subject: Get A Lower Quote On Trucking Shipments For Your Business [print this page] The rates that trucking services provide are based upon many factors. Knowing what those factors are can change the price that the business owner will pay for the service. Shipping products is an integral part of any business, so knowing how to haggle a better price with logistics companies is a skill well learned.
Sometimes costs in a quote aren't explained as best as they can be. Unloading and loading operations are a good example of where this might happen. Sometimes freight can't be unloaded with tools to make it easier, for instance. Other times the location may demand a shipment come only at specific times, furthering delays.
The weight of a shipment plays a role in the quoting process. A heavy load will take more space and energy to transport, on average. Lighter loads are desired if you can help it. Also consider your packaging needs- you won't want an unsecured freight. The logistics company will likely help out with this aspect if you don't know where to get packaging.
The frequency of shipments might cause you to need a contract. Contracts will allow you to negotiate a better deal, but you will also have a commitment to supply the freight service with a certain amount of business. If you intend on only making temporary shipments several times each year, then you will instead want to research freight shipment brokers in your area.
Research the history of the company you intend on doing business with. A low quote doesn't always mean the cheapest price. If the driver or company has a history of making errors on orders, or having a poor driving record, you could end up paying much more than a trucking fee. If you find something wrong with a company's reputation, don't hesitate to ask them about it and what they have done to solve the situation before proceeding.
Shop around the best you can with brokers and agencies. Each agency will quote differently, based on their own costs and profit margins. Look on the Internet to find every freight shipment agency in a radius of several hundred miles. You never know what you'll find just a few miles out of your city! Don't feel discouraged in asking about discounts, either. Agencies often give these as an incentive for new business.
Closing Comments
Consult the Internet for ideas on where to go from here. You will find a large list of brokers all over the United States that can help you out. Consult brokers, but also look at company websites and see if they offer quoting tools. Spend a few hours weighing your options and getting your business started.
by: Chris Channing
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