Of all the aspects of supply chain management and logistics that freight shipping management has to contend with, one of the most pressing and obvious is the growing cost of shipping in general. It is a constant battle between maintaining profitable operations and keeping prices as low as possible for consumers.

That balancing act is a big deal, especially in light of the ongoing recovery in a post-pandemic market. According to Forbes, “Recent research found that about 60% of U.S. consumers abandoned a purchase because the shipping cost was too high. Another 84% say they're unlikely to shop with a brand again after a poor shipping experience. As a result, valuable sales may be lost.” Dealing with issues regarding shipping costs and services means finding the right freight shipping partner in Columbus, Ohio, to meet specific shipping and transportation needs for perishable and non-perishable goods. And if the shipping cost is too high for your brand or the consumer, it undermines the entire customer journey. Knowing what to look for in a freight shipping partner is essential. Here are the top things to look for when evaluating potential partners in the Columbus area. 

1. Dropshipping Options

Using third-party logistics providers (3PLs) who offer dropshipping services can help lower overall shipping costs. Dropshipping has become particularly attractive to modern supply chain managers and shippers alike. It is a flexible and innovative option for businesses that need to increase overall shipping volume without further stressing current inventory and warehouse management services. Dropshipping allows shippers to scale and adapt as needed, which freight management needs to entail.

2. Networking Power and Opportunities

When looking for someone to partner with in the shipping and transportation industry, it is important to consider what other connections they can bring to the table. Networking with the right freight transportation partner can bring several more partners into the collaboration. Choosing the right initial partner can instantly expand your network pool and give you access to even more contacts that can help grow your business. Selecting a freight shipping partner is an important decision for any management team.

3. Packaging Protocols

Packaging may seem like a fairly straightforward part of the logistical planning phase. However, the type of packaging, the materials used, and how pallets and containers are loaded can significantly impact shipping times and rates. Along with considerations about what services are available through shipping partnerships, reefer freight brokerage partnerships are also worth exploring. The details matter and proper packaging can protect freight while keeping loads as maneuverable as possible.

4. Modern Technology and Innovation

Technology has made it much easier to manage the shipping process. Aside from faster shipping options, technology has allowed shippers themselves to save money by streamlining claims and payment issues. In the past, customer reports of lost, stolen, or damaged goods and shipments had to be taken at face value. Now, freight shippers have real-time scanning and tracking tools, business surveillance videos, on-demand location pings, and other analytics tools that support the entire supply chain.

5. Proactive Fee and Surcharge Management

Reefer freight brokerage services can be especially beneficial for those dealing with perishable freight transportation services. Often goods requiring special handling and transportation incur higher rates and fees. Working with an experienced brokerage partner familiar with these kinds of services can make it easier for shippers to reduce expenses. Securing lower rates and fees without sacrificing shipping quality and service is a win-win situation for the shipper and the customer alike.

6. Efficient Routes and Shipping Schedules

Another point to consider when looking for the right shipping partner is what sort of routes they offer and how often they make runs along specific lanes. Shippers need a partner that can operate with their level of freight and make deliveries as often as necessary and to the destinations required. Coordinating available shipping routes and timelines with current capacity demands is a big part of ensuring shipments arrive on time and is something to carefully consider when looking for a shipping partner.

7. Specialty and Standard Delivery Modes, Speed, and Range

Whether it is a reefer freight brokerage partnership, dry van shipping, or standard freight shipping, both parties need to agree on the following:

• Where drivers will go
• How far they will travel
• How quickly they will get loads delivered
• How many loads they will carry
• What rates are going to be charged

Everything needs to be laid out and agreed to from the start. Establishing a relationship with a freight shipping partner in Columbus, Ohio, is all about communication, collaboration, and coordination. 

8. Ability to Track and Monitor in Real-Time

Freight shipping services rely heavily on fast and reliable communications and data sharing options. Knowing where loads are, when delays and disruptions occur, and when deliveries are complete is critical to optimizing shipping services. The best shipping partner is one that has all of the necessary tracking and monitoring services in place. Everyone from the management team to the shippers to the customers themselves can benefit from real-time tracking and monitoring services.

9. Availability of Customer Service 

Another important feature to consider when looking for the best freight shipping partner in Columbus, Ohio, is the state of their customer service team. This is a crucial aspect of any partnership. And it is not only for the sake of customers who may have issues arise with their order but also for the shipping and logistics team members who may run into problems during a shipment. On-demand customer service is critical for successful deliveries and is an important aspect to consider when looking for a shipping partner.

10. Specialization Within Transportation

Freight shipping can include a range of specialized services depending on the type of load and its final destination. Shipping quotes can vary significantly based on these factors. Finding a shipping partner that can handle specialized loads allows for more orders to be fulfilled and more trucks to stay on the road. Whether it is reefer goods, hazardous materials, oversized and bulky loads, or something else, finding a partner that can handle specialized loads is something many shippers look for today.

11. Flexibility and Scalability

Along with specialized loads and perishable items, reefer freight brokerage providers can help shippers find new opportunities. With enhanced capacity services and load matching tools, brokers can help improve overall flexibility and scalability within the supply chain. Loads can be found and accepted much more quickly, and it’s easier to make adjustments when orders and routes need to be shifted or altered for any reason. These kinds of services can help shippers stay ahead of the competition.

12. Industry Reputation and Experience 

When choosing a freight shipping partner, it is important to consider their scope of experience and their reputation. Sometimes working with a new shipper can yield better rates and fees, but it must not come at the cost of sacrificing quality services. Shippers want to ensure their partners have a good reputation in the industry and with customers to paint their own brand and services in the best possible light. Reputation and experience are important considerations for any partnership.

13. Local and Regional Shipper Perks

When looking for reliable shipping partnerships, another thing to keep in mind is what drayage and final mile services they offer. Oftentimes, the big picture obscures the most important part of any shipment — the final handoff. Last-minute delays and delivery issues can frustrate customers and cause problems with logistics, load pick-up, invoicing, and many other aspects of supply chain logistics. The right freight partner will have services to provide a smooth and easy delivery for each load.

Choose the Right Freight Shipping Partner in Columbus Ohio, by Working With Entourage Freight Solutions

Of everything that supply chain management and logistics managers have to work through and keep track of, freight shipping services have to be one of the most important and most challenging. Among the most pressing and obvious concerns facing today’s supply chain is the growing cost associated with even the most routine and mundane shipping services. The delicate balance between keeping profits high and customer costs low is an ongoing challenge felt throughout the industry today. 

Finding the right shipping partner is a big deal. Whether it is reefer freight brokerage services, specialized freight handling and shipping services, or some other shipping option, the key to success is finding and then preserving a strong shipping partnership. If you have been looking for the best freight shipping partner in Columbus, Ohio, contact Entourage Freight Solutions today to learn more about dedicated, available logistics services.