12 Days of Logistics: Three Tips for Choosing the Right Carrier

🎵 On the 3rd Day of Logistics Brandfox gave to me…. Three tips for choosing a carrier! 

Choosing between carriers can be confusing and overwhelming. Not to mention, the decision is critical in ensuring that items are delivered on time, in good condition, and at an optimal cost. Here are some key tips for choosing a carrier.

1. Understand your shipping needs

1. • How often do you ship and what is the typical volume of goods? Analyzing this information can help you determine if you need a regional carrier or a larger national provider. 
   • What types of goods are you shipping, and do they require special handling? If you are shipping fragile, perishable, or hazardous items it is best to find a carrier with expertise in those areas.
   • Confirm that the carrier goes to your desired location, especially if you are shipping to a rural area or internationally. 

2. Evaluate reliability

• • Research the carrier’s reputation for meeting deadlines. Delays can disrupt your supply chain and impact customer satisfaction. 
  • Ask for references from trusted colleagues in your industry. If they have had a great experience, there is a good chance you will too!

3. Consider costs and value

• • Is it most important for you to get the lowest price or are there other factors that you will consider? In many cases you will want to balance affordability with the level of service the carrier offers. The cheapest option might not be the most reliable. 
  • If you care about aspects beyond price, look for a carrier that adds value. This can be in the form of real-time tracking, freight insurance, or flexible pickup options. 
  • Be sure that you understand all of the charges and fees when you work with each carrier.

Oftentimes, you won’t be choosing just one carrier. It’s common to build relationships with multiple providers to meet the diverse needs of your customers or clients. Even so, choosing the right carrier (or carriers) ensures a smooth and reliable shipping experience for all parties. 

There are so many decisions you have to make in the logistics industry. Check out what goes into the decision when choosing between LTL and FTL shipping.