The shipping industry has grown widely over the last few years. Consumers are ready to buy products from just about anywhere and businesses are struggling to fulfill their delivery needs. For those that are in the manufacturing or wholesale business, full truckload (FTL) services are in high demand. This means the cargo they need to ship will fill an entire truck and should therefore be dedicated for their singular use. It is different from less than truckload (LTL) services that see multiple businesses share the same trailer. Here are a few ways you can ensure smooth delivery of service when using FTL services.
- Pack your cargo accordingly. It should be well-secured and wrapped up to withstand whatever conditions will be met during transit. ensure anything fragile is properly marked so it does not end up being stacked on. Be sure to add whatever extra padding is needed to avoid breakages. Also, be sure to indicate weights so the trailer can be properly balanced for safety reasons. The onus is on the client to ensure they properly pack their cargo before it is surrendered for loading on the trailer.
- Check the rates on TMS platforms. This kind of shipping comes with rates that often fluctuate. To ensure you are getting a competitive deal, you will want to look up what rates FTL carriers in your region are offering. You will need to provide such details as the size of cargo, your location, and your destination. The TMS platform should indicate the range of carriers that can serve you and at what price. Be sure to select a provider that offers a competitive rate and has a sound reputation.
- Ensure that the cargo you are sending will fill up the trailer. Because the entire trailer is dedicated to your use, you need to ensure you are making optimal use of the vehicle to remain cost-effective. You can consult with the FTL carriers you use to find out how they compute this use to see if it has an impact on what you will pay for the service.
- Consult if you need special accommodations. This is particularly useful where you have cargo that requires refrigeration. You can find refrigerated trucks but note that their services will likely come at a premium. If your cargo is especially heavy, it may also require loading and offloading with special equipment. Ensure your provider can meet these needs.
- Be careful of international shipping requirements. Getting cargo across different borders may require different kinds of paperwork and other obligations. Ensure that the provider you are working with has experience dealing with the varied customs requirements and can properly guide you in fulfilling them.