4 Ways to Upgrade Your LTL Shipping Experience
Many businesses need reliable less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping services. With some practical planning, you can reduce costs, save time and improve customer satisfaction. Below are some tips to help make you and your customers' next shipping experience a positive one.
Diversify Your LTL Carrier Network
The more options you have available for your LTL shipping needs, the easier it will be for you to get the best results at the best price. If you are looking for a new LTL carrier, a few factors you may want to consider include:
- Do they cover your service area? Some shipping carriers are national, while others are regional or local.
- How flexible the LTL carrier is with its pickup and delivery times. Pickup times can vary dramatically, and you need one that fits your schedule.
- What is their performance history? Information is available for on-time delivery numbers and damage claims.
- Do you require special equipment or delivery options? Not all carriers have lift gates or provide white glove delivery.
When you work with a third-party logistics (3PL) company, you will have numerous carrier options to meet your expectations and even negotiate on your behalf on cost or service.
Utilize or Upgrade Your TMS
If you're still managing logistics with spreadsheets and phone calls, it's time to leverage technology to streamline your operations with a robust transportation management system (TMS). A TMS is a powerful software that allows you to compare carrier costs, review various delivery options, track your freight and get actionable reporting. These features benefit your business by quickly sifting through complex data to find the best option, reduce errors and save you time and money.
Utilize a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Company
Because LTL shipping can be complicated, you may feel like you do not have enough time or employees with experience to handle it effectively. If this is the case, consider a partnership with a 3PL. A 3PL company specializes in shipping, and you can rely on experts who have the experience necessary to help you optimize your LTL shipping.
Evaluate Your Shipping Processes
If your LTL shipping results fall short of your expectations, you're paying too much, or you feel there are ways to optimize your shipping processes, it's time to schedule a shipping assessment. A shipping assessment allows an expert to review your current strategy and provide you with advanced solutions to meet your delivery needs.
Contact Unishippers To Improve Your LTL Shipping Experience
These are just a few of the many ways you may be able to improve your LTL shipping experience. If you are looking for a 3PL to help you maximize your LTL shipping results, then look no further than Unishippers!
At Unishippers, we provide you with access to logistics experts who can help you build the optimal solution for your small business. Whether you are shipping something by air, sea, or internationally, we will help you find the best combination of transportation solutions to get your freight where it needs to go. Contact us today for a free quote!