freight broker – Freight Cowboy – Shipment Management

How the Internet of Things is Changing Freight Shipping

Freight Cowboy — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 13:00:23 +0000

The Internet of Things (IoT), refers to the billions of physical objects around the world that are now connected to the internet, collecting and sharing data. Think of a front door that can be locked from a smartphone. Thanks to inexpensive processors and wireless networks, it’s possible to turn almost anything into part of the IoT. But how does that impact freight shipping?

The IoT has transformed the way everyone does business. Here's how it's changed the freight shipping industry.
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Big Changes to Freight Shipping

Improved and integrated technology, like that in the IoT, has increased productivity in the supply chain, minimizing costs and errors. These advances benefit all areas of the logistics industry: trucking transportation, international transportation, supply chain management, and shipment tracking. Here are some big changes the IoT has made to the shipping industry:

Transparency

Shipping transparency benefits the customer, shipping agents, and shipping management teams. When customers have the tools they need to get clarification and updates (GPS tracking, email reports, dynamic dashboards, etc.) they will not have a reason to call their logistics manager. This allows employees to focus on their work while the customer gets the updates they need via the IoT.

Automation

Shipping is becoming increasingly automated, with sensors on products, pallets, SKUs, drivers, facilities, and vehicles providing regular feedback and updates. Conveyor systems move the right products to the right piece of trucking equipment at the right time. Loading software advises proper placement to maximize space and avoid load and lane imbalances and potential damage or wasted space.

Pro Tip: Automating loading processes decreases cost and eliminates human error.

Scalability

Most business needs will grow and evolve over time, requiring owners to continually assess their capital, warehousing, and distribution needs. When paired with an experienced third-party logistics provider, the IoT provides the flexibility and fast scalability to adapt to any demand.

Breakthroughs in Technology

To remain competitive and enhance efficiency, it’s critical to keep up with the latest technology. The shipping and logistics industry benefits immensely from the IoT and will continue to grow as more advances are made. The breakthroughs in technology, and the innovative shipment managers brave enough to embrace them, will only help your business succeed.

Contact Us to learn more about how we ensure your freight gets where it’s going on time.

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What Is a Freight Broker & How Can Using One Streamline Your Shipping?

Freight Cowboy — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 10:00:13 +0000

A freight broker assists shippers with freight ready to ship by finding carriers who are qualified to haul the load. They’re responsible for brokering deals with shippers and then facilitating the movement of the freight. They are responsible for keeping a line of communication open with the carrier in order to update the status of the shipper’s load.

A freight broker can find you the best carrier for the best rate, and keep you in the loop as your items ship.
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What is a Freight Broker?

A freight broker makes shipping easier by finding quality carriers that are proven to be reliable in hauling a load. Since most people don’t have the experience or time to determine if a carrier can perform the task. Freight brokers also help carriers potentially earn more by having available loads to haul.

Top Advantages

Get The Best Carrier: A broker builds their network with carriers they’ve vetted and can depend on, so you know your items are in good hands.
Get The Best Rate: If you don’t have time to shop carriers for the best rate, don’t worry! A freight broker will do that for you.
Tracking: Your broker will stay in contact with the carrier throughout transit. Using GPS tracking technologies they can maintain the location of the shipment to delivery.
Eliminate Guesswork: Your broker will get all the relevant information from you, then they will handle any classifications, forms, and documents necessary to ship successfully.
Avoid Complications: Things happen in transit that can delay a shipment, no matter how much planning went into it. A broker will address any concerns or issues that arise.

An Expert on Your Side

Freight brokers are a tremendous resource since they’re experts in every aspect of the freight shipping industry. When you’re concentrated on growing your business and don’t have time to monitor your shipping from pickup to delivery and that’s when a broker can help. An experienced team on your side can take the burden of shipping management off your shoulders.

Contact Us to speak with an experienced freight broker today.

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9 Common Freight Terms Explained

Freight Cowboy — Fri, 11 May 2018 12:00:58 +0000

The freight industry can be full of specific jargon and hard to decipher abbreviations. It can be challenging to get a firm grasp on the process if you hardly understand the terms! While a quick Google search can usually point you in the right direction, these common terms are a good place to start.

When you better understand the terminology, you'll be more likely to spot the best option for your freight shipping needs.
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Understanding Common Freight Terms

Whether you’re new to the freight industry or just need to brush up on freight terminology, these common terms are a good place to start. With these terms you’ll be able to understand the freight shipping process from start to finish.

1) LTL

Less than truckload shipping (LTL) is the transportation of relatively small freight. LTL carriers haul freight that rests somewhere between parcel shipments (1150 pounds) and full truckloads. With an LTL rate shopper, you can easily find the best rate for your specific needs.

2) Bill of Lading

The bill of lading (BOL) is a legal contract between the shipper and the carrier, broker or agent that defines all aspects of the freight shipping arrangement including what is being shipped and to whom. The bill of lading should be provided to the carrier on pickup and a copy should always be attached to the package freight.

3) Freight Class

A freight classification is assigned to a shipment for the purpose of determining transportation charges. Freight classifications are used for less than truckload (LTL) shipments and are based on density, freight stowability, ease of handling and liability.

4) Motor Property Broker

A freight broker makes freight shipping arrangements on behalf of an individual or company. The broker determines the needs of the client and has ample experience in the industry to negotiate the best shipping rates with a carrier that can meet the client’s requirements.

5) Nested

The practice in less than truckload (LTL) shipping in which materials are stacked so that one item goes inside another. This reduces the amount of space taken up by combined freight and makes LTL shipping more efficient and less likely to experience damage.

6) Through Rate

Applies to the distance between the point of origin and the delivery destination.

7) Tariff

Establishes the cost and contract of the freight shipment for both the shipper and the carrier.

7) Truckload Managment

Truckload management encompasses the logistics for your shipment from pickup to delivery. This includes GPS tracking, email reports, billing and payment information and much more. Usually handled by your shipment broker.

9) Volume Rate

A less than truckload (LTL) term for rates that are subject to a minimum weight of 7,000 pounds or more, or cubic volume exceeding 750 cubic feet.

Ensuring Clear Communication

Using the right freight broker can alleviate much of the anxiety surrounding freight shipping. But even then, it’s helpful to have a good handle on the basics. This will ensure clear communication and hopefully prevent misunderstandings.

Contact Us to learn more about the freight shipping and LTL process.

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The Undeniable Value of Comparing Shipping Rates

Freight Cowboy — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 11:00:19 +0000

Shipping is crucial to most businesses, the thing that makes it possible to sell products to customers around the world, and stock storefronts as well. And yet, it’s confusing and often expensive, particularly if you’re new to the fright shipping world.

Streamline Shipping Service

Reducing your shipping expenses and streamlining your shipping process is achievable by comparing different carrier costs. There are a few key comparison factors to keep in mind, such as the shipping prices, different weight categories, and various shipping zones. Here are a few advantages to comparing freight services:

Rush Shipments

Unplanned express shipping charges can easily eat your profit margin if you’re not careful. Whether it’s for a holiday rush or to get a package to a customer faster than usual, sometimes you have to figure out the cheapest way to ship quickly. In these instances, it’s easy to let the urgency cloud your judgment.

Even in a rush, it's worth comparing shipping options to make sure you're not spending more than you should.
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You can save a lot of money with just a little research.

Less Than Truckload

Do you have enough freight to fill an entire semi? If not, you shouldn’t have to pay for one. Using LTL (less than truckload) is the best option for shipping freight that weighs more than 150 pounds, but is not enough to fill a truck. LTL allows you to cluster your items with others headed to the same general location. Once they arrive they’re split up and delivered to their final destination. LTL can save you a considerable expense and decreases your environmental impact.

LTL Rateshopper

The LTL Small Business Center allows you to simply enter your starting and destination zip codes, a weight, and freight class to compare discounted rates from multiple shipping carriers. Your shipping broker has worked to get the best possible freight rates, extra charges, excessive length allowances and limits of liability. This online tool saves you time with the class calculator, address book, the ability to upload your product list and save templates for repeat shipments. The setup takes mere minutes and you’ll be able to shop for a great rate and execute in seconds.

Comparing Costs for the Best Rate

Whether you’re looking to reduce shipping costs or deciding which carrier provides the best service, it’s worth conducting a shipping costs comparison. A reputable freight broker is an invaluable tool to have on your side. They’ve done the research and obtained favorable rates from most major carriers. They’re experienced in truckload management and will ensure that you have a positive experience from start to finish.

Contact Us to learn how to get the best freight shipping rate available.

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