Intermodal shipping is loading cargo into a container and moving it from point A to point B using multiple modes of transportation (rail, road, sea, air). Once the cargo is in the container, it is not touched until it reaches its final destination. We’ve already discussed why you should be incorporating intermodal into your supply chain. Here are some ways to get the most out this transportation method:
On the shipping spectrum, partial truck load (PTL) shipping exists at the midpoint between less than truckload (LTL) and truckload (TL) shipping. It’s not as common as the other two, but spotting opportunities for it can save you a lot of money. Here’s what you need to know about this safer, faster, and cheaper method.
Freight Class doesn’t matter
More Peace of Mind
Fewer Delays
So, when is partial truck load shipping right for you?
The best way to go about coordinating a partial truck load shipment is to go through your third-party logistics provider; they’ll be able to assess your shipment and find the best place for it.
Where cost reduction and optimization are concerned, outbound shipping usually takes center stage. Inbound sits in the background, unmonitored and unexamined. Though they may be harder to gain control of, inbound shipping costs can be a significant source of efficiency and savings. Here are three ways businesses can keep them in check.
In 2012, a game-changing patent was filed. Using predictive shipping analytics, Amazon’s “anticipatory” or “speculative” shipping system plans to ship products to customers before they’ve so much as clicked “add to cart.” According to a recent trend report by DHL, the future is upon us. From automotive to consumer goods, over the next five years, this so-called psychic supply chain will have far reaching effects in nearly all industries. Here’s how to avoid being left behind:
Though there are many free freight class calculators available online, they can be misleading in certain of cases. Often, the NMFC code they generate is based solely on dimensions, weight, density, and value. But, these are not the only factors that matter. An over-reliance on these calculators can lead to costly reclassification charges. Three additional factors determine shipping class:
Accessorial charges can increase your freight charges by as much as 35 %. Shippers turn a blind eye to them until they appear on their statement, and just pay them under the assumption that there’s nothing more that can be done to control these less frequent budget busting expenses that crop up during deliveries to clients. For those not in the know, “accessorials” as they are referred to in the industry, are charges that are incurred by shippers for additional services that are provided over and above the standard dock to dock, driver no touch, delivery standard. Tail gate delivery, heat no freeze, driver assist, waiting time, are just a few accessorial fees that carriers regularly charge extra for. Here are a few ways that you can take control of and manage these costs in the future.
As companies continue to seek out freight services providers in emerging markets for savings and efficiencies of ocean freight rates, they are faced with the prospect of having to meet additional regulatory compliance requirements. Partnering with a third-party logistics provider can help to mitigate compliance issues.
