When you run a small business, you’re focused on a number of problems at once. From managing a website to meeting with clients and everything in between, you can get busy. Shipping your products may end up falling to the back burner compared to what is seen as more pressing matters. However, letting it be forgotten is dangerous for a small business.
Freight shipping can be costly, stressful, and complex. It seems like the rules are always changing, so much so that it’s hard to keep track of. However, shipping your products is necessary to expand your business’ reach and profitability. Freight shipping may be confusing, but it’s important for your business to thrive.
How to Make Small Business Shipping Easy and Affordable
Properly Package Freight
Properly packaging your freight is an easy way to keep your shipping costs down. The packaging will prevent damage from occurring to the shipment, limiting the risk of delays or unhappy customers. After all, packaging your shipments doesn’t only mean protecting your goods; it’s a way for the customer to see the level of care from your business.
For shipments requiring a pallet, make sure it’s tightly secured. One of the most effective ways to protect freight is to shrink wrap it to the pallet. It reduces the chance of any damage that could be caused by the shipment shifting while in transit. If you’re shipping boxed goods, make sure the box or crate is durable. Place filler materials in any empty areas inside the box to protect the shipment.
Remember that packages need to be under a certain weight, or they may be subject to additional fees. Throughout the packing process, it’s best to check the weight to make sure you’re within regulations. Avoid excess packaging that adds weight and aim for packaging that keeps the freight safe without any extra bulk.
For a comprehensive look into internal and external packaging materials, as well as best practices, check out our Guide to Freight Packaging.
Get the Shipment Details Right
When receiving a quote for your shipment, you’ll be required to put in information such as pickup and drop-off locations, weight, height, and freight class. It’s important that all of the information is correct in order to receive the most accurate shipping quote. Though it may be confusing, here’s a list of what information you should be prepared to input:
Pickup and Drop-Off Locations
It’s important for the carrier to know where they need to go. Make sure you have the correct information to keep any confusion to a minimum. Include if either location is limited access, as that will be an extra fee. Limited access locations include schools, government buildings, construction sites, and more.
Weight and Height
There are regulations that carriers need to follow when it comes to weight and height. If your shipment is oversized or overweight and it wasn’t known while getting a quote, a fee will later be charged by the carrier. It could lead to a delay in shipment, as permits are needed for heavier and larger items.
Freight Class
To those who have never dealt with shipping freight before, finding your shipment’s freight class can be confusing. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) created freight classes as a standard for carriers to know a shipment’s transportability. You can use our easy freight class lookup tool to find which class your shipment belongs to.
Accessorials
Most small businesses aren’t aware of what they may or may not need when shipping freight. If your business doesn’t have a loading dock, you may need to request a liftgate service for successful pickup or drop-off. If you require inside pickup or delivery, make sure to acknowledge that while getting a quote. If you don’t include an accessorial service while getting a quote but end up needing it, your shipment may be delayed, and you’ll receive a fee for the extra service.
Getting the details right the first time around helps you avoid additional fees. You’ll have the correct quote right away, rather than fee after fee popping up through your shipment’s transit.
Choose the Right Shipping Method
Choosing the right shipping method will help you keep your costs low. There are plenty of options, depending on how fast your shipment needs to make it to its destination. A few options you may encounter include:
– Less-Than-Truckload (LTL): LTL shipping is the best option for small businesses who don’t ship out a truck worth of freight. You pay for the area that your freight will occupy rather than paying for a truck that would be mostly empty. LTL is a cost-effective option, helping to keep shipping costs low.
– Full Truckload (TL): If you have enough freight to fill a truck, TL is the right choice. A major benefit of TL over LTL is that there’s no need for stops at terminals, as your freight will head to its destination right after pickup.
– Intermodal: Intermodal shipping is when two different modes of transportation are being utilized. Most of the time, rail and truck shipping are used. Rather than your shipments making a long-distance journey in a truck, they can travel the same distance by rail. Though intermodal may take longer, it can save you money in the long run.
Partner with a 3PL
Managing your own shipments, on top of running a business, can be stressful. How do you find the right carrier or the best rate? When you partner with a third-party logistics (3PL) partner, those answers can be found much more easily. Most 3PLs utilize a transportation management system (TMS) that pulls carriers together to compare routes and rates. They consolidate all the information you’ll need for your shipment, from paperwork to tracking. Everything you need will be in one place.
FreightCenter is here to help small businesses navigate the world of shipping freight. With over 25+ years of experience, we’ve helped hundreds of small businesses successfully ship their freight coast-to-coast. Our expert agents will walk right alongside you, answering any questions you may have. Get a free online quote today or call our team at (800) 716-7608.
