ANSWERCENTER
Find answers to common freight questions.
How Do I Reduce Freight Costs?
When it comes to getting a quote for shipping freight, a common thought is that costs will be set at a fixed rate. For most carriers, this is not true. In general, the higher your cargo’s density, the cheaper the rate. Mode of freight also matters — road and rail tend to be cheapest. But air freight is the most expensive. If you have several shipments going in the same direction, consider consolidating them into a partial or full truckload shipment. There are many ways to reduce freight costs, no matter the load size. It can be as easy as becoming more flexible with how and when you ship your items.
Flexibility
Being flexible can help reduce freight costs in a big way. Most of the time, shippers will look to move their items as quickly as possible. But when looking to cut costs and improve your overall experience, many factors can help ensure a lower rate. Try to ship on off-peak days, like Monday or Friday. These days are more open to shippers due to the demand for quick shipping times. Freezer and food items are examples of items that are not available for off-peak shipping. A different route will need to be taken to save extra dollars when shipping these items. Another option is combining your freight with another shipment headed in a similar direction. By putting multiple loads together, carriers can cut down on their own costs, and in turn, lower yours as well. In addition, extra planning can also help lower freight costs.
Negotiate your Freight Costs
Getting the best price is of the utmost importance for all shippers. No one wants to pay more if they don’t have to, and who could blame them? When discussing the freight costs of various carriers, compare and contrast the pros and cons. FreightCenter can help assist those wishing to ship items by offering the rates of various carriers across the United States and beyond. Carrier rates vary by the minute for a majority of carriers. This means it is important to take factors like time of day, load dimensions and the size of possible dead space aboard your carrier’s truck in order to reduce your freight costs. And while shopping around is completely normal, also be sure to take into account the importance of building relationships. Existing bonds with past carriers can help create a repertoire as a trusted customer, leading to possible discounted rates when applicable.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter For Freezer Shipping Services?
We are an award-winning logistics company and an American veteran-owned business. Our services offer a unique combination of history, competitive pricing, and unmatched level of service. Over the years and miles, we have formed a dedicated and respected network of industry partners to help customers meet deadlines.
Our mission is to meet and exceed customer expectations in all that we do. We take care of freight shipping from pickup to delivery. Excellent customer service is our hallmark, and it goes a long way in building a relationship of trust. When customers select FreightCenter to handle their freight shipment, they trust us to do the job right.
Reduce Costs Through Preparation and Planning
Prepare and package your shipment to be ready for delivery at all times. You can never be too early to pack and prep your items for your carrier. This also means it’s important to be someone who can load and unload their shipment at a fast pace to ensure quick turnaround for all parties involved. No one wants to wait around, and if you are the reason for slow loading times, carriers will take notice, leading to possible sour relationships in the near future. You want to keep everyone you are working with happy. Just like your carrier wants to please you with the services they are offering. By planning ahead, carriers can map out their travel according to your freight, giving you a leg up on potential fees and reducing your overall freight cost.
Final Steps to Reducing Freight Costs
In addition to planning ahead, think about who you’re shipping with and what your shipment contains. If you ship a lot, but you have found yourself racking up uneeded costs due to multiple shipments, it may be time to consolidate these shipments. By doing so, this creates the opportunity to save by receving a fixed rate for six pallets at once, in comparison with a load of three. Of course, these shipments will take up more room, so it will be important to work with your carrier to ensure all parties are benefiting from the shipping process.
When everyone is on the same page, costs stay low and everyone is happy. Another way to save includes eating up a carrier’s “empty miles.” These empty miles create costs for them. So by adding freight to their run, you will be creating opportunites to save on your freight shipment while reducing wasted time and money for your carrier.
FreightCenter can help you reduce freight costs. Our free freight quote tool provides shippers with instant access to freight rates from dozens of top freight carriers. In addition, our team of experienced freight agents can help you ensure a successful shipment and mitigate risk.
More answers for freight cost:
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your freight requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload.
The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
FAQ For How To Reduce Freight Costs
Q. Are there seasonal strategies to reduce freight costs?
Yes, planning shipments during off-peak times, avoiding peak season surcharges, and taking advantage of seasonal discounts can help reduce freight costs.
Q. How does the mode the transportation mode affect freight costs
Different transportation modes(air, sea, rail, truck) have different rates. Choosing the most cost-effective mode based on the shipment’s size, weight, and urgency can help reduce costs.
Q. Are there benefits to partnering with a third-party logistics provider (3PL)?
Partnering with a 3PL like FreightCenter can offer benefits such as access to better shipping rates, expertise, and access to technology.
Shipping Freight with FreightCenter
Scalability
FreightCenter is suitable for businesses of all sizes. They can accommodate all shipping needs.
Consolidation Services
FreightCenter allows you to combine multiple shipments into one. This can reduce per-unit shipping costs and improve efficiency, especially for businesses with frequent smaller shipments.
Real-Time Tracking
With FreightCenter, you can track yout shipments in real-time and receive updates on their status. This helps you manage your supply chain more effectively and ensures timely deliveries.
