Choose between LTL and FTL freight services

Businesses have a range of shipping options to choose from, each with its own impact on freight shipping rates.  Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipments are ideal for smaller freight quantities that don't fill an entire truck, while full truckload (FTL) shipments are suitable for larger and heavier-weight loads.  Comparing LTL and FTL rates from multiple carriers is crucial to securing the best deals. Additionally, negotiating rates with carriers can yield significant savings, especially for high-volume shippers.

Explore specialty freight transportation modes

When dealing with specialty freight, such as hazardous materials or perishable items, it's crucial to understand the associated surcharges and additional fees. These can vary based on the type of freight, its value, and the level of risk involved. To avoid unexpected expenses, businesses should thoroughly research and understand all applicable surcharges and additional fees before finalizing their specialty shipping arrangements.

Optimize Your Shipping Process

Beyond understanding rates, optimizing your shipping process is vital for cost savings and efficient supply chain management. Additionally, streamlining operations and leveraging technology can significantly reduce shipping expenses. By evaluating your current shipping practices and identifying areas for improvement, you can increase efficiency and save money!

Shipping technology and software

Consider implementing shipping software — like a transportation management system (TMS)  — and automation tools to streamline shipping processes, track shipments, get quotes, add freight insurance, optimize routes and handle invoicing. This not only reduces manual labor and human error but also provides real-time visibility into your supply chain, enabling proactive decision-making.

Proper freight packaging

Efficient packaging can yield substantial cost savings. That includes using the right-sized packaging materials to minimize and avoid surcharges. Additionally, choose packaging materials that are lightweight and durable enough to protect your goods without adding unnecessary weight. By optimizing your packaging, you can significantly reduce costs and minimize the risk of damage during transit.

Leverage a 3PL for freight shipping savings

Third-party logistics (3PL) service providers can play a vital role in managing the shipping process and finding the most cost-effective rates. They have extensive networks and expertise in the freight industry, often securing better rates than businesses can negotiate on their own. By carefully evaluating the factors above and leveraging a 3PL, businesses can make informed decisions about their shipping options and achieve optimal cost savings and efficient supply chain management.

Watch Out for Additional Fees

Freight shipping can be a complex process, and there are a number of factors that can affect the total cost of shipping your goods. In addition to the base rate, there are potential additional fees that you should be aware of. These charges can include:

• Surcharges: These are additional fees that can be added to your freight bill for a variety of reasons, such as fuel costs, peak season surcharges, or hazardous materials fees. Be sure to ask your freight carrier about any potential surcharges that may apply to your shipment.
• Accessorial fees: Additional fees (sometimes called “hidden fees”) may also be charged for services such as liftgate service, inside delivery, or residential delivery. These fees can vary depending on the carrier and the specific service required.
• Reclassification fees: If your freight is misclassified, you may be charged a reclassification fee. This fee can be significant, so it's important to make sure that your freight is properly classified before shipping.
• Late payment fees: Many freight carriers charge late payment fees if your invoice is not paid within the specified timeframe. These fees can add up quickly, so it's important to pay your freight invoices on time.
• Oversized packages: Oversized freight may be subject to additional charges. The definition of what constitutes an oversized package can vary from carrier to carrier, so be sure to check before shipping any large or bulky items.
• Extra services: Extra services, such as expedited and other kinds of specialty shipping, can also add to the cost of your shipment. Check with your carrier and be sure to only purchase the services that you need.

By being aware of these potential additional charges, you can avoid unexpected shipping expenses and keep your costs under control. That’s a good thing!

Freight Shipment Tracking and Monitoring

In the freight shipping industry, ensuring accurate billing and shipment monitoring is crucial for businesses looking to manage their expenses effectively. By harnessing the power of tracking and monitoring tools — like a transportation management system (TMS) — businesses gain proactive visibility into their shipments, allowing them to promptly address any potential issues that may arise during transit.

Freight shipment monitoring

Leveraging monitoring technology empowers businesses to make informed decisions, optimize their shipping processes, and ultimately achieve significant freight cost savings and efficient supply chain management. Additionally, by meticulously monitoring their freight shipment details, businesses can identify patterns and trends that enable continuous improvement, leading to streamlined operations and overall enhanced performance.

Freight shipping tracking capabilities

For businesses that frequently engage in intermodal, or multimodal transportation modes, investing in advanced tracking software and partnering with reliable 3PL services can provide access to real-time updates and sophisticated analytics. These tools offer businesses unparalleled insights into their shipping patterns, allowing them to optimize their supply chain and make data-driven decisions that result in significant cost savings and increased efficiency.

Partnering for Success With a Freight Shipping 3PL

In the ever-evolving landscape of the freight industry, businesses seeking the best results can often find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of shipping. Fortunately, partnering with a seasoned expert like Unishippers can transform this challenge into an opportunity for significant cost savings and streamlined supply chain management. When you work with us, you can:

• Access freight solutions and a carrier network second to none. Unishippers offers a comprehensive range of freight solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of small and medium-sized businesses. By leveraging our  , we provide access to a wealth of resources to optimize your shipping for cost savings.
• Work with a team of freight shipping experts. Our team of experienced 3PL logistics professionals is dedicated to delivering personalized support, acting as an extension of your business to ensure seamless freight shipments. We meticulously analyze your freight service requirements to develop a customized shipping strategy that aligns with your business goals. Whether you require expedited shipping for time-sensitive deliveries or cost-effective options, we have the expertise to create a tailored solution that meets your specific needs.
• Leverage innovative shipping technology. Unishippers offers advanced shipping tools and technology to simplify and enhance your shipping process. Our user-friendly myUnishippers shipping software and automation tools provide real-time tracking, monitoring, and comprehensive reporting capabilities. This empowers you with greater visibility and control over your freight shipments, enabling informed decisions and efficient supply chain management.

By partnering with Unishippers, you gain access to a wealth of expertise, resources, and technology that can transform your shipping process and drive significant cost savings! If you are ready to talk to an expert, reach out for a free consultation today!