Any company with goods to ship wants to see their deliveries arrive reliably, free of damage, and on time, making carrier selection crucial. To choose the best third-party logistics (3PL) partner, you can look for cost-effective methods and a track record of reliability and efficiency as a start, but these factors still aren't enough to ensure safe transit and on-time arrival.
Flexibility, experience, an established network, customer service, and knowledge of full truckload (FTL) shipping and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping are also vital. As an international leader in freight forwarding, Gebrüder Weiss has extensive knowledge of shipping complexities. Here are more details on choosing the right carrier for your needs.
1. Don't Select a 3PL LTL or FTL Shipper on Price Alone
The freight market is unpredictable and having the right logistics partner is crucial for FTL and LTL shipping success. While looking for the lowest-price option may seem tempting, you may be sacrificing quality, scalability, and/or the safety of your products for the lowest-cost provider, putting your shipment at risk.
A better approach is looking at overall cost-effectiveness and value for the price, not just the price itself. For example, a carrier's reliability and on-time delivery track record should be top priorities. Consider factors like customer service, industry reputation, and the 3PL's ability to handle your specific type of cargo.
For FTL, ensure the carrier has the right type and size of trucks to accommodate your shipments efficiently. If you need LTL shipping, focus on finding carriers with well-developed network routes that align with your shipping needs.
Gebrüder Weiss has a 550-year history of providing service excellence. Customers work with one key point of contact who has access to over 25,000 carriers. Each Gebrüder Weiss representative helps customers minimize risks and obtain competitive pricing by leveraging our buying power.
2. Choose a 3PL LTL and FTL Partner with Proven Experience in Accurate Load Planning
For both LTL and FTL shipments, accurate load planning is essential. Load inaccuracies are costly and can lead to delays or missed shipments. Proper load planning can also help prevent damage during transit. We ensure your shipments are appropriately sized for the chosen truck to minimize wasted space and reduce shipping costs.
Optimizing available space is crucial in FTL shipping, since a single truck is dedicated to your cargo. Effective load planning is equally vital in LTL shipping, as multiple shipments share a single truck. Gebrüder Weiss will coordinate shipments with similar destinations and delivery windows to maximize efficiency. This reduces handling and transit time, saving costs and ensuring timely delivery.
3. Seek Advanced Technology for Visibility and Tracking
Modern technology has transformed the shipping industry, allowing real-time visibility and tracking capabilities for FTL and LTL shipments. A 3PL that keeps you in the dark and does not have accurate, timely updates on progress is a frustrating experience. The lack of information can also put your cargo at greater risk since the company won't be able to respond as quickly to an issue.
We keep our customers informed and have advanced technology to monitor delivery progress. Our Gebrüder Weiss Transportation Management System (TMS) can help you manage and track your shipments effectively. This technology allows you to monitor your cargo's progress, make necessary real-time adjustments, and know that your shipments will reach their destinations on schedule.
Choosing the best carrier for your FTL and LTL cargo needs can optimize your shipping processes, reduce costs, and enhance your supply chain's overall efficiency and reliability.
Contact Gebrüder Weiss for expert 3PL LTL and FTL freight solutions:
Kevin Sendre, Director of FTL North America
Kate Leatherbury, Director of LTL North America
