The shipping and logistics market is very volatile so how can you make sure you’re getting the best shipping rate? How can you make sure that the quote you are receiving is the best deal? And even if you get multiple rates, how do you know which one will work best for you?
There are many ways to work towards getting the best shipping rate each and every time, ways that don’t involve doing a deep investigation into each quote for each shipment.
Know the market!
The best way to ensure that you are getting the best shipping rate is to know the market! By knowing the natural ups and downs of the market you can make sure that the shipping rates you are receiving are fair.
Additionally, it is important to keep up to date on any events that effect the market, whether it be a change in gas prices to a natural disaster of some sort. There are always external factors effecting the prices of shipping and by staying informed you will always know the best shipping rate for your freight.
Build a partnership
Another great way to have confidence that the shipping quotes you are receiving are fair is to build a partnership with your transportation provider. Partnerships provide benefits everywhere in life, business, and even logistics.
Building a good relationship takes time since you need to test out the market to see which transportation provider works best with you. There may be some ups and down but it will be worth it in the end when you find a company that is able to offer you the best shipping rate. Once you have a partnership in place you will be able to rest easy knowing you are getting the best shipping rate, or at least the on that works for you.
Measure KPI’s
Measuring the KPI’s that matter to you will get you a great shipping service and rate! This step is important in determining who to build a partnership with. It also can help with the 3PL providers you are using to move your spot quotes. If a 3PL is able to move your freight at a rate that meets your set goals then it is worth keeping them in mind for the next time you need a spot quote.
An important aspect of measuring KPIs is communicating your needs to the transportation prover that you are using. By doing this, they know what goals they should be aiming for.
Plan Ahead
It always pays to plan ahead. By planning ahead, you have time to receive multiple quotes and can negotiate them down. This same rule applies to your partnered 3PL, the more time they have the more carriers will be able to run it by which will result in a better shipping rate for you. So remember, when everyone has more time it greatly improve the chances that you are getting the best shipping rate that you can.
In conclusion, there are quite a few ways to make sure that the rate you are paying for shipping is the best it can be. Whether it is a spot or contracted rate, there are always ways to improve the costs. If you want to see if Becker Logistics can provide the best quote for you then reach out to us or request a quote.
