Shipping and LTL tips to finish the year strong
As a large fleet carrier company in Vancouver, BC with decades of industry experience in trucking and warehousing, we’re here with some shipping and LTL tips for Q4. As always, you can count on our seamless, reliable, and professional services to help you transport your goods from our 100,000-square-foot bonded sufferance warehouse to their final destination.
It’s been an interesting journey for all of us this year no matter which industry your business belongs to, but we’re all aiming to finish with a strong Q4 and an even better 2022. The LTL trucking industry has always played a key role in helping small businesses deliver their goods efficiently and effectively. Let’s dive into what to expect this month and how to maximize your shipping resources.
We’re no strangers to supply chain disruptions, port congestions, imbalances in equipment, and shortages in workers this year. But planning ahead, staying vigilant on the changes in the transportation landscape, and having the right partners working for you can definitely help in keeping your cargo moving in a timely manner and maintaining your company’s profitable performance and customer satisfaction.
Less-Than-Truckload has only grown tighter since the beginning of peak shipping season that began in Q3. Here is the current Q4 landscape for LTL shipping:
- Increased pressure on LTL capacity – truckload capacity challenges and overflow from parcels will continue to play a big role in the capacity crunch
- Staffing problems – a shortage of dockworkers and drivers continues to be a challenge although carriers are actively hiring and offering incentives
- Over-length and poorly packaged shipments will continue to be a challenge to transport
- Detention charges are being constantly assessed as congestion persists
- Extreme weather conditions continue to play an active role in affecting delivery times
LTL Tips for Q4 and 2022
- Budget Planning
Be ready for higher or unexpected costs and have alternatives ready just in case. Shipping costs don’t seem to be cooling off any time soon and may continue increasing into next year.
- Maintain a strong relationship with your carriers
Having a service provider that understands the needs of your business and is able to not only accommodate changes but also forecast challenges and mitigate risks is definitely an asset. You’ll want to hang on tight to those strong industry partners.
- Allow for more time and plan accordingly
Setting realistic expectations and maintaining strong and open communication is key to any situation and business relationship.
- Understand the changes in the shipping industry and have a solid plan in place for 2022
The shipping industry has always flowed through the years from slower times into peak shipping seasons, so your business will definitely benefit if you plan your freight accordingly. However, as the past year and a half has taught us, staying vigilant about changes in the global shipping landscape is a must.
As one of the leading trucking companies in Vancouver, BC, we strive to provide all our customers with easy and efficient solutions to all their transporting and warehousing needs. Our one-stop-shop service, from LTL and FTL shipping to bonded sufferance warehousing, gives our customers the peace of mind of seamless and professional service.
Whether you are importing or exporting goods, our decades of experience will ensure that you receive all the best care. Contact us today at (604)-276-9044 or info@sandhartrucking.com to learn more about how we can help grow your business in 2022!