3PL, Shipper & LTL Carrier Collaboration An Absolute Must To Drive Efficiencies & Keep Costs Down

If you've been using the same courier or transportation company for some time, maybe you have grown comfortable with the status quo, and the communication is stagnant. There may be some efficiencies that can be leveraged to help stabilize, and even lower costs for you and your carrier(s). Having your shipping team come in a little earlier or later than normal may allow the carrier to come in for an earlier or later pickup or delivery. This could reduce damages if your freight is now picked up at the end of the day rather than in the morning, or on the flip side it could enable you to receive orders first thing in the morning instead of at the end of the day.

Small adjustments to help accommodate the carriers’ needs, like having the shipping team come in an hour or two earlier or later, can create efficiencies that produce immeasurable soft dollar savings for the shipper and the carrier. Savings can take the form of reduced damages and faster turnaround times on new orders. The willingness to work with carriers and take their needs into consideration is a vital component to helping them keep the cost of service low, and this shows them that you’re a true partner who thinks strategically. Collaboration between carriers, shippers and 3PLs is crucial in today’s environment where carriers have the upperhand when it comes to pricing. And you just might earn some points with your team along the way too, if coming in earlier means they get off earlier. It’s a potential win-win for everyone.

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