Owners of smaller businesses face a variety of challenges from competition, often much larger than themselves. Surviving, and thriving, despite the presence of larger companies requires a creative approach. Manufacturers, and other suppliers, that provide products and components for a limited market, for instance, look for LTL trucking companies to help solve logistics issues. These partnerships offer shippers access to a variety of fleet vehicles, flexible delivery options and access to logistics experts, solely focused on supply chain improvements.
Variety of Fleet Vehicles
Refrigerated units, dry vans, flatbeds, they are all used for LTL loads, albeit for different types of cargo. The cost of shipping is determined by the actual volume of space taken up, and split between several customers. For smaller producers, manufacturers and supplies, that means they can transport anything from frozen food, to canned goods, to large equipment and materials without incurring full-load expenses. What’s more, shippers can use a combination of vehicle types, such as reefer units and dry beds on an LTL basis, which is beneficial for growth and expansion.
Delivery Flexibility
In most cases, fully loaded trailers are bound for a specific destination, with few, if any stops along the way. Such is the case of a long-haul delivery of non-perishable food in a dry van trailer, being moved across the country. Less than load providers, however, make a variety of stops along a route determined by the shippers and customers they serve. Cargo may well be delivered in a semi-residential area, or other receiving area that does not have a loading dock, such as a small retail establishment. This flexibility allows shippers to access the smaller, local markets and also to expand into larger territories.
Singular Focus
A logistics provider has one focus, which is to provide efficiency within your supply chain. Late-model, well-maintained equipment, highly trained, safety conscious drivers, provide cargo transportation services. Warehousing specialists offer inventory tracking services, packaging and distribution expertise. Brokers have access to a huge network of carriers making them the perfect partner for those in need of freight forwarding services. For most small business owners, LTL cargo transportation is not an expertise, therefore, it’s wise to rely on someone who is.
Small businesses are truly the backbone of the economy, both locally and nationally. By bringing essential diversity into the marketplace, they give consumers more choices and offer endless employment opportunities. Those that take advantage of LTL carriers for their shipments are better able to keep up with demand, without investing in a large fleet, or hiring a logistics department. The end result is continued growth of the company, and continuing benefits to the community as well
