If you could ship all your freight in full trailer loads, you wouldn’t have any problems figuring out costs and other shipping issues. However, some companies must deal with shipments that are less than a trailer load, and this can make it hard to get the best deals on shipping. Yet, you can do things to lower your LTL freight transportation costs, and these 5 tips are here to help.
1. Shop Carriers Periodically
You might have a good carrier, that you use for all your regular and LTL shipments, but things can change suddenly in the shipping industry. For example, you may notice your shipping rates gradually increasing, and when this happens, it’s time to check into other carriers.
2. Negotiate Costs
There is another strategy you can use when you LTL freight transportation costs go up. Go to your carrier and ask about discounted rates or services. If they think you are going elsewhere for your freight services, they may offer you a better deal.
3. Change Your Packaging Methods
You may save space by shrink wrapping. For example, some products are easily compressed, and when you shrink-wrap them, you can sometimes get more products to the tier. Space is at a premium when it comes to LTL shipping.
4. Check Alternative Shipping Methods
Do you sometimes need to ship half trailer loads? You can sometimes cut LTL freight transportation costs with alternative shipping. For example:
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Pup trailers
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Van loads for local delivery
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Local delivery or courier services
5. Check Out 3PL Services
A good 3PL service or freight brokerage shops carriers for you and finds the lowest rates available. They have access to a wide range of shipping services and can sometimes get bulk discounts on freight because they take care of many businesses shipping needs. This saves both time and money.
