Reducing freight costs doesn't always mean finding the cheapest carrier. Better planning, accurate shipment information, and smarter transportation decisions can also help control costs.

Here are seven practical strategies.

1. Compare Transportation Options: Don't automatically use the same carrier for every shipment. Compare available carriers and transportation options based on price, transit time, equipment, and reliability. A freight broker can help shippers compare available capacity.

2. Provide Accurate Shipment Information. Accurate information helps you receive a more realistic freight quote. Make sure you provide: Weight, Dimensions, Number of pallets, Commodity, Pickup location, Delivery location, Pickup and delivery requirements.  Incorrect information can result in reclassification, reweighs, or additional charges, particularly with LTL shipments.

3. Reduce Avoidable Accessorial Charges. Accessorial charges can include services or circumstances outside standard transportation. Examples include detention, re-delivery, liftgate service, inside delivery, and additional stops. Clear instructions and proper scheduling can help reduce avoidable charges.

4. Improve Pickup and Delivery Scheduling. A truck arriving at a facility that isn't ready can create delays and potentially additional costs. Make sure:

5. Analyze Your Freight Lanes. Review your regular shipping lanes periodically. Look at:

This can help identify lanes where your transportation strategy could be improved.

6. Consider Consolidation. If your company regularly ships smaller loads to similar destinations, consolidating compatible shipments may reduce transportation costs. However, consolidation isn't right for every shipment. Delivery deadlines, freight characteristics, and customer requirements should be considered.

7. Work With a Freight Broker. Managing transportation takes time. A freight broker can help with carrier sourcing, rate comparisons, scheduling, shipment coordination, and transportation problems. For businesses without a large transportation department, this can reduce the amount of time employees spend managing individual shipments.

Freight cost management is about more than finding the lowest rate. Better planning, accurate information, efficient scheduling, and the right transportation partner can all contribute to a more efficient shipping operation. Value Transports works with shippers to coordinate freight transportation and identify carrier solutions based on individual shipment requirements. Looking for help with your next shipment? Contact Value Transports.

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