How to Fix Common Freight Shipping Challenges - GoShip

The Most Common Freight Shipping Challenges and How to Fix Them

Posted on:
Dec 13, 2017

When you need to ship goods, there are many common shipping challenges that can present themselves. Without the right knowledge, overcoming those challenges can be tough. Luckily, GoShip.com can help alleviate those issues for you.

Let’s take a look at 5 of the most common shipping challenges and how to fix them:

Manpower

Your business is only as strong as your people. As the logistics industry expands and becomes more complex, so does the knowledge needed to manage logistics from within. It’s important to build a strong team knowledgeable about industry trends and developing relationships to run your operations. At GoShip.com, we can be that person for you.

Carrier Selection

With so many carrier options, how do you decide which is the best one to use? It’s best to understand your shipment’s requirements first, then research carriers to ensure they’re able to handle your type of shipment. Not all carriers are created equal, some are better than others depending on your freight shipping needs. Also, it’s wise to review past experiences with that carrier so you can have peace of mind when using them for your LTL shipping.

Finding the best rate

There are many factors that contribute to the shipping costs associated with your freight. Your pickup and destination ZIP codes determine the distance, and usually, further distances cost more. The size and weight of your item will vary the cost as well. An item that is light and relatively small will cost less than an item that is large and heavy. Make sure to also factor in any additional services, they contribute to your total cost.

Documentation

Always make sure you properly fill out any forms required for your shipment. If you’re shipping internationally, it’s crucial to have your customs form filled out correctly. Make sure to secure the bill of lading on your freight and review it to ensure the information is correct before shipping. Additionally, understand what the freight class is for what is being shipped. If you are unsure of your freight class, it will be estimated based on the dimensions and weight provided.

Planning ahead

Understanding when you need your freight delivered is important. It’s important to plan ahead, especially during holidays or when there’s potential for bad weather. Otherwise, you may experience a delay in delivery. Your carrier knows the importance of on-time delivery and they will do their best to stay on schedule. At GoShip.com, we are the middle-man between you and the carriers. Our goal is to make your life easier, and we’re one less person to hire. We are up to date on all industry trends and adjust strategy accordingly, so you don’t have to. GoShip.com reviews carrier qualifications and matches you with only the most qualified carriers for your specific shipment. We make comparing rates easy by pulling from our vast carrier network and showing you hundreds of rates side by side. Ready for your shipment? Get your Free Quote now and start shipping with ease!

Staying Steps Ahead of Freight Shipping Challenges

As a business owner, you know how quickly things can go wrong once it’s time to ship out your items. 

Things break, packages arrive way too late, you get a string of complaints from clients, and boxes go missing.

Whether you’re using a full truckload or an LTL service, missing one key detail can lead to a world of headaches, delays, and hefty fines. 

Here are some ways to stay steps ahead of freight shipping issues:

Get packages ready for pickup

The time allotted for your freight company to load your goods into their trucks will depend on the type of delivery services you’re working with.

For full truckloads, you will have about 2 hours to load your items into the truck.

LTL services, on the other hand, have a  much shorter time frame. You will need all your items ready to load way before your truck arrives or you might have to wait for the next pick-up schedule.

Tripple check your BOL

Your BOL or bill of lading contains all the important information about you, your business, your goods, and more. 

Missing or wrong data can lead to a lot of delays, wrong deliveries, and maybe even fines. So it’s best if you double-check and triple-check your BOL before your truck arrives to pick up your stuff.

Invest in wooden pallets and crates

Wooden pallets and crates are great ways to keep your cargo safe during transit. Road bumps, traffic, and drivers who love to cut off other drivers on the road can lead to damage.

By securing your items, there is a lower chance of your items getting damaged during the journey to their destination.

Another good reason for investing in your cargo containers is to avoid damage from other cargo in the truck. 

You can’t be sure how well other companies have secured their own cargo, and one road bump can lead to disaster.

Use legible labels

We understand that you want to keep your branding consistent, but your usual font may not be ideal for deliveries.

Make it easier for your freight drivers to keep tabs on your goods by using legible labels.

Making sure that your labels can be easily read also makes it easier for your client/receiver to count or keep tabs on the items they’re received.

Take advantage of expedited shipping

If you have orders to ship during peak season and holidays, it may be a good idea to take advantage of expedited delivery. 

Expedited delivery ensures that all products arrive at their destination smoothly and on time. 

You may have to pay a higher fee, but if you only need a few boxes shipped out, you can use LTL services for lower rates.

Taking a few extra steps to avoid shipping delays and mishaps will save you from a lot of headaches and stress. 

By simply making sure to fill out your BOL correctly and securing your product containers, you have already taken multiple steps towards a smooth shipping experience.


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