Rising Gas Prices

Rising gas prices affect business in a lot of ways that aren’t immediately obvious. While fuel is a significant component of logistics costs for some businesses, for others it may not play such a big role. However, gas prices affect virtually all businesses, and staying ahead of trends or shifts will only help you better prepare.

Consumers Buy Less

When gas prices go up, consumers cut back on personal spending. Most will put off big purchases like appliances or vehicles, and anything else considered non-essential. Less consumer spending means decreased profitability for most businesses.

Shipping Costs More

Almost all modern businesses require shipping, either to get products or to send goods to customers. Costs associated with shipping naturally go up with fuel prices, regardless of the mode of transportation you use. However, it’s still possible to get a good value by shopping LTL rates, and working with a logistics team that has the knowledge and expertise to get you the best shipping price.

Businesses Aren’t Protected

There are common misconceptions that rising gas prices only affect consumers and that businesses are somehow protected. This is simply not true, and the same financial strain the average individual feels is also felt by most business owners.

Protect Your Business

The cost of gas determines so many aspects of the US economy, and a dramatic uptick can deliver quite a blow to businesses that rely too heavily on low prices. Protect your business by keeping an eye on gas prices, preparing for change and planning for the worst (and best) scenarios.

Contact Us to learn more about getting the greatest value with a shipment management specialist.

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Benefits of Freight Cowboy’s LTL Small Business Center

Using a rate shopper service provides the most accurate rates for LTL shipments. Simply include the origin and the destination zip code, the weight and the freight class, and receive the best discounted rates available. Save time with tools like the class calculator, address book, and customizable templates for repeat shipments.

Compare

Using the LTL Small Business Center technology tool is incredibly simple and intuitive. Enter your shipment details and get the rates and transit times from all of our contracted carriers in one place. They are probably some of the same carriers you use today, but at discounted rates due to our volume of spend. Stop wasting time on the phone with a manual and complicated processes.

Complete

Simply click on the rate and carrier you want to create your Bill of Lading (BOL) and automatically schedule your pickup with the carrier with the click of a button. It is that easy. No back and forth or surprise fees. Streamline your next shipping process with the LTL Small Business Center and enjoy consistency and peace of mind.

Track

Take advantage of Freight Cowboy’s database and reporting capabilities within the LTL Small Business Center tool to track your shipments. Take the unknown out of shipping with powerful analytics that update you in real-time so you’re always aware of where your shipment is at in relation to the final delivery. You can even set-up your customer to receive e-tracking notifications directly from the LTL Small Business Center, just like they would receive when ordering a package online.

A Better Way to Ship

The benefits of the LTL Small Business Center make it a better way to ship. Save time, money and stress by using this valuable tool for your small business needs.

Contact Us to learn more about how to utilize the LTL Small Business Center’s Rate Shopper.

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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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Logistics Solutions

In today’s world, the demands on shipping and logistics companies are higher than ever. Carriers are under pressure, compliance is a complex matter, and customers expect service and updates instantly. To combat this, more shipment managers and carriers are opting for high tech solutions to do some of the work for them.

Automation

Automation plays a huge role in logistics efficiency. Robotics and artificial intelligence allow your shipping partners to save money and teach their machinery to make more accurate predictions when handling orders.

Tracking

An integrated GPS system allows your logistics partner to observe every shipment in real time. Vehicles can be tracked and monitored, preventing delay and loss.

Analytics

Shipping analytics provide quick, valuable insights into how well the process performed. Shipping solutions that offer comprehensive reporting capabilities and easy access to the reports you need make future decision making a breeze.

Transparency

Any shipping logistics broker worth their salt will operate on a system of transparency. Supply chain visibility promotes accountability for brokers and shipping carriers alike. When the process is closely monitored and reported, the potential for mistakes diminishes. When mistakes do occur they are easily spotted and avoided in the future.

A Well-Oiled Machine

Shipment management is a machine, with the warehouses, trucks, and vendors all acting as parts to power it. If they work together to deliver the product on time and undamaged, the customer sees an efficient, powerful machine. From the factory floor to the customer’s door, there is a smooth, timely transfer.

Contact Us to learn more about efficient shipping practices, or to find a rate on our LTL Rate Shopper.

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Future of Freight Transportation

Forced to meet the impatient demands of consumers, freight carriers must adapt and innovate to stay relevant. Here are a few ways freight transportation is changing:

Automation

Manufacturing is increasingly automated, with systems used to sort the products and load them on trucks. Sensors on products, pallets, SKUs, drivers, facilities, and vehicles provide constant feedback and progress updates. Conveyor systems move the right product to the right piece of trucking equipment at the right time. Loading software advises load placement to maximize space and avoid load imbalances.

Meeting Consumer Demands

In years past customers that needed something overnight were willing to pay extra shipping to make that happen. No more. Consumer demands have gotten more impatient and less willing to spend for speed. As a result, carriers must operate at an increasingly high level of efficiency with logistics management streamlining everything.   

Digitalization

The initial wave of shipping digitalization was meant to enhance inventory management. The next wave will likely focus of fleet management, separating the mediocre shippers from the innovators, and the sloppy drivers from the highly efficient.

Use of The Cloud

Processes no longer rely on paper, but reside in the cloud in the form of digital data. Carriers continue to build their capabilities as digitalization and automation increase. These companies will use predictive analytics to further improve accuracy meet the consumer demand.

An Efficient Future

At the heart of freight transportation is efficiency. Customers demand it, carriers can’t stay competitive without it and entire industries rely on it. The future may one day consist of autonomous trucks and drones, but for now it still requires hardworking individuals streamlining the shipping industry.

Contact Us to learn more about freight transportation and how to increase your truckload efficiency.

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What’s in a Bill of Lading?

There are a few different kinds of BoL, depending on payment, cargo and shipping method. Most every BoL will require the carrier name and signature, the date and an indication of what kind of goods are being shipped, terms and conditions, and a destination. Here is some basic BoL information every form needs:

Consignor

The cosigner may be the shipper, loader or exporter, depending on the circumstances.  Full name, address, postcode, telephone, fax, and email are required.

Consignee

The person or company that will receive the shipment. Including name(person/company), address, zip code, telephone, fax, email.

Freight Class

Freight class is based on the weight, length, and height, ease of handling, density, value and liability, damage, fragility, and spoilage of your shipment.

Weight

The exact weight of the total shipment. If there are multiple different units, then note each item’s weight.

Description and Packaging

A description of the items being shipped, including the material of manufacture and common name. Also make note of the packaging, including cartons, pallets, crates and drums.

The Importance of Accuracy

A bill of lading may seem complicated, but you only need one BoL at a time per shipment, which makes it a little easier. It’s important to complete the document as accurately as possible during your logistics negotiations and process. BoLs that are properly processed will prevent loss, damage or delay. If you’re still not sure where to start, a shipment manager can take that stress off your shoulders.

Contact Us to learn more about the importance of an accurate Bill of Lading for shipping freight without a hitch.

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The Role of Freight Shipping in Pollution

The freight sector represents about 25% of the U.S. transportation sector emissions or about 8% of all U.S. emissions. Since 1990, emissions attributed to freight have climbed 60%, compared to 27% for passenger travel, according to the report. Here are several ways to curb pollution when shipping freight:

Reduce Emissions

There are many ways to reduce emissions during shipping. For truckload or LTL shipping, drivers usually idle the entire time they’re stopped. That can be hours at a time. Turning the truck off for long periods of downtime, or connecting to electric hookups can reduce substantial emissions. Retrofitting old diesel engines with new filters, oxidation catalysts, and other more eco-friendly add-ons is another way to reduce many of the pollutants associated with emissions.

Consolidation

If you have 2 half-filled semi trucks shipping freight West across the country, wouldn’t it make more sense to combine them into 1? Consolidating shipments, also known as LTL shipments, combines freight from different shippers to maximize the space. Obviously, this only works if the shipments are headed in the same direction, but can decrease a lot of waste and unnecessary emissions.

Logistics

Shipment management services provide smart logistics to help you streamline your shipping practices, but also identifies and reduces waste. The typical diesel truck drives empty for about 14,000 miles a year, which wastes upwards of 2,400 gallons of fuel and produces 26.4 tons of emissions. Using analytics and logistics will help ensure that there are fewer empty trucks will save money and significantly reduce emissions.

Minimizing Your Environmental Impact In The Future

As more freight carriers, brokers and shippers become more concerned with the many environmental implications of freight shipping, it will only become more streamlined and better organized. Looking to the future, it seems a safe bet to assume that technology and logistics will make shipping more efficient and eco-friendly.

Contact Us to learn more about how to decrease your environmental impact and find out what makes Freight Cowboy different.

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Shipping Freight For The First Time

If you’re shipping freight for the first time, start with the basics to get a handle on terminology. Then work your way to expert advice to get helpful pointers from freight professionals and learn how to navigate the process.

It’s never a bad idea to get familiar with freight shipping basics, so you better understand the process.
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Determine Freight Class

Freight classes are defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and fall between 60 (least expensive) and 400(most expensive). Freight class is based on weight, length, and height, ease of handling, density, value and liability, damage, fragility and spoilage.

Proper Packaging

Improper packaging can result in damage or loss, as well as unhappy customers. Using proper packaging techniques can save you time and money in the long run. Most freight shipments require palletizing, crate shipping or a combination of the 2.

Find a Carrier

There are many factors to consider when choosing a freight carrier. One of the first factors should be what type of freight you’ll be shipping. Different carriers specialize in different types of freight. Be sure to check reviews, and make sure the carrier you choose offers tracking, insurance, and competitive pricing.

Working With a Shipping Broker

Freight shipping has many moving parts that you need to be familiar with in order to ship without help. If you’re like most business owners, you don’t have a lot of time to spend researching shipping methods, carriers and options. If that’s the case, working with a shipping management service can take the burden off you, and provide guidance and expertise.

Finding the Right Option

Finding the best option for shipping should not only be an economic decision, but one that will give you the best results. A very inexpensive carrier might not be fast enough, or could be fast, but inconsistent. Weigh your options and make sure you find a balance between economics and efficiency.

Contact Us to find the perfect freight shipping solution for your list of needs!

The post Your Step-By-Step Guide to Shipping Freight appeared first on Freight Cowboy - Shipment Management.

Choosing the Right Shipping Method

If your freight is going a long way, or to another country, there’s a good chance it will require several different modes of transportation to get from A to B. If you’re in a hurry or unsure of your options, talking to a shipping professional can clear up a lot of confusion.

Choosing a shipping method depends on a variety of factors, most importantly weight, class, and destination.
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Air

A plane can usually ship anything that can be shipped LTL. Air shipping is a fast option but can be a fairly expensive way to ship freight to other countries. However, if you’re on a time crunch it’s probably a good option.

Train

While it’s often considered dated, train or rail shipping is still a viable and economical way to ship freight. It can haul LTL or truckload shipments from one destination to another, or in combination with other modes of transportation.

Truckload

If you need freight weighing more than 15,000 pounds shipped within the country, truckload shipping is the way to go. Truckload (TL) shipments usually deliver on the same trailer they were picked up on, limiting the potential for loss or damage,

LTL

If you don’t have quite enough freight for a full truckload, you may consider a less-than-truckload (LTL). An LTL load holds shipments for several shippers, organized into one shipment according to destination, class and delivery time.

Ocean

Large ocean vessels can move freight from country to country, usually in large, metal, corrugated containers. This is the preferred method of shipping large amounts of freight.

Shipping Broker Advantages

After the mode of transport is chosen, many shippers are overwhelmed at the prospect of pricing, tariffs, surcharges and paperwork.  Fortunately, shippers using a freight brokerage service don’t have to deal with these headaches!

Contact Us to learn more about your freight shipping options, or to find the right carrier at the best rate.

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Cut Business Costs to Boost Your Bottom Line

If you’re looking for one quick fix for cutting costs, you’re in for a rude awakening. There is rarely one single idea that will radically change the cost structure of your business. Instead, it will require many small, smart changes to see a reduction in overhead. Even if your business is profitable, runaway expenses can eat into your bottom line. Here are 5 ways to cut your costs:

1) Audit

The first step to cutting business expenses is to do an internal audit, to find out where money is being spent and why. This will give you a clear picture of the financial state of your business and will show areas of waste or overindulgence.

2) Ship Smarter

Are you constantly at the post office, shipping parcels and probably paying extra for large or heavy shipments? If you can consolidate your shipping you’ll save significantly. Shipping with an LTL Rate Shopper allows you to compare rates and find the best carrier for your business. Using an experienced freight broker or truckload management service essentially does the work for you, which is a huge relief for most business owners, both financially and professionally.

3) Control Miscellaneous Spending

Are you planning on painting your office, buying new equipment, or hiring additional employees? If you’ve noticed excessive spending in your company, you need to put a pin in that. Another crucial question to ask yourself is this: Who has buying power in your business? Your financial information should only be in the hands of a trusted few. This will significantly decrease the amount of unnecessary spending on the part of employees. Expenses should be closely monitored and purchases should be scrutinized before approval.

4) Automate

Automating business processes isn’t replacing humans with computers, as many employees fear. Instead, it’s a way by which companies eliminate the complex, redundant steps from their processes and streamline them for simplicity. Automating enables employees to focus their efforts on tasks that will prove more beneficial to the business. Automation also increases accountability. Jim from sales can’t say he didn’t get that email if it was shared with the entire team.

5) Consider Remote Employees

The traditional workplace has shifted in recent years. Employees are working from home more than ever and for good reason. Remote employees mean that there’s no reason to lease a big office.  Even a semi-remote staff does not require the space a large staff does. If your employees could do their jobs anywhere with an internet connection, why not let them? It’s been shown to boost efficiency and productivity and is a great perk for good employees that need a more flexible schedule.

Consider the Impact

Before you implement your changes, it’s important to consider the impact. The organizational disruption caused by your expense reductions is usually proportional to the number of cuts you make. Be sure to tailor cutbacks to your savings goal and current workforce. This is easier to do with smaller changes, but bigger cuts will cause more significant disruptions, so plan accordingly.

Smart Business

Smart business cuts should include employee feedback. It’s one of the most overlooked methods of radically cutting costs, without compromising the business in any way. Seeking guidance from your team also informs them on the need to cut waste, for the bottom line of the business and the security of their jobs.

Contact Us to learn more about smart shipping solutions for your business.

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