Express freight shipping is an expedited service that ensures that deliveries are made faster. It is a helpful service when customers urgently need delivery of their goods, but tends to come at a higher cost than normal shipping. This is normal as extra arrangements are usually made to arrange for faster delivery, sometimes including using air courier services.
Due to the higher cost of fast freight shipping, it is not advisable to make regular use of the service, but if you have to, consider these strategies to help keep the expense down.
Negotiate with A Regular Carrier
While conventional wisdom dictates that you should carry out price comparisons for different carriers, this is not the best option in the transport business. Sourcing for quotes from multiple carriers and starting afresh with a new company will not help in the long run. You would rather reach out to the reliable carrier you have been using all along and try to negotiate for better pricing on express freight shipping. If you are a regular customer, they will want to secure your business and may be more accommodating than you think. Opt to build a stronger relationship with your existing carrier if they have not disappointed you before, than go for an unknown new provider.
Limit Dunnage
Some businesses tend to be overprotective of their shipments and add on dunnage that contributes unnecessary excess weight to their shipment. The heavier the shipment, the more you will pay for shipping. Consider how best you can secure your shipment without overloading the pallet. You can even consult with your carrier and they will demonstrate ways to accomplish this.
Deliver to The Carrier
If you have your own transport vehicle that can accommodate express shipments, consider delivering them to your carrier’s ship-to locations. This will make it easier for them to get on the road to the desired destination, without needing to make an additional stop at your location to be loaded up. If you have always relied on your carrier to do the pickup, simply ask if they have ship-to locations in your vicinity and what kind of discount you can get for choosing this option.
Look for A Consolidation Program
This arrangement will allow for your shipment to be combined with those of other businesses that also need fast freight shipping to the same location. When bundled together, it can help to reduce the costs for all the businesses’ shipping. Opting to move a shipment that is small and may end up as a less than container load means you will be obliged to pay for the unoccupied space as well.