The US shipping industry is currently worth a staggering $1.5 trillion and is projected to grow further to $2+ trillion by 2023. This means that there are more freight shipping companies coming up, and the competition is getting fiercer. Case in point, if your business is growing, you may need to scale and choose a new freight shipping partner.
Now, you may not be sure whether changing your freight forwarder is a good idea. Changing shipping partners can seem like a time-consuming and daunting task. Still, here are some signs that you mean it’s about time you get a new freight partner.
1. Your Company Has Changed
Most businesses change, grow, and scale over time. If your business has gotten to the point where you’re expanding, then it may be time to change your shipping partner. As a small company, there’s a possibility you chose a small business as well as your freight shipping partner because you had very little demand.
However, now that you’re experiencing business growth, you may require so much more than the freight company can meet. When looking for another freight forwarder, it’s important for you to consider your growth plans from here on to ensure the services will match. Otherwise, you’ll find that you need to look for another company all over again.
2. Poor Customer Service and Communication
It’s crucial for every business to have knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, and efficient customer service representatives. If your shipping partner can or no longer provide you with proper customer service and communication, then it’s a major red flag. Having no communication with the company when you need services or help can drag your business to the ground.
When your goods and products don’t arrive on time, and you cannot get an agent to help you understand what’s going on, it could ruin your business. For this reason, it’s absolutely important for your freight forwarder to always be available to communicate.
3. Lack of New Technology
A lot of freight shipping companies have embraced new technology that makes operations easier. If your current shipping partner has not embraced new technology and automation, then it may be time for you to upgrade.
A lot of freight shipping companies use online communications, electronic billing and periods, as well as real-time tracking for their products. If your current partner is not utilizing these useful tools to save time and hassle, then it may ultimately affect your bottom line negatively.
4. Ongoing Service Failures
Freight shipping is a complex process that can be affected by a lot of variables. Your freight shipping partner should be wary of variables like strikes, weather, customs issues, and so much more. Of course, it’s inevitable that something will go wrong on occasion.
However, if your shipping partner has been failing to deliver on deadlines time, and again, it could harm your business considerably. This is a clear sign that they are no longer reliable, and you need to start planning your shift to a better partner as soon as possible.
5. Non-Competitive Rates
If you’ve noticed that the freight shipping companies are offering more competitive prices, then it may be time for you to change partners. The transport and logistics market is changing rapidly.
There are new integrated technologies, consolidated companies, as well as financial and economic factors influencing both prices and services. If you’re not getting value for money where you are, then get a new shipping partner.
Changing Shipping Partners: Getting a New Freight Shipper
There you have it! These are some of the signs that you need to find another shipping partner that will help your business grow.
That said, if you decide to shift, please give us a call for local and national freight transportation.