Most Effective Practices For Truckload Shipping

Choosing the right shipping method is essential when moving freight. The shipping process is already complicated enough, that any mistakes can be costly and time consuming. Truckload shipping is an efficient and cost-effective option for most businesses today. However, like any venture, there are downsides and advantages. In order to make the most out of truckload shipping, it’s important to understand the best practices which help maximize efficiency. 

Truckload shipping refers to the shipment of goods via truck, or ground transport. Usually, when a ship with cargo arrives at a port, the container is then placed onto a truck and delivered to its destination. Ground transport comes in multiple modes, including FTL (Full Truckload) and LTL (Less Than Truckload shipping). LTL shipping allows you to ship at a lower cost, but your goods are loaded onto a trailer with other shippers goods, and delivered on the way to its other destinations. Meanwhile, if you choose to ship FTL or truckload, your goods are loaded on one truck and delivered directly to your destination. It is no surprise that truckload shipping is one of the most popular modes of transport. 

Many opt for FTL or truckload shipping because it is quicker, as goods are loaded from the port and directly to the destination, without making other stops. However, truckload shipping also requires preparation and understanding. Generally, in truckload shipping, you would opt for one of the many options for types of trucks, including refrigerated, dry van or flatbed, depending on your cargo needs. There are less hands on freight, because they are being driven and transported by one driver, usually, which reduces risks of damage. 

Downsides To Truckload Shipping

While it can be an efficient method, truckload shipping is also restricted by capacity. It is important to plan ahead and especially book early, if you are planning on shipping during peak seasons, as there can be less availability of trucks. Rates also fluctuate based on demand and market or environmental conditions, such as fuel prices, so it is important to account for unstable pricing. If your goods require special handling or more equipment, then you are also paying accessorial charges, which are added fees for services such as loading or unloading, special equipment, etc.

Strategies For Shipping Via Truckload

In order to make the most time and cost efficient shipping decision, it is important to understand what working with a highway carrier may entail and how to prepare. First, consider your shipping needs, and then consider the practices to get the most out of your choice. Here are a few strategies you will want to apply, when shipping via truckload:

Emphasize The Right Packaging

When shipping via truck, it is essential to make sure all your cargo is packaged efficiently and safely. Since trucks have to face difficult road conditions, the packaging of your goods should be able to withstand any potential movement or road conditions. You want to ensure your goods stay in place, in the case of a truck making turns or hitting potholes. Using materials such as bubble wrap or foam inserts can help prevent damage to your goods, so consider protective mechanisms when packaging your cargo. Goods also need to be able to be accounted for on the journey to their destination, so labeling the contents and handling requirements of the package is key.

Look For Tracking Services

While you want to be selective in choosing a reputable and experienced carrier, it is also important to ensure visibility between you and your shipping partners. Seek out a carrier with the option of tracking for your freight. Look for real-time tracking options and clear communication, including the confirmation of pick up or delivery times and updates for any changes which may occur. Your cargo is valuable, and you want to be able to keep eyes on it while it travels. 

Understand How Shipping Rates Are Determined 

If you are new to shipping or generally do not handle many of the details, it is essential to understand how carriers reach certain rates, so that you can negotiate the best rate for yourself. Rates are dependent on capacity and distance, most commonly in FTL shipping. Meanwhile in LTL shipping, it is also the dimensions or weight of your shipment and classification which contributes to the rate. However, NMFTA does not regulate FTL shipments the way they do LTL, so it is important to note what goes into your final rate. Some common factors included in FTL rates are:

• Mileage and fuel costs
• The trucking lane covered 
• How easy or appealing the cargo is (handling, access, scheduling)
• Capacity (demand for trucks vs the availability)
• Accessorial Charges

Organize Your of Documents

Paperwork is everything in shipping, and when you are using a highway carrier, it is essential to complete your documents correctly from the get go. Your customs invoices, packing list, certificate of origin and BOL are essential. A lot of the information on your documents, including dimensions and description of goods will be important in the handling of your freight.  Your shipment needs a Bill of Lading, as it outlines essential details for the cargo including the ownership of the goods. Should anything happen, you want your goods to be identifiable. 

Try To Increase Lead Times

While not always possible, you should aim for longer lead times for your shipments.  This is beneficial as you are not on a time pressure crunch to get goods delivered, which ensures the best and most cost effective option for you. There is greater accuracy and more cost effective delivery, if you are able to provide a longer lead time for your shipments.

Get Insurance

A lot can happen between the shipping point and destination, especially with high value or fragile goods. It is important to prepare in case of any accidental damage or even potential theft. Consider insurance on your cargo to ensure protection from any potential loss or damage which may occur on the transport journey. Research your options and choose one which is best suited to your cargo, specifically.

Truckload shipping is an effective method to get goods from point A to point B, and you can usually get a great price. The advantages of truckload shipping are that it’s relatively inexpensive but also very efficient. Its downsides, however, include the fact that loads can get damaged by rough roads or other factors. Trucking is the perfect medium for moving large, heavy or fragile cargo, so long as you prepare ahead of time and know what to look for. As with any other form of shipping, it’s important to understand how to work with the system and allow for a smoother experience.