4 Ways to Stay Ahead of LTL Shipping Issues

Every shipper knows the value of being proactive. From scheduling overnight parcels early to avoid late pick-up charges, to ordering supplies before you run out, staying ahead of the curve often yield’s exceptional results. This includes LTL shipping, and the issues that often plague the daily operations of shippers. While many people believe less than truckload shipping is overwhelming and complex, the truth is that most problems that occur are the result of ineffective planning.

To avoid common shipping issues, consider the following 4 tips!

Improve Your Pool of Qualified Carriers

Here is a quick rhetorical question – what is the source of most LTL shipping problems? If you stop to think about it, most LTL shipping issues tend to be caused by working with inexperienced or unprofessional carriers – right? Whether it’s a delayed or missed delivery, hidden charges, or unprofessional customer service, poor-quality carriers can cause significant headaches. In some cases, this can result in the loss of customers.

The solution to this all-to-common LTL danger zone issue is to improve the pool of qualified LTL carriers. While cost is typically the top consideration, there is truth to the saying, “you get what you pay for”.

So, consider these important attributes when you’re looking for the right LTL carriers:

• Their Flexibility: If you work with carriers who offer flexible pick-up and delivery times, you’ll experience fewer problems.
• Customer Service: When you have a problem with an LTL shipment, working with a carrier that can resolve issues, are exceptional communicators, and operate with superior customer service standards – you’ll avoid several common LTL issues.
• Performance and On-Time Delivery: For those who ship products to customers via LTL shipping, the carrier’s performance and on-time delivery can make all of the difference.

Upgrade Your TMS Solutions

For those unaware, transportation management systems (TMS) are the software that manages communication between an order management system, warehouse/distribution center, and carriers for shipment. It was initially developed to consolidate LTL freight shipments in one, easy-to-access platform. As technology has improved, TMS solutions have expanded to offering advanced shipping programs, load optimization, route planning and optimization, freight audit and payment, and improved communication.

The latest cloud-based TMS software platforms offer customer-centric communication platforms, such as shipping updates via SMS/Text, email, automated phone calls, and even desktop alerts. Having an updated TMS helps you to reduce communication mistakes common with LTL shipments. It does so by keeping your recipients notified about delays in deliveries or other common LTL delivery problems.

Learn More About Freight Audit & Payments

When you receive an LTL carrier invoice and have billing issues – a whole crop of new problems can pop up. This is a big reason why proactive shippers are learning more about freight audit & payment services offered by professional third-party logistics companies. Freight Audit & Payment solutions provided by 3PL’s assume this time and resource-consuming task on behalf of the shipper.

These experienced professionals understand the idiosyncrasies involved in freight billing. Furthermore, they have advanced technology solutions to discover and resolve problems. All issues resolved, it can even pay the invoice directly.

Improve Contract Negotiation Resources

It’s amazing how often money or finances is the root source of problems – especially with LTL shipping. One of the leading culprits of rising costs of LTL shipments are negotiated contracts, such as fuel surcharges. This is another area where a professional 3PL can assist. An experienced 3PL will consider multiple aspects. They go beyond simple discounts that can save you a tremendous amount of money.

The key to avoiding any problem is first understanding the root issues. When it comes to LTL shipping, there are many things that help ensure success. These things include having a solid pool of quality carriers, using the best TMS software solutions, staying ahead of contracts, and thoroughly auditing freight invoices. These things are truly the keys to avoiding most LTL headaches. A professional 3PL can significantly help with each of these 4 common LTL shipping solutions.

If you’re looking to have a successful 2019, reach out to a proven 3PL like Redwood Logistics to see how we can help.