When in the market for a shipping carrier, it’s tempting to choose the option with the lowest prices, but the best carrier partnerships account for more than just rates. A strong partnership with your carrier is critical to operational success and customer satisfaction.
That’s not to say price isn’t a factor — janitorial supply distribution partner URsource LLC reduced its shipping costs by $200,000 per year by revamping its carrier network — but efficiency, tech integration, and adaptability are all just as important when carrier sourcing.
What should shippers look for in partner carriers?
Shopping for a carrier isn’t easy, but there are a few metrics to look for to help you make the decision.
Reliability and Communication
Reliability is the cornerstone of any partner-carrier relationship. Shippers need carriers who consistently deliver on time, even during disruptions or peak seasons. But reliability doesn’t only mean punctuality; it also involves transparent communication in the case of a delay.
Shipping carriers who provide real-time tracking and proactive updates on potential delays keep shippers in control. When shippers know where their shipment is at all times, they can make adjustments on the fly and minimize the negative impact of a late shipment.
A reliable carrier strengthens the supply chain, turning unforeseen challenges into manageable situations. Plus, tighter control and continuous info boost customer satisfaction, too, because everyone knows where their shipments are.
Technology Integration and Digital Capabilities
The ability to integrate with a shipper’s existing systems is paramount. When carrier sourcing, look for carriers with strong Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Application Programming Interface (API) capabilities to help you push the data you need right into your shipping software.
Advanced integration with carriers gives you digital tools for maintaining compliance, managing documentation, and streamlining overall operations. These not only help reduce manual errors but also speed up the entire shipping process. Whole Latte Love, for instance, was able to save their customers nearly 41% on shipping costs by rate shopping their carriers with 3G Pacejet Shipping.
This technological edge both improves day-to-day efficiency and puts shippers in a place to respond swiftly to unexpected changes. If the carriers you’re working with don’t have the technology capabilities for integration, look for a partner that can still help automate tasks, such as rate shopping, with those carriers.
Adaptability to Volume Changes and Diverse Service Needs
Shipping is a dynamic process beholden to weather, economic shifts, global politics, and a thousand other factors, big and small. Fluctuating demands require carriers who can scale their services to the situation accordingly.
When shippers need to go from shipping 100 shipments a day to 1,000 due to a sudden volume spike, the right partner carrier should be able to pivot with your needs.
This adaptability keeps shippers agile, helping them manage costs and maintain service levels as conditions shift. Carriers who can handle both the quiet and the chaos are invaluable partners.
The Importance of Established Connections With Strategic Partner Carriers
Identifying which carriers you want to work with is a crucial step in building an effective shipping strategy. While researching and evaluating potential carrier partners can feel overwhelming, selecting the right ones can transform your operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
With the 3G Transportation Suite, you don’t have to worry about establishing connections from scratch. Our robust Carrier Network already includes established integrations with a wide range of carriers across the country. Once you’ve identified the carriers that align with your business goals, 3G ensures seamless access to those partnerships, saving you time and effort.
Ready to strengthen your carrier relationships and optimize your shipping operations? Explore the 3G Carrier Network to see how it can connect you to the right partners and keep your business moving forward.
