What are the most common freight shipping challenges?

When confronted with the task of having to ship freight, it’s common to be faced with a number of challenges. These challenges are especially highlighted when the proper knowledge or partnerships aren’t in place. Freight shipping challenges can range from personnel all the way through delivery, and it's important to stay ahead of them as much as possible.

While these hiccups can emerge at any time during the freight shipping process, there seems to be a select few that shippers commonly come across. 

Here’s a list of challenges we’ve seen shippers encounter time and time again: 

1. Personnel

As the logistics industry expands, so does the need for talent within. As many small business owners come to realize, freight shipping can be a challenge when taken on individually. Plus, it is always a good idea to have a solid team ready to take on increases in demand throughout peak seasons. It’s important to look for ways to build a team of talented individuals or partner with a freight service provider like Freightquote to overcome this hurdle.

2. Determining the best option

Freight can be moved from point to point in a number of different ways. While it’s convenient to have options, many shippers are overwhelmed or simply unaware of the many different choices they have. From LTL to full truckload, you have to understand which option will be the most efficient for you and your team. Plus, understanding the shipping landscape could save time and money at the end of the day.

3. Finding the best rates

Looking for the best freight shipping rates can be time-consuming when not equipped with the right tools or processes. Often times, shippers have contracts in place (hindering flexibility) or have to make multiple phone calls just to find the best rate for one shipment. Locking in your rates ahead of time will help you ensure you have the best price moving forward. Otherwise, you could be hit with a higher number later down the road.

4. Preparation and documentation

We have seen many instances where shippers just simply aren’t prepared to take on the process. From filling out the bill of lading to identifying freight classes, one misstep can result in surcharges, delays, or customs holds when shipping internationally. Be sure to prepare yourself ahead of time with the necessary knowledge to get the job done.

5. Tracking

Unfortunately, freight shipping is sometimes delayed by factors outside of anyone’s control. As a result, we have seen a number of shippers struggle to keep track of where their shipments are at a given time. Having online tracking tools in place, or partnering with a provider, is an effective way to overcome this challenge. Once you have complete visibility into your shipment, you’ll be able to stay ahead of any issues or delays that arise along the way.

Don’t let these common freight shipping challenges throw a wrench in your overall efficiency. Remember, they can be easily overcome with proper preparation and logistics partnerships. If you’re looking to get started, use our self-service tool to get a quote.

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