Signs It’s Time to Switch Carriers

When is the right time to switch carriers? There are many signs that will clearly let you know that the time has come to switch the carrier. It usually starts off as a combination of little things, rather than an exact moment. A couple of minor things pop up here and there.

Building important long lasting relationships with a carrier is an important part of maintaining a strong supply chain network. Capacity shortages and other carrier-related service issues will inevitably occur and carrier change-over can be costly. But sometimes, the business arrangement is simply no longer mutually beneficial and it’s time to switch carrier.

Signs It’s Time to Switch Carriers

Habitual Errors that Aren’t Learned From

The logistics business has been and always will be a bit hectic. With the nonstop evolution of delivery methods and fulfillment strategies, “being a bit hectic” will continue to hold true. So, yes, there will be errors made by both parties. However, be on the lookout for habitual errors; those that seem to be reoccurring every month. If you’ve discovered the root of these issues, addressed it with your provider, but they continue to bubble up, it’s probably a sign of a lack of skill or proper resources to address your specific business needs. Be on the lookout for these habitual errors, they can stunt growth if not dealt with correctly.

Freight Claims

A good carrier delivers loads on time, but more importantly, in one piece. Claims are, quite simply, ridiculously messy, potentially dangerous, legally confusing, super expensive, and bad carriers are consistently involved in them.

Legitimate claims do happen and most shippers have a specific process for dealing with them. However, bad carriers are typically involved in more claims than good carriers, and the reason is simple. Good carriers care about the integrity of the freight they deliver. Bad carriers simply want to get the freight off their truck and get paid as soon as humanly possible.

Uncompetitive Rates

If your provider isn’t communicating price increases clearly and regularly, you could be left having to pass some of these costs onto your customers. Remember a sign of a great partner is one that shares the bad news as well as the good and helps you figure out a solution.

You’ve Outgrown Your Carrier

You have now become a big and beautiful business, but your 3PL and carrier requirements have outgrown the capabilities of your current provider. It’s important to understand that not all carriers provide the same scope of services. Some carriers provide specialized services that might be exactly what your business requires, while others offer customized warehousing or global partnerships. It’s nothing personal, you’re just in different places, and it’s best to consider a carrier that matches your needs on all levels.

The Junction LLC

As a leader in the transportation industry, we demand excellence from our entire team. Our team at The Junction LLC strives to deliver the best possible customer service and is driven by a desire to solve our customer’s toughest transportation and supply chain needs.

Our team is dedicated to serving our customers and will take the necessary action to deliver our customers’ products safely, efficiently, and on-time. This is our promise to you!

Trucking & Freight Shipping Services:

 

  • Overweight,
  • Over-dimension
  • Time sensitive shipments
  • LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)
  • FTL (Full Truckload)
  • Flatbed
  • Flatbed LTLRGN (removable goose neck lowboy)
  • RGN (removable goose neck lowboy)
  • Maxi’s / A-Train / B-Train
  • Heavy Haul
  • Over Dimensional
  • Dry Van
  • Dry Van LTL
  • Refrigerated
  • Refrigerated LTL
  • Power Only

Additional Services:

  • Our sister companies can also provide warehousing in our food grade facilities, cross-docking, and contract warehousing.

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