The Basics Of Freight And Logistics
Plenty of companies – from small businesses to rolling corporations – are repeatedly searching for freight transportation services that can match with growth. The problem? Freight and Logistics management can be confusing, and what you do not know can cost you. This directs freight transportation to fill you in on everything you desire to know about freight services to make the best possible judgments for your business. Domestic and international freight and logistics shipping can be confusing, even for skilled business owners. There are several variables at play – and that means choosing the right freight transportation service is essential.
The Fundamentals
If you are responsible for finding a new freight carrier for your company and you are new to logistics, you possibly have a lot of questions. By familiarising yourself with logistic shipping ,you will feel a lot more satisfied navigating quotes and contracts. Dwell into learning what you need to know to get started.
It is More Than Calling For A Pick-Up
At first look, the shipping procedure seems simple. You look up some of the freight carriers, compare prices, pick a reasonable rate, and choose someone to pick up your stuff, right? Well, you can work it that way, but the assignment process involves a bit of extra due diligence if you want to get the nicest price and terms.
Before You Ask For Price Quotes, You Have To Know:
- What kind of freight do you have?
- Your shipment’s weight class.
- How does your freight prefer to be packaged?
- Your budget, how you plan for payment, and company payment terms.
- Where will the shipment be picked up and dropped off?
- If you require any special equipment or services; i.e., a liftgate
While this is not an exhaustive list of need-to-knows, it is a good shortlist to get you started. When you shop carriers, it is also always good to ask about discounts, promotions, and early-bird price cuts.
Common Shipment Types
The primary step in requesting a freight rate quote is recognizing the size and weight of your shipment and specifying what type of carrier you need. LTL which is less than load and TL which is full truckload shipments are the most popular options. Here are the basics of both.
Typically, an Less Than Load shipment:
- Weighs less than 3,999 pounds
- Is shipped on pallets; usually 1-6
- Goes on a truck with goods from other shippers and makes many stops or transfers
- Takes a long time to get from origin to destination than a TL shipment
In contrast, with full truck load shipments:
- Freight can take up a whole semi-trailer
- Goods go quickly from origin to destination
- The truck doesn’t stop en route or make transfers
- There is less risk of defect, making TL ideal for high-risk shipments
Once you specify what type of shipment you require, you can note down your freight & shipping carrier options.
Packing Shipments
Once you have determined what kind of shipment you have, you have to figure out who is going to pack your shipment. You have 3 options:
- Your company can load your freight at your warehouse or pickup location. This is generally the most cost-effective option. If you go this route, be confident you know what your carrier’s needs are. Carriers can decline shipments that are not packed correctly – and inappropriate packing can lead items to get damaged in shipping.
- A third-party fulfilment firm can pack your freight for you. While this option is more effective and eliminates the most hazardous of improper packing, it can arrive with a hefty fee.
- Your carrier can pack your freight and shipping. This may be the comfortable and easiest bet, but can also be quite costly. However, the cost can be worth it for soft items, and high-value shipments. Make sure to inquire about carriers if they provide any guarantees.
Who Will Pay The Bill And When’s It Due?
Similarly, you typically have 3 options – and it depends on what you are shipping, to whom, and why:
- Your company spends the bill after the freight is shipped
- The approving party pays the bill when they get the shipment
- A third party gives money for the bill at an agreed-upon time in the process.
There are plenty of different business arrangements and contract terms that can influence who pays for freight shipping and when the bill is paid. Make it certain that you fully understand your company’s payment policies and the relationship between you and the person getting your order. Then, examine that all payment terms outlined in your carrier contract are obliging.
By understanding formal freight terminology, asking the appropriate questions, and familiarising yourself with the shipping procedure, you can help your company ensure the best logistics and shopping service for a decent price.