When it comes to planning RFPs and figuring out which carrier partnerships to pursue, shipping managers need to be aware of the various trucking carriers with availability. Throughout most freight shipping chains, there are four types of providers offering services through requests for proposals (RFPs), such as full truckload RFPs and less-than-truckload RFPs and similar contractual agreements. And knowing their differences and how those differences amount to varying service levels, including benefits, are key to success.
There are many benefits to be gained from working with more than one of the trucking carriers that offer service in a given industry or shipping lane. Each provider offers unique services, coverages and perks depending on the trucking contract and carrier type. The top four include:
For many freight managers, the foundation of their shipping processes and logistics is determined by the trucking RFPs getting approved in the shipping and trade process. The various trucking carriers with the most in-demand bids are usually the ones with the best footprint and logistics metrics performance. Therefore, they are the ones with direct influence on how freight gets handled and shipped. Forming a close relationship of trust and support with carrier providers can help both parties weather the low points and maximize profitability.
One of the biggest benefits shippers stand to gain from a partnership with different carriers is the ease of handling various loads. Rather than stressing about how to get local fleets to the other side of the state or the country, a different carrier can be tapped to handle a specific load. Instead of wasting the time of the specialty transport carriers with mundane local shipments, their focus can remain on high-demand, long-distance hauls. Trucking carriers offer a variety of services to help maximize efficiency and increase profits by cutting costs, reducing dwell time and eliminating wasted movements.
Whether it is experienced local shipping services or highly specialized handling of unique loads, carrier providers can offer the solutions needed to make the most of every order and load. And it begins with getting access to the comprehensive freight data needed to help diversify the trucking carriers mix and restore the biggest opportunities for advancement. To start capturing the data and understand what differences trucking carriers can make (not to mention how easy it can be to diversify shipping options), request a FreightWaves’ SONAR demo today.