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.
![truck lorry transportation](../wp-content/uploads/2021/01/truck-1030846_1280.jpg)
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
![man packing a cardboard box](https://clementinecreativedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/package-1081709_1280.jpg)
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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