a reliable carrier, especially for temperature-controlled items, can become a burden- finding multiple reliable carriers can become impossible. Timeliness and the quality of your product need to be ensured during shipment. By consolidating, you can use the carrier you most trust ensuring the timeliness and quality of your goods.

Studies have shown that freight consolidation can save upwards of 15% in shipping costs. Although additional work may required to begin with, it’s nothing compared to the costs of employing a staff to track the shipment along every step of the way and utilizing expensive equipment.

For the best solutions, more and more shippers are realizing the value of third parties. Maintenance and fuel costs can make owning ones own equipment extremely costly. In fact, it’s been proven time and time again that over long periods of time, utilizing third party logistics is much more cost efficient compared to the costs of utilizing ones own equipment. Good 3PL’s employ very knowledgeable employees that specialize in their area of expertise. They can provide and execute shipping solutions to even the most challenging problems. 3PL’s utilize the right technology to make things like freight consolidation extremely effective. By planning the most efficient routes, goods are delivered on time. In tough economic times, having the right company as your transportation partner can make all the difference. Why spend more when you can spend less and ship smarter?

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