Consolidating shipping is one of the best ways to save money on shipping without sacrificing a shipping schedule. Although the process for consolidation can be more complex than shipping larger shipments that fill an entire truck, it is well worth the effort. For many companies, especially smaller companies like eCommerce sellers, it is necessary to consolidate shipping. Consolidated shipping allows companies to get preferred rates on shipping and ship more often or to more locations. For companies that are looking to expand into more markets, there are many benefits to consolidation.
Better Prices: The primary benefit of consolidation is cost efficiency. LTL shipments (less than truckload) require that vendors still pay the full fee for freight forwarding. This leaves companies with a few options. They can either take the cost of shipping an LTL shipment which raises their overhead. They can postpone shipments until their shipment is large enough to be cost-effective, which negatively impacts shipping schedules. Or they can use a consolidation method.
Safer Shipping: Consolidated shipping can also save money another way. A fully packed truck has less room for cargo to bounce around and get damaged on its journey. By using a consolidated shipping approach, companies are less likely to lose products from damage in transit.
Time Consumption: Consolidated shipping may allow a company to send cargo more frequently, but the process is still time-consuming. There are a lot of logistics that go into sending a consolidated shipment. More time is spent planning shipments and there is less control over a shipping schedule. Shipping can also take longer using the consolidation method. An FTL shipment (full truckload) is guaranteed to go directly to your destination, whereas an LTL shipment might have multiple stops or end at a warehouse, which will require extra shipping.
Finding The Right Carrier: Part of the logistical struggle of consolidated shipping is finding the correct carrier. Not all carriers offer consolidated shipping, and even carriers that do may not provide the best deal. When shipping LTL shipments it is important to research the right carrier to make sure you save on shipping. Alternatively, many companies work with freight forwarders that handle the logistics for them. Because a freight forwarder benefits from getting their client’s lower shipping costs, they often have the resources and ability to ensure that shipments go through the best carriers.
If you want more control over your shipping schedule and want to save money on shipping, but don’t want to waste time and money on figuring out the logistics of consolidating your LTL shipments, you should work with Bruning International. Our logistical team handles consolidated shipments and can help you save more money on your shipping strategy. Give us a call or contact us through our website to learn more.