Blog #2 - How to Choose?

The following article is created to help you select expedited services. If you want to learn more about what exactly expedited services are and how it can benefit you, check out our prior blog post (blog post #1) to learn more. The following are the 5 main things to consider when selecting an expedited service. 

1. Define “real” time requirements.
   Sometimes shippers allow for “just in case” time when coordinating transportation to customers. However, all expedited deliveries are critical and therefore you should communicate the urgency to the company you are choosing to work with. Alternatively, shippers should coordinate with customers to determine potential allowances —whether a shipment can move quickly (second-day ground), but not super fast (same-day air).
2. Communicate details
   Shippers need to give extra attention and care to communicating cargo vitals for timely deliveries. This includes specifying shipment weight, dimensions, and absolute time requirements.
3. Consider transportation and logistics options
   Carriers and expediters are often limited by pick-up and drop-off deadlines. Third-party logistics providers and forwarders are less constrained by time of day and mode, and can create new avenues for moving freight. Working within their own network of transport partners, they can help reduce expedited costs, while meeting last-minute time specifications. 
4. Plan ahead
   Managing exceptions should be an expectation. Shippers need to have contingencies in place before they happen. There is nothing more costly than having to make an expedited transportation decision on the fly without easily available supporting information.
5. Don’t cheat on cost
   Expedited service comes at an expense. Failure to provide timely delivery can create additional costs in terms of production stoppage, missed customer commitments, and lost business.