An independent shipper or freight forwarder can facilitate the process of shipping products either domestically or internationally. They are able to cut through the red tape and use their specialized experience to streamline product deliveries. Many of the best independent shippers were startups that developed dedicated logistics services along the way. Below you’ll find more about independent shippers and the potential value they bring to businesses of all sizes, including small-business shipping solutions.
What is an Independent Shipper?
An independent shipper or independent freight forwarder fulfills shipping requirements in a cost-effective and efficient manner. They can help companies of all sizes offer two-day shipping and continuous tracking along with other expedited and premium services to meet consumers’ demands.
Independent shippers can also help manufacturers, importers or exporters ensure they have enough product on hand to fulfill consumer demand and business obligations.
How Does an Independent Shipper Work?
An independent shipper will work on a contract with your company to deliver goods. They can be contracted by item, by delivery or by mile. There are also some independent shippers that offer comprehensive services, including warehouse management and calculating product lead times for inventory management. But the base service is a product delivery service.
4 Advantages of Working With Independent Shippers
Are you wondering whether an independent shipper can help your business? In addition to the convenience of outsourcing this aspect of your business, the advantages outlined below outline what independent shipping services can do for your company.
Flexibility
Independent shippers offer a wider range of acceptability and flexibility to their customers. They may work with regional and nontraditional shipping providers, which leads to greater efficiency and better delivery times — often at a lower cost. This independence gives them a greater range of flexibility to adapt to your changing business needs, including times of low and high demand.
Better Ability to Scale
Tied to flexibility is the ability to scale services in times of increased demand. Most businesses experience cyclical fluctuations in market availability. Independent shippers can help businesses scale while reducing the impact on shipping rates or increasing shipping times. Independent shippers have the systems in place to scale their businesses as needed while maintaining industry margins.
Real-Time Visibility
Real-time visibility is increasingly becoming the industry norm. It is in demand for businesses of all sizes and a service that consumers have come to expect. As a business, real-time visibility can improve customer satisfaction. It can also improve warehouse and inventory management.
Independent shippers use the latest digital platforms, automated systems and cloud-based technology to improve their processes. This offers greater insight into the whole shipping process for improved delivery efficiency and real-time tracking.
Cost-Effective Pricing
Independent shippers can help businesses lower their costs like port or customs delays and border-crossing issues. They’ve mastered the systems and documentation to get your goods from point A to point B quickly and without delays that can end up draining business funds.
Independent shippers often are able to build relationships and rapport with customs officials, local organizations and local transporters, which can reduce transport delays.
Choosing the Right Independent Shipper for You
When it comes to independent shippers make sure to get multiple quotes, read reviews and vet shippers to be sure you are working with the best company at the best prices. Independent quotes can help you get a feeling for the services offered in your target area before settling on the right independent shipper.
If you plan to do a large volume of business, you can also ask for references and verify recommendations. The right independent shipper will balance cost, delivery, services, and reliability and operate in your target region.
Independent Shippers for Business Growth
Your business needs are diverse. There is only so much time to spend on each area. Partnering with the right independent shipper for your business can improve efficiency while taking one area off your plate. These independent shippers, often found on a direct shippers list, can offer the flexibility, scalability, tracking, reporting and pricing to take your business through growth phases this year and beyond.
FAQ
Any company or individual that is the supplier or owner of commodities being shipped is considered a shipper. A carrier is a person or company transporting goods.
The three types of shipping are shipping by land, air or sea.
Yes. For many businesses, independent shippers offer a better ability to scale, flexibility and cost-effective pricing.
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