INTEGRATING EXPEDITED SHIPPING INTO YOUR TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY
Whether you’re looking to add expedited to your transportation plan or elevate the way you currently handle expedited —try these three simple steps for seamless integration. 1. Take a closer look at your less-than-truckload (LTL) and truckload (TL) shipments . Sometimes, a shipment may appear to be too small for TL, when in reality it is too large for LTL resulting in unexpected charges from your carriers, who turn an LTL shipment into a TL shipment without your knowledge. Similarly, you may be sending things via TL where expedited would be a better, safer fit. In both instances, a best practice is to update your routing guide so these in-between shipments go expedited, ensuring that you can tailor the equipment to the shipment's size. 2. Determine who handles your expedited decisions—and whether that needs to change. All too frequently, expedited shipments are made at the discretion of the load planner, plant manager, customer service rep, or sales leader at a manufacturing facility. Most of the time, it’s not a strategic approach, but one that is done piece-meal using the company’s standard pool of carriers. The person handling the load shouldn’t be the one making these decisions. Instead, there should be a standard operating process, using a corporate-approved expedited company, that is clearly communicated to relevant personnel. This selection should be made at the executive level.
3. Select your provider wisely. Do NOT assume that every trucking carrier knows how to handle expedited shipments. Look for a specialized provider that offers the following:
Expertise. With an expedited-only company, everyone is a subject-matter expert. Don’t be fooled by general carriers or new entrants to the expedited business without the background to meet service expectations. Strong communication. The ability to convey information effectively to all parties throughout the expedited process is crucial. The right balance of technology and human interaction. It takes both to properly execute all phases of an expedited shipment.
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• Ability to handle niche shipments. Expedited loads are unpredictable. Make sure your provider knows what to do with shipments.
Candor Expedite, Inc. | candorexp.com | 630.480.6798 | Info@candorexp.com
January 2023 • Inbound Logistics 91
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