Finding a truckload freight quote is easy. However, finding a quote that works for your budget while coming from a trusted shipping provider… well, that on the other hand can be pretty difficult. There are countless full truckload shipping providers out there and no one has time to go through them all. Additionally, even if you did, what are you supposed to look for? Well, that is what we are here to tell you.
There are plenty of ways to find a better truckload freight quote. This blog post is going to cover multiple processes that will help you find a better price and a better service that works for you.
What is full truckload shipping?
Before we go into the processes, let’s define what full truckload shipping is. Full truckload shipping is when one shipper’s freight takes up the entire trailer. It is used for moving larger amounts of freight, usually around 43,000 pounds or 45 pallets. This mode is different from Less-Than-Load (LTL) where several shippers will transport their freight in the same container.
Getting a Lower Truckload Freight Quote
First, we are going to look at how you can improve the bottom line and how you can find full truckload shipping at a better price.
Don’t wait for the Call
If you want to save money, you are going to have to be proactive. Get on the phone and reach out to shipping providers and see what kind of prices they have. Also, try submitting a quote request. Just get as many quotes as you can to compare since more options will lead to a better price.
Know the Market
Prices in shipping are always fluctuating and moving around. It can seem to be at random, however, if you know the market well you can tell when there is going to be a change and prepare beforehand. If you know prices are about to rise, then get as much pricing locked down as you can.
Get Contracted
Another great way to save money is to sign a long-term contract with a shipping provider. Doing random spot quotes may occasionally get you some great truckload freight quotes, however, it’s better to have a long-term partner. However, before signing the contract, you want to make sure that their services meet the level you need.
Getting Better Full Truckload Shipping Services
While finding a lower truckload freight quote is great, you also need to focus on service level. What good is a $10 quote if the freight never arrives? So, let’s take a look at how you can find shipping services with quality and integrity.
Investigate the Company
This means looking at their past clients, how long they have been in business, their carrier relations, what kind of technology they offer, their culture, and so much more. The key here is to find a shipping company that is going to work well with your needs. There is no one-size-fits-all checklist that will work for everyone.
Communicate your Needs
Speaking of needs, in order to find the best services, you need to communicate your needs. This means letting the freight broker know what KPIs are important to you, any kind of additional details on the freight, and other expectations.
Try out a Couple Spot Quotes
It was mentioned before in this post to go with contracted rates to save money. However, it’s best to do a couple of spot quotes first to ensure service is up to standards. Also, try spot quotes with a couple of companies, you never want to have all of your eggs in one basket. You’ll want to check that your KPI’s are hit, communication is easy, and the freight is handled with care.
Finding a truckload freight quote that works for you and your business can be difficult. There is a good amount of work that goes into ensuring you are getting the best. You have to be proactive, know the market, and build up a relationship. Additionally, to make sure the full truckload services are up to standard you have to investigate, build up communication and do some trial runs.
At Becker Logistics, we aim to make this entire process easy. We have over 24 years of experience and have the people and processes in place to make sure you are getting the best service possible. We offer an array of services and can find a truckload freight quote that works for you. You can reach out to an associate by contacting us or request a quote to get started now.
