Recent supply chain problems have had many retailers rethinking their shipping and logistics solutions. Finding a new logistics company can be tough, though. If business owners make the wrong choice, they’ll wind up dealing with even more empty shelves. Instead of working with the first provider that comes up, find out what to look for in a logistics company and seek out a partner that meets the standards described below.
Cost-Efficient Shipping Options
There’s no one shipping solution that’s right for every company, or even every order. Small businesses usually have lower inventory requirements, which means they tend to order only a few items at a time from vendors. When that’s the case, it makes little sense to pay for full truckload services, and business owners should ask about less-than-truckload (LTL) alternatives.
If, on the other hand, a larger business wants to place an order that will fill most of a truck, requesting a Full Truckload (FTL) Freight Quote is the most sensible option. The order will arrive faster, and many logistics providers offer discounts to clients who request FTL services.
Industry Experience
It’s always wise to make sure the logistics company has been in business for at least a few years. The reasoning behind this recommendation is not just that startups are more likely to fail than well-established companies. Logistics providers that have a few years of experience under their belts are also better able to handle issues as they come up and provide consistently excellent service to their clients.
Efficient Operations
Efficiency is everything when it comes to cutting costs and ensuring on-time deliveries. Modern logistics companies have all kinds of new tools at their disposal for improving efficiency. Partnering with a company that makes full use of state-of-the-art software, data analytics, and other advanced technologies is the best way to ensure that retailers are getting not just the best prices but the best value.
Ability to Scale-Up Services
Small business owners need to be especially careful when choosing a logistics provider. It’s obvious that the logistics provider must be able to accommodate the store’s needs today, but some business owners forget to think about what will happen when their companies begin to grow and thrive. Choosing a logistics company that can scale up its services to continue accommodating clients of all sizes is essential to facilitating growth.
Excellent Customer Service
A good logistics provider will be easy to reach, so pay attention to things like response times and representative availability before signing on the bottom line. If the company is already unresponsive to the needs of potential clients, think about how frustrating it will be trying to contact a representative when something urgent comes up later. Prioritizing customer service now will help business owners avoid problems later.
Start the Search Now
It can take some time to find the right logistics provider, so retailers looking to make a change should start the search for a new shipping partner right away. Don’t rush the decision. Doing so can have a serious impact on business operations well into the future.
