Shipping is a part of every small business that can cause a lot to stress as well as complexity. It is important if you are a small business who sells product to eventually transition from a home based service to a larger operation where you ship large quantities to retailers and customers.
When trying to manage your business in the best way and make the most of it, shipping is a huge part of this and will make a big difference to you.
Today we want to talk about how you can bring a shipping capability to your business this year.
Consider hiring an in-house driver
One of the options you can bring to your business this year is to hire a full time driver for your business. It is important to note that this option is more for companies that will be shipping a consistent number of containers every week and one that is able to afford the cost of a full time employee in the field.
Use local freight companies
If you don’t ship items very often one great option for you is to hire a freight company to take on jobs now and again. A freight company will be able to deal with a specific number of shipments for you and they will allow you to pick and choose when you need them. They work on a case by case basis when you need them. You can also consider also having a few different freight companies on hand for availability as well as for your own security.
Contract freelancers
One great idea for you if you will only be shipping a container once in a blue moon is to compare loads to haul by freelancers. There are a whole host of freelance drivers out there that will take on jobs as and when they come and this is a great way for you to meet your shipping needs without having to spend money on a freight contract or an in-house employee.
Understand how to negotiate
When it comes to shipping and logistics it is very important to master the art of negotiation. Negotiating a good price for a shipment of goods is important and it will allow you to save money as well as earn the respect of the freight companies you work with. A freight company will typically try to get as much money as they can from you but if you are able to show them a firm hand you can ensure that they take on your word and give you the best price they can. It is a good technique to ring up a few different firms and use their prices to bat off each other to see who can offer you the cheapest deal.
Be sure to pack safely
It is important when shopping items to pack everything tightly and safely. Packing a pallet efficiently will make a massive difference to the amount of product you are able to get on the container as well as the risk of damage.
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