6 Ways To Make Freight Shipping More Efficient For Retailers

For retailers, the digital landscape and the rising popularity of online shopping is paving the way for endless growth opportunities. By 2032, the market for ecommerce is expected to reach a value of $57.22 trillion, giving every business the chance to increase their profits and revenue.

Of course, with great potential comes a number of challenges. Retailers hoping to expand their target market and reach new consumers in 2024 and beyond face a number of roadblocks, from issues with global marketing, to higher levels of competition.

However, the biggest challenge for most companies will be navigating the complexities of global shipping and supply chains. In fact, studies show navigating customs (44.5%), cross-border logistics (37%) and tracking deliveries (27.5%) are some of the biggest challenges faced by small companies.

6 Ways to Make Freight Shipping More Efficient

Succeeding in today’s competitive landscape requires that organizations implement a logistics strategy that’s efficient, cost-effective, and agile. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Here are some of the best ways to make your freight shipping journey more efficient in 2024.

1. Understand the Basics of Freight Shipping

The first step to improving the efficiency of your freight shipping strategy is developing your education. If you’re new to global logistics and order fulfillment, there are a lot of complex terms and nuances to get your head around. Expanding your education can help to ensure you make the right decisions when it comes to working with partners and planning freight journeys.

On a basic level, you should learn as much as you can about the shipping methods available to you, and the processes you can use. For instance, should you use air, sea, or land freight based on the products you’re shipping and your priorities? Do you need FCL or LCL shipping options, and what kind of routes and carriers do you want to work with?

2. Get your Shipping Documents up to Date

Each global shipment needs to be accompanied by the right documentation. Getting your documents prepared in advance will help to reduce your risk of delays within the supply chain. Start by making sure you know which crucial documents you need.

Do you know the difference between the kinds of digital documentation, like an Express Bill of Lading and a Telex Release? Which customs documents and insurance policies will you need to use? If you’re unsure, or you need extra help, search for guidance from your shipping partners. A freight forwarder, freight broker, or fulfillment partner should be able to give you extra direction, and help you produce the right documents.

3. Choose Shipping Containers Carefully

Containers are a crucial part of the freight shipping process. They’re how you keep your products safe when shipping them overseas. However, containers come in a variety of different sizes and styles. Ensuring your shipping strategy is both efficient and cost-effective means thinking about:

• Container size or allocation: Do you need a large container to cost-effectively ship large volumes of goods overseas? Will you be using “FCL” (full container load shipping), or “LCL” (less than container load) services?
• Security and protection: Some types of containers can come with extra components that help to protect your goods. For instance, you can access refrigerated containers for perishable products, or customized containers to fit unusual products.
• Cost: Larger shipping containers with more features (like refrigeration) can cost more initially, but they can save you money in the long run by helping to protect your goods.

4. Find a Reliable and Supportive Partner

The partner you choose for your freight shipping strategy will make a huge difference to your chances of success.

A reliable freight forwarding company will be able to offer guidance, advice, and support throughout the shipping process, assisting with everything from customs clearance to finding shipping quotes. Some of these companies can even help you save money on shipping fees, by leveraging their strong relationships with freight operators.

When choosing the right partner, look for:

• Excellent customer service: Great customer service means you can access quick answers to your questions and constant support throughout your fulfillment journey.
• Value for money: A great freight forwarder can offer access to shipping discounts and even flexible payment methods, to help improve your cash flow.
• Flexibility: The best freight forwarders will allow you to access a variety of shipping options, from FCL and LCL shipping, to air, land, and sea freight.

5. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Innovative technology can bring a range of benefits to today’s business owners. The right tools can help with everything from creating personalized marketing campaigns for different audience segments, to offering insights into market trends.

In the freight landscape, technology can also be extremely useful. Digital freight forwarding platforms can give you real-time quotes for all of your shipping needs, so you can more effectively budget and plan your fulfillment methods.

Automation tools can help you to streamline repetitive tasks, like sending documents to crucial partners, or re-ordering packaging equipment from suppliers. There are even tools that can allow you to track your shipments in real-time, so you can minimize the risk of lost or stolen shipments, and provide transparent insights to your customers.

6. Plan Ahead

Failing to plan means planning to fail, particularly in the shipping and logistics world. While it’s difficult to predict when issues that could impact your shipments might occur (such as supply chain problems and weather conditions), proactive planning can help to mitigate various risks.

If you can plan your shipments ahead of time, you can make more intelligent decisions that help to reduce costs and improve your brand’s reputation. For instance, you can plan to ship products for the holiday season to local warehouses around the world during off-peak times, to reduce your expenses.

You can also take the right precautions this way, assessing your needs for insurance and extra support from packaging and warehouse professionals in advance.

…But Don’t Forget about Flexibility

Making your freight shipping strategy more efficient is one of the best ways to improve your brand’s profitability, reduce costs, and preserve your reputation as you begin to grow. The strategies and steps above will ensure you can streamline and optimize your logistic processes, reducing risks, and delivering exceptional experiences to customers and buyers.

However, remember it’s important to be agile in this landscape. Pay attention to shipping trends as they emerge, watch your analytics and reports, and be ready to change your shipping strategy when necessary, to boost your chances of ongoing success.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, an efficient freight shipping strategy is crucial for any business shipping products to consumers either domestically, or overseas. Expanding your knowledge of the freight shipping landscape, getting your shipping documents up to date, and working with the right partners and staff will all boost your chances of success.

Additionally, using technology to your advantage, and leveraging the right shipping containers should help to ensure you keep costs low, and performance levels high. When you’re working on growing your business, don’t underestimate the importance of efficient freight shipping.