ArcBest has received many questions from customers about the notification issued by UPS Freight on November 1 regarding its less-than-truckload operations. In a transportation marketplace already constrained by available capacity, know that we’re actively monitoring the situation and possible service disruption at UPS Freight.
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.
Based on past experiences with other companies, a customer was doubtful that a driver for ArcBest® less-than-truckload carrier ABF Freight® would be willing to deliver a shipment up his 1,000-foot driveway.
But that’s exactly what ABF Freight driver Tim Clark did.
At our Dayton, Ohio, service center, teamwork and communication are key to meeting customers’ needs.
Customers’ needs change and adapt with time, and so should their freight carriers. As technology becomes more sophisticated, it’s not enough anymore for a carrier to make the promise to deliver freight safely and on time. Today, carriers need to be able to communicate shipment status reliably, and make sure that information is available around the clock so that customers can plan and know where their freight is at all times. That’s why it’s important to partner with a carrier that offers real-time online tracking capabilities.
California shipping regulations differ from most other states. Factors like emissions, operating hours, shipment size and freight inspections come into play and can present challenges for shippers who aren’t aware and prepared. If you’re operating a commercial truck within the state or shipping oversized freight, international cargo, plants, produce or household goods, certain guidelines, licenses and permits may apply. Understanding and following the guidelines helps ensure compliance.
Ground shipping is an economical way to move freight across the country — either over the road or by rail. It’s also a mode of transportation used with international shipments, where trucks are used to move freight to and from airports and ocean ports. Ground offers competitive advantages including lower rates and more flexibility — with the capacity to move everything from standard palletized shipments to large freight and temperature-sensitive goods.
From raw material headed to a production plant to a finished product on its way to a customer, every item your business ships is somehow tied to revenue. And because each shipment has the potential to impact profits, it’s important to find ways to manage transportation costs while still ensuring your freight arrives damage-free. Utilizing proper packaging can accomplish both goals — especially in the less-than-truckload (LTL) environment.
Due to changes in freight profile (like bulkier items) and other less-than-truckload (LTL) trends, it’s more important than ever for ArcBest® customers to provide accurate details about their shipments when getting a quote. While weight and freight class are still necessary pieces of information, cubic footage is now an additional pricing factor. Use the steps below to accurately measure your freight and calculate its cubic footage.
A longtime customer of ArcBest’s premium logistics solutions found its business enhanced when it also began using ArcBest℠ for its less-than-truckload needs.