Expedited Delivery: Evaluating Freight Shipping Companies

With large e-commerce companies like Amazon continuing to optimize their delivery speeds, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) must find ways to keep up with this new expectation for fast and affordable delivery. So, like most businesses, you’re probably on the lookout for affordable ways to deliver your freight faster!

As the need for fast shipping continues to grow, so does the need for freight shipping companies that can keep up with the demand. But what does expedited freight shipping really look like? And how do you choose the right carrier for your time-sensitive shipments? Unishippers can help.

Read on to learn more about expedited freight — and how to select the right carrier for your most urgent deliveries.

What is expedited freight shipping?

Expedited freight helps ensure your cargo is delivered faster than regular transit times allow. For example, if your usual shipping time is five days, a three-day delivery would be considered expedited. You may look into expedited services if you ship perishable items, medical supplies, manufacturing equipment or if you simply need to get products to your customers sooner in today’s fast-paced e-commerce industry. Of course, faster delivery speeds also mean higher shipping rates — so make sure to only expedite your freight when necessary!

How is expedited shipping a faster solution? Carriers streamline the delivery process by avoiding stops in transit, which cuts out wasted time and delays. And while freight trucks are a viable option for expedited shipping, you may also consider air freight for your most time-sensitive shipments. Learn which mode of freight transportation is right for your urgent shipping needs with our helpful info.

Choosing the right freight shipping company

With so many companies to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to start. And while many carriers offer expedited freight, it’s important to remember that not all carriers are created equal. To ensure you select a quality provider for your urgent shipments, make sure to consider the following:

• Cost. While price shouldn’t be the only factor used to select a freight shipping company, it’s an important consideration given the higher rates for expedited services.
• Coverage area. Depending on your needs, make sure to pay attention to how far each carrier will travel. It’s worth noting that many small carriers operate regionally, not nationally.
• Hours of operation. Does the carrier offer 24/7/365 service and support? If not, consider which hours the carrier is available — and which hours you may require customer support for your shipments.
• Real-time tracking. If you’re expediting your freight, it probably means you have a specific delivery deadline that needs to be met. Find out if the carrier offers real-time GPS tracking, or how often you will get updates about the status of your shipment.

As faster delivery requirements continue to increase, it’s important to work with a freight shipping team that can meet the rising demand. Let Unishippers be your partner for freight shipping success! With 75+ LTL freight shipping companies to choose from — and a helpful transportation management system (TMS) to easily compare your options — we’re sure to have the expedited solutions your business needs. Get a quote today to get started.