Freight services are very important and load boards work great at
connecting shippers with carriers. But the relationship between carrier
and shippers ought to be good for the process to work out smoothly and
be a win-win kind of a process. Fortunately, there are so many ways that
can help improve the relationship between these two important people in
the business. With stronger relationships, a reliable carrier network
is maintained. By giving attention to carrier concerns, it is possible
to build collaborative partnerships that are long lasting.
As a shipper, there are a few things that you can do to maintain a good relationship with your carrier.
1. Work for the good of everyone involved. This can be done by working with the carrier in determining which freights and lanes work the best. By working in conjunction with the carrier, then it is possible for profitability to be added to the network. It solidifies the relationship.
2. Honor commitment to the carriers. It is only when you honor your commitments to the carrier they will be able to honor theirs to you. Considering that carrier will usually base service price on data provided, then it is of importance that only accurate data should be provided. You should also ensure that you ship in tonnages and lanes that you say you will.
3. Be generous. This is in terms of the sharing opportunities that arise. When you bring new opportunities first to your carrier partner, then everybody will end up benefiting from an equitable agreement.
4. Start off with a plan. One of the best ways of avoiding a rocky start that could ruin an otherwise good relationship is to make sure that you start every new partnership with a plan. Allow a considerable amount of time for the carrier to get their system up and even train to take on new lanes and freights.
5. Avail all relevant data. The data that you provide during bidding process will largely determine how prepares the carrier is with regards to freight characteristics and location or even seasonal changes in terms of volume. It is therefore very important that you provide freight characteristic percentages and also monthly volume in addition to tonnage data and lane data that you give.
6. Keep communication lines open. Reviewing performance metrics, options and new services are always a good way of strengthening relationships. As a shipper consider holding regular meetings with carriers to discuss what matters most to the business. Using such meetings, you can come up with strategies to reduce costs and improve the business. Working together and communicating on a regular basis only solidifies the shipper-carrier relationship.
7. Embrace technology. In the same manner you expect real-time data on your shipments from your carriers you should make it equally easy for the carriers to transfer the data that you need. Choose programming options that offer them an accurate and smooth system of transferring the data that you need. There are so many technological tools that you can choose to make improvements to the business and relationship.
As a shipper, there are a few things that you can do to maintain a good relationship with your carrier.
1. Work for the good of everyone involved. This can be done by working with the carrier in determining which freights and lanes work the best. By working in conjunction with the carrier, then it is possible for profitability to be added to the network. It solidifies the relationship.
2. Honor commitment to the carriers. It is only when you honor your commitments to the carrier they will be able to honor theirs to you. Considering that carrier will usually base service price on data provided, then it is of importance that only accurate data should be provided. You should also ensure that you ship in tonnages and lanes that you say you will.
3. Be generous. This is in terms of the sharing opportunities that arise. When you bring new opportunities first to your carrier partner, then everybody will end up benefiting from an equitable agreement.
4. Start off with a plan. One of the best ways of avoiding a rocky start that could ruin an otherwise good relationship is to make sure that you start every new partnership with a plan. Allow a considerable amount of time for the carrier to get their system up and even train to take on new lanes and freights.
5. Avail all relevant data. The data that you provide during bidding process will largely determine how prepares the carrier is with regards to freight characteristics and location or even seasonal changes in terms of volume. It is therefore very important that you provide freight characteristic percentages and also monthly volume in addition to tonnage data and lane data that you give.
6. Keep communication lines open. Reviewing performance metrics, options and new services are always a good way of strengthening relationships. As a shipper consider holding regular meetings with carriers to discuss what matters most to the business. Using such meetings, you can come up with strategies to reduce costs and improve the business. Working together and communicating on a regular basis only solidifies the shipper-carrier relationship.
7. Embrace technology. In the same manner you expect real-time data on your shipments from your carriers you should make it equally easy for the carriers to transfer the data that you need. Choose programming options that offer them an accurate and smooth system of transferring the data that you need. There are so many technological tools that you can choose to make improvements to the business and relationship.