How to Choose the Right Shipping Solution for Your Business

The Best Practices to Help You Choose the Best Freight Shipping Solution

As a business shipper, you need a reliable and efficient solution that you could use to ship freight internally, to and from your business partners and suppliers, or to your customers. We get it, and we’d want nothing less ourselves. And with various options available, from traditional carriers to automated online platforms, it can be challenging to decide which solution would best fit your needs.

That’s why we’ve prepared an article that’ll help guide you to an informed decision.

Evaluate Your Shipping Needs

Before diving into the specifics of various shipping solutions, it’s essential to review and evaluate your unique shipping requirements. Consider factors such as:

• Shipment Volume — Are you looking to ship high volumes, are you shipping regularly or only occasionally?
• Shipping Distance — Are your shipments local, national,  international, or a mix?
• Type of Goods — Do you need special handling for fragile, perishable, or oversized items?
• Delivery Time — Do you require expedited shipping options?

Some carriers might be cheaper in general but could have very expensive accessorial surcharges which can quickly add up. Every service matters, so take everything into consideration.

Evaluate Different Shipping Options

1. Traditional Freight Carriers operate their fleets and have extensive networks. They offer a range of services, including LTL (Less Than Truckload), FTL (Full Truckload), and specialized services like refrigerated shipping and white-glove delivery. However, working directly with carriers might not always provide the best pricing or flexibility, especially for small businesses.
2. Freight Brokers act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers. They can negotiate rates and find suitable carriers for your shipments. While experienced brokers can offer great service and competitive rates, the process can be a lot slower and less transparent compared to online freight marketplaces with instant pricing.
3. Online freight marketplaces like Freightera can give you instant quotes and online booking, streamlining the shipping process. These platforms leverage technology to offer competitive rates, extensive carrier networks, and real-time tracking. They are ideal for businesses looking for efficiency, transparency, better customer service and ease of use.

Consider Cost and Pricing Models

Cost is a significant factor in choosing a shipping solution. Different providers have varying pricing models:

• Standard Rates are the most common type of pricing model in the freight industry (hence the name) and it means that carriers have a set rate from one location to another based on demand and competition, which mostly varies only based on fuel surcharges.
• Dynamic Pricing: Online platforms often use dynamic pricing which is “volatile” and can vary wildly from day to day based on demand and carrier availability. Such quotes are only valid for a few days before they expire.
• Contract Rates: Large companies could negotiate contract rates with carriers.

Check out this article for a more detailed overview of freight rates and why they expire.

Assess Reliability and Customer Service

If you’re worried about good customer relations, then a good shipping experience is a must. Evaluate potential shipping solutions based on their track record for on-time deliveries, and how reliably and safely they deliver cargo. A good way to do this is through Google or Trustpilot reviews. 

Additionally, consider the quality of customer service provided. Can you easily reach out for support? Are there dedicated account managers, sales reps, or support teams like at Freightera to assist you? What do the reviewers say?

Technology and Reliability

Technology plays a vital role in modern shipping solutions. Look for providers that offer advanced features like:

• Real-time tracking enables you to monitor your shipments and provide accurate updates to your customers.
• Automated documentation simplifies the process of managing shipping documents and compliance requirements.
• With an increased focus on sustainability, you may want to give an advantage to solutions that pollute and cost less, such as Freightera’s partner rail carriers and SmartWay-certified carriers

Packaging and Handling

Proper packaging is crucial to ensure the safe delivery of your goods. Here are some tips:

• Use quality materials such as new, sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and other protective materials.
• Make sure that all packages are sealed securely to prevent them from opening during transit.
• Clearly label your packages with handling instructions and destination details.
• Make sure to use pallets or crates to secure your goods.

All in all

If you’re looking for a reliable shipping solution that fits your needs, you need to take everything into account, no matter how insignificant it may seem. From there, you can select a solution that not only meets but enhances your customer relations, efficiency, and bottom line.

Explore Freightera to discover how we can help you optimize your shipping easily, accessibly, and timely, all backed by real people with years of freight shipping experience.