Because many shipments need more than standard pick-up and delivery options, transportation providers often offer additional solutions to customize the service. But since not everyone needs the same add-ons, they’re charged as accessorial fees.
Like with any logistics solution, the decision to use full-truckload shipping really depends on whether your shipment can benefit from the way the service works. When you break full truckload down to its basic components, it’s differentiated from other transportation options in two ways: the fact that you get exclusive use of the equipment (which is untrue for modes like LTL) and how the market works.
The full-truckload market is valued at more than $193 billion in the U.S., and more than 928,000 for-hire carriers are available to shippers. With a market that size, it’s no surprise there are a lot of questions about how to navigate it — especially for people new to the industry. If that’s you, check
“How long does freight shipping take?” — it’s the question every shipper wants to know the answer to so they can plan appropriately and set the right expectations for delivery. And it depends on several things. Let’s look at how transit times are calculated, the things that could impact delivery, and what to expect for each mode and service option.
Contract rates and spot rates are two of the most common pricing options when shipping truckload freight. Understanding how they work can help you determine which type of rate to use for each load — enabling you to manage your freight budget more efficiently and save on shipping costs. Let’s look at the definitions of both, and then go over when it makes most sense to use one or the other.
Do you need more capacity in areas where you have recurring shipments? Do you already have a fleet, but need specific equipment for some specialized freight? And are you concerned about the costs involved with adding people and equipment? If so, dedicated transportation may be exactly what you need. It offers reliability — even in times of limited capacity and driver shortages —and it takes the responsibility of sourcing capacity off your plate.
Have more shipments than your current truckload providers can handle? Not satisfied with the performance you’re getting from the ones you use now? Need extra capacity in a new market? Whatever your reason for searching for a truckload carrier, there are a few things to consider before using a new company to handle your freight. Explore the five most important factors below to make sure you’re onboarding the right partner.
No matter what industry you’re in, getting products to your customers on-time and in good condition is vital to your business’ success.
When customers get their shipments on time and without damage, they’re much more likely to keep doing business with you and talk about their positive experience. But if something goes wrong and their expectations aren’t met, they’ll just tell people about their negative experience. That’s why scheduling freight pickup and delivery for the right time and place is critical.
The movement of freight seems simple to a consumer — they order something, and a short time later it arrives. But, those who work in the shipping industry know the process is a little more complex. How one shipment is packaged may not be safe for another, and the type of equipment required for one may differ from another (e.g. an oversized shipment needs a flatbed while pharmaceuticals may need temperature controlled). Understanding basic shipping information can help simplify this multifaceted process.