When it comes to flatbed shipping solutions, there are a lot of options out there. That’s why it’s so important to know what you want and how to tell good solutions from not-so-good ones. However, the fact of the matter is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best shipping solution is going to be what works well for you and your organization. One that is able to integrate into your current operations and way of doing things.
So, how do you go about finding the shipping company that will best fit your company? Well first, you have to know your organization! Here are three questions you need to ask yourself when you decide what kind of flatbed shipping solution is right for you:
- What kind of flatbed trailer do I need?
- How often do I need the service?
- What measures are important to my operations?
The Answers to Getting the Best Service
The first thing is knowing what kind of flatbed trailer you are going to need. In case you didn’t know, there are multiple types. There’s the standard flatbed which is what most people image but then there’s also drop deck, double drop, stretch, conestoga, and more. Also, know if you are going to need additional add-ons such as tarps. In order to answer this first question, you must now your freight and have a bit of shipping knowledge. If you are completely new to shipping and logistics then it is worth asking someone else in your industry or reaching out to a 3PL.
Second is determining how often you need a flatbed shipping service and solution. If flatbed shipping is a rare need for your operations then you won’t need to put a whole lot of thought into this. Just go with someone that has a great track record and fits within your budget. However, if you are regularly in need of flatbed shipping solutions then it’s worth investing time into the search. Make sure that all of your needs are met and a partnership can be built.
Third, you have to know what measures are important to you. You cannot expect the “best” flatbed shipping solutions if you don’t even know that “best” means. You need to identify what level of service vs cost you need, the level of communication, KPIs met, and more. Then, in your search, communicate and measure these expectations.
Finding Flatbed Shipping Solutions That Work For You
So far we have covered what the shipper needs to do in order to prepare themselves for finding the best flatbed partner. All that’s left now is the actual search. Luckily, if the previous three questions were answered, this next part will be easy.
First, look for flatbed shipping companies in your area and the areas that you ship to regularly. These companies should have great relations with local carriers which means that they are always nearby or want to head back. In the end, this means lower rates for you.
Second, try to build a partnership with your shipping partner. In the long run, it will save you time and money if they understand your business and what works best for you. As a result, you will receive consistent high-quality flatbed shipping solutions.
Third, make sure you are looking at shipping providers with experience in your industry. It’s important that your shipping partner has experience in your particular industry. If they don’t have experience with whatever it is you need to be shipped, they may not understand the special challenges you face.
Finally, test out multiple companies before settling on one. There are many benefits to having a relationship with multiple trucking companies. You can use them as backups if something goes wrong with your main partner, or if one is more expensive than another on certain routes.
It’s important to know what’s impactful to your operations when choosing a flatbed carrier so make sure you know your needs. Then, once you know what you need, reach out and find the flatbed provider that will work best for you.
If you are in need of a high-quality flatbed shipping solution now then check out HTL Freight. We have over 30 years of industry experience and have the processes in place to ensure a great shipping service. To find out more information you can contact us or to get started immediately, you can request a quote.
