A reliable shipping partner is integral to the success of any business that depends on a supply chain. The choice of a shipping company also has a direct implication on costs and hence profitability. A brand’s reputation hinges very much on its ability to deliver products to the customer’s door as promised.
The shipping experience your customers get has a big weight on their satisfaction. If they receive their products safely and on time, they are happy. But when they have to contend with high shipping costs and delayed deliveries, the brand image suffers. Therefore, the choice of shipping services should be carefully considered. Here are some of the top factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a shipping company.
Consider Shipping Specialization
Shipping services specialize in carrying different freight types. For example, oil tanker services specialize in carrying petroleum products. You must look at the nature of your products to decide if you need specialized shipping services. There are advantages in using specialized shipping services:
1. Experience in Product Handling
Experience in product handling is a must in order to be successful in this field. A specialized service will have experience in handling your product. They can make sure that your product will arrive in good condition, at the destination point.
For example, a shipping company that handles fragile products will always carry the tools necessary to handle fragile products. This allows you to be sure that your product will arrive in good condition, without being damaged.
2. Specialized Packaging
Special products require custom packaging. For example, perishables require packaging to keep the product as fresh as possible. Additionally, the product must be protected against contamination. For example, a dairy has to be placed in special containers to keep its products fresh. A shipping service must show it will accommodate your packaging requirements.
It is also about marketing the product. Specialized packaging can help to create a unique identity for a product and set it apart from the competition. This can be especially important for small businesses that are trying to compete against much larger companies. Specialized packaging can be used to create a sense of luxury, sophistication, or excitement around a product.
Related Resource: 4 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Shipping Your Car
Compare shipping rates
Shipping rates can vary depending on the shipping company and the service that is used. It is important to compare shipping rates in order to get the best deal. Remember, shipping rates have an impact on your operating expenses and hence customer shipping prices. Online shopping platforms often allow customers to choose their preferred shipping service. You must offer them affordable shipping to make your products attractive.
Compare Delivery Times
Shipping delivery times play a big role in meeting your customer’s expectations. Delivery time has a direct impact on your profits. Deliveries that are fulfilled within the specified time frame help you remain competitive.
You have to offer quick delivery services to suit the demands of your customers. But faster shipping costs more, so you need a balance. The competitors in the market might offer less expensive shipping rates, but the importance of offering fast delivery services cannot be neglected.
Consider the Destination Network
A shipping service’s transport networks can impact delivery times in a few ways. Service with a dense, interconnected network of hubs will be able to get packages to more destinations faster than one with a less-connected network.
The location of the service’s hubs on land is also important – a service with hubs in major metropolitan areas will be able to reach more customers in a shorter amount of time than one with hubs in rural areas.
Consider the Size and Nature of Freight
What is the size of the products you want to ship? For example, bulky products like oil, grains, and heavy machinery need a shipping service that has the machinery and space to handle the loading and unloading.
One important consideration is whether a shipping service has partnerships with land services that can handle your product e.g., bulk grain handling, offloading, and storage.
Consider Tracking, Tracing, and Customer Service
Today, it is a standard expectation that a shipping service will offer tracking and tracing of freight for both the business and the end customer. It offers valuable information on the shipment status and allows customers to easily check the progress of the delivery. This information offers the end customer confidence that their order is in transit.
A good shipping service must also demonstrate good customer service. In turn, it helps businesses become more responsive to their customers because they can respond to issues from a point of information. For example, if a customer’s order is delayed, the shipping service should have a clear answer on the problem, so that the seller can inform the customer about the situation and when it will be resolved.
Conclusion
Shipping services play a big role in helping businesses meet their customers’ expectations. It is important to choose a shipping service that will ensure your supply chain runs optimally to get goods to your customers affordably and on time. It enhances the brand, raises customer satisfaction, and raises profitability.
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