It can be incredibly efficient to move large shipments from one place to another through freight shipping, but only if it is done correctly.
Here are 15 ways to make your freight shipping more efficient and ensure that your shipments arrive on time and in good condition.
1. Use the Correct Shipping Container Size
Shipping containers come in different sizes, which determines how much you will pay for your shipment and how much space your freight will take up.
Small containers are less expensive and take up less space, but larger containers make it easier to store or ship through customs. Your size depends on how much freight you have and how quickly you need it shipped.
Talk to your shipping company and ask them what containers are available for the size and weight of the cargo you need to ship. Using the right size of a shipping container is vital because it will make it easier for you to ship faster, cheaper, and more safely.
2. Use the Right Type of Shipping Container
Furthermore, you will need to use a suitable shipping container in addition to the correct size container.
There are a variety of shipping containers available, each with advantages and disadvantages. You will need to choose the type of container that best meets your needs in terms of cost, weight, and security.
The following are some advantages and disadvantages of choosing the right shipping container:
- Cost: The type of shipping container you choose will affect how much it costs to ship and how much you pay for storage.
- Space: Shipping containers are large and can carry a lot of goods. Moreover, they can be stacked with other items to maximise space.
- Security: Shipping containers are quite secure. They have locking doors that can be opened only by the owner or authorised personnel. They also have thick walls that make it difficult to break in through brute force alone.
- Portability: Shipping containers are portable and can be moved from one location to another without difficulty. They are usually transported via air, sea, or land.
- Flexibility: Shipping containers can be customised to fit the cargo you want to ship. For instance, you can lock the top or split the container into two parts to ship more items at a lower cost.
3. Make use of Pallets
Your freight shipping will be more efficient if you use pallets. Pallets allow your products to be organised and in place, making it easier to load and unload them. They also reduce breakages because products can be stacked very stably on the pallet.
Pallets can also be reused because they are made of sturdy materials and are sturdy enough to support the weight of a full container. That makes pallets extremely efficient in terms of freight costs, especially for large shipments.
Furthermore, the use of pallets will significantly cut transport times, especially if the products are already organised and ready to be loaded onto the truck when the truck arrives for delivery.
4. Make Good Use of Packaging Materials
Using packaging materials wisely is another way to improve freight shipping efficiency. Overpacking can increase shipping costs and cause damage during shipping. It is important to note that using too little packaging material may result in your product being damaged during transit or lost altogether.
You can reduce packaging costs by reusing cardboard boxes from retail stores and suppliers.
5. Choose a Suitable Carrier
Choosing a reliable freight company will save you time and money while ensuring that your shipment is delivered safely and on time. There are a variety of companies available to you, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the best company will depend on factors such as your cargo, its location, and your budget.
You should carefully analyse your shipping needs before deciding how to send your goods. You will then need to shop around to see which carrier best suits your specific needs.
6. Insure Your Shipments
Shipping insurance can be a great way to make your freight shipping more efficient by safeguarding your shipments from loss or damage. If you ship items of high or sentimental value, then insurance should be your priority.
The usual forms of shipping insurance are replacement cost and damage insurance. Replacement cost insurance will help you replace or repair damaged goods at their current market value, while damage insurance helps replace or repair the damaged goods for their purchase price.
Remember that you will need to pay an insurance premium for coverage. This depends on factors such as the size and weight of your shipment, its destination, and its value.
7. Use a Shipping Company That Offers Online Tracking
You can track your shipments online so that you can stay updated on the progress of your shipment. Online tracking is a great way to improve the efficiency of your freight shipping. Many companies provide online tracking services, but you will want to choose one that can give you accurate and reliable information.
Additionally, online tracking can help you locate lost or stolen shipments. Online tracking also makes it easier to arrange for emergency services should your shipment be lost or stolen during transit.
8. Use a Shipping Company That Offers a Money-back Guarantee
Money-back guarantees are a great way to increase the efficiency of your freight shipping. If your shipment is lost or damaged, you will receive a refund. This will provide you with added peace of mind and assurance that your shipment will be in good hands.
Additionally, a money-back guarantee can help ease your mind when shipping expensive or delicate items.
9. Use a Shipping Company That Offers Discounts
Freight shipping discounts can help you reduce your shipping costs and make your freight shipping more efficient.
You can save money by taking advantage of freight shipping discounts offered by many shipping companies. Shipping discounts vary from company to company and can evolve. However, you can usually get discounts when you ship large quantities or frequently.
Additionally, discounts for bulk shipments or shipping to specific destinations may be available. It is always worth browsing around and requesting a quote to see what sort of prices you are being offered.
10. Use the Right Shipping Method
Using the right shipping method is one of the most important things you can do to make your freight shipping more efficient. Shipping freight is done by air, sea, or land.
Each method has advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that works best for you. You will need to look at different factors to help you choose the best option for your circumstances, such as delivery speed, price, ease of handling, and safety of the cargo in transit.
11. Ship During Off-Peak Times
Another way to make your freight shipping more efficient is to ship during off-peak hours. Shipping during off-peak hours can help you avoid traffic congestion and save on shipping costs. You will pay more when shipping during peak hours because transporters charge higher transport costs due to increased operating costs.
However, you can save a lot on shipping costs by shipping during off-peak hours because transporters will be less busy during this time and therefore will be willing to offer you lower rates.
12. Using a Freight Forwarder
A freight forwarder is a company that specialises in arranging transportation for shipments. A freight forwarder can help you save time and money by consolidating your shipments and negotiating rates with carriers.
Also, freight forwarders can help you find carriers that offer good service and reliability and warn you of any known issues with the specific carriers. When choosing a freight forwarder, you will want to choose one that specialises in freight shipping and has a good reputation.
Freight forwarders are paid by fees or commissions, so choosing a freight forwarder that is a good fit for you and your company is important.
13. Plan Ahead of Time
Finally, planning is one of the best ways to make your freight shipping more efficient. By planning your shipments, you can avoid delays and ensure that your shipments arrive on time.
Planning can also help you save on shipping costs and increase profit margins. You can plan your shipments by determining their exact destination, booking a suitable carrier, stocking sufficient supplies of packaging materials, and arranging for a shipping date. Planning can also help you avoid fines and penalties due to late deliveries.
Conclusion
Freight shipping can be a great way to make your business more efficient by reducing your shipments’ cost, weight, and security needs.
Using pallets, packaging material wisely, selecting the right carrier, and online tracking improves freight shipping efficiency. Freight shipping can be made more efficient by using a shipping company that offers discounts and shipping during off-peak hours.
Finally, planning is one of the best ways to make your freight shipping more efficient. If you have any questions about anything we have discussed in this blog, or you would just like to contact us in general, please feel free to contact us, and we will be more than happy to assist you.
