Seems simple enough, right? But when a customer has to secure the lowest LTL rates, without sacrifice to service, a basic transaction becomes an enterprise of logistics know-how, industry savvy, and – if we may say so ourselves, a bit of artistry.
Here's why?:
Common Shipping Problems with LTL
With over 40 years in the business, Action Transport Inc. has encountered every LTL glitch imaginable. We’ve honed in on the best ways to keep them from becoming your next LTL glitch.
Unwanted Billing Surprises
Charges added on top of the pre-negotiated price is frequent with LTL carriers. Most third party logistics providers (3PL) relay them back to the customer, but at Action Transport, Inc. we audit all charges, disputing any additional fees invoiced to our customer and getting the carrier to drop them once they’re confirmed to be wrongfully charged.
These charges can occur for many reasons. Often, it’s because weight and inspection staffs will sometimes needlessly reweigh shipments, looking for improperly closed freight along with other infractions. It’s easy for many 3PLs to allow the carrier’s weight and inspection staff to overlook contracted pricing. Because we audit all carrier invoices, ensuring that the invoices match the contract, we stay ahead of any unnecessary imbalances from ending up on our customer’s bill.
Smaller LTL Selection
Less than Truckload means 1-10 pallets, compared to full truckload. Because of our many decades in the business, we have a much larger selection of LTL carries than other 3PLs. We’ve cultivated relationships with our carrier network which enables us to match the right carrier to the right cargo, knowing that each carrier operates differently with each customer, depending on their needs.
Missed Pickups and Delays with LTL
It’s an industry fact that missed pickups occur more with LTL than full truckload. Some of the reasons for this are trucks being filled with freight earlier than expected, miscommunications between the driver and dispatcher, and shippers detaining driver.
Action Transport, Inc. employs a process that cuts down on missed pickups. By utilizing tracking number reports from previous shipments, we discover lane patterns for customer locations as well as carrier habits. This identifies possible delays before they become actual delays.
Exact Weighing with LTL
With full truckload, if a shipper estimates the weight to be 30,000 pounds and it’s really 35,000 pounds, there’s a good chance no one will bat an eye. LTL is different. Items need to be weighed as close to accurate as possible or extra charges could occur. Action Transport, Inc. works closely with each customer to help advise them and protect them against wrong weight estimates.
The bottom line is – When you have a broker that stays on top of your LTL shipment from pickup to delivery, that means taking responsibility beyond just safeguarding paperwork. It means troubleshooting any missteps before they happen, or if they occur, finding out why, addressing it immediately and avoiding future repeats.
Rating LTL Carriers
More than just on time delivery and analyzing how many missed pickups a carrier has on his or her record, a great LTL broker knows what percentage of shipments have been getting additional charges and what carriers deliver to your destination locations each day of the week. This makes all the difference in securing the lowest rates possible for the customer.
Pricing LTL Carriers
To further unveil the mystery of how Action Transport, Inc. affords our customers service within their budget, we offer our criteria for evaluating carrier prices: We compare key factors such as discounts, tariff base rate and applicable and waived accessorial charges. This takes the guess work out of the customer’s hands and grants them the piece of mind that they’re working with the best rates in the freight industry.
Because of our large network and experience, we’re in continual contact with carriers across the US. When a full truckload carrier has extra space in the trailer, Action Transport, Inc. gets notified, helping our customers benefit even more from greatly reduced shipping rates.
Customizing LTL Services
Superior Tracking Amenities - We know that peace of mind depends on our ability to keep pace with your freight’s journey. When you have capital on the road, there’s no such thing as too much assurance.
- Automated Tracking - Action Transport, Inc. uses web-based software to run our automation services, keeping track of shipments in transit with the latest in technological advances and program upgrades.
- Manual Tracking - We also call the dispatcher to confirm all shipping information, and maintain open lines of communication throughout the process. Computer tracking is beneficial but incomplete without this more personalized measure of staying on top of your shipment.
- E-mail Notifications - We enable our customers to receive a prompt e-mail confirmation when cargo has been delivered.
Specified Service - We provide carriers that will meet all requirements. Whether you need lift-gate, refrigeration, freeze protection or you’re shipping unusual shapes and sizes, expensive or fragile items, Action Transport, Inc. can handle it.
Anywhere Shipping - Because of our huge carrier network, we can offer shipping anywhere in North America with the best and most established carriers.
Delivery Options - We know that some shipments are time-sensitive, some are not and the rest falls within the spectrum. To keep to your budget and time constraints, we offer Next Day, Expedited and Guaranteed shipping.
Volume LTL - Shipping something that falls just between the line of LTL and full truckload? We can get you even more savings with our volume LTL freight quotes. We also provide consolidation services; another way in which Action Transport, Inc. caters to those seeking the best ways to save!
One on One Service
We’re a family business. We understand the importance of communication. There’s more than one way to do things the right way, but to do things the best way, it takes listening and working together. We wouldn’t have stayed in business for over forty years if we didn’t instill the value of human connection into our day to day operations.
At Action Transport, Inc. we guarantee our costumers that they will be speaking with a LTL specialist who will listen to their particular set of shipping needs. Our account managers include our customers on all billing matters, the latest tracking updates and all other pertinent information. Our reputation is founded on our dedication to ensure a hassle-free LTL shipping experience. Contact us today for a free LTL quote.