Shipping outsized cargo can be challenging not only because of its enormous size, but also because of its sometimes-remote destination, and tight deadlines. On-time delivery is critical to customer satisfaction, and transporting large packages adds an extra layer of difficulty that can be hard to manage.
As a result, many businesses outsource outsized cargo shipping to third-party carriers. This frees them to concentrate on fulfillment and back-end operations.
While heavy-haul trucking, rail, and sea are all relatively easy ways to get your package out, consider air charter for time-sensitive and high-value cargo because it is the fastest and most dependable freight transportation option. This includes goods for the healthcare and pharmaceutical, electronics, and automotive industries.
That said, the safety of your package and how quickly it arrives at its destination will be entirely in the hands of the freight provider you select, so choose wisely. Before committing to a shipping carrier, consider the guidelines listed below.
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1. Safety Records and Insurance
Examining the safety record of an outsized cargo charter company can help you avoid losses in the future. While accidents are unavoidable, it is best to avoid heavy freight companies with a history of frequent accidents.
Also, choose a company that has full insurance coverage (haulage and weight load) for your packages to protect your investment in the event of an accident. This way, you’ll be able to make a claim for the full cost of your products if it doesn’t get to its destination in one piece.
Full shipping insurance coverage would also save you the trouble of dealing with any legal issues that may arise because of an accident, as your business will not be held liable for such an incident.
2. Service Quality
A good freight service provider will be skilled at protecting heavy and large packages while adhering to strict transportation guidelines, as well as providing high-quality shipment tracking via special tags and load sensors.
Thus, the accuracy of your order fulfillment estimation will improve significantly with real-time tracking; live-tracking software reduces shipping inconsistencies and errors. And, even if minor hiccups occur, you can liaise with your service provider and get it resolved without negatively affecting your customer.
To that end, before signing a contract, make sure you check the track record of an outsized cargo charter provider you are considering with the appropriate regulatory agencies. Examine customer testimonials on their website, community forums, social media, and other review platforms.
How frequently, for example, do they perform routine maintenance on their heavy transport aircraft? What do their routine maintenance checks entail? They should perform thorough checks for engine health, fluid levels, and other factors to ensure carrier transport worthiness.
How do they deal with cargo loading?
Cargo can shift and move during transport; therefore, it is critical that the service provider you select for your outsized cargo charter needs can ensure the security of your goods during the offloading and unloading phases of the haulage process. Serious issues may arise if the cargo is improperly loaded and not secured, as unbalanced loads may cause an accident.
3. Compliance and Transparency
Heavy hauling is highly regulated, so it’s critical to inquire about how the company you intend to use for this purpose works to meet industry standards.
Inquire about the company’s licensing and proof of permits, including certification for handling various types and sizes of loads. A good heavy-haul company is always open and honest, answering all questions and providing information. If a company is reluctant to answer questions and hides information, this is a red flag that should not be ignored.
4. Outsized Cargo Charter Capacity
It’s vital to choose a heavy-haul company with the capability to transport your desired load. This should help you narrow down your search. Of course, you will need to determine the weight and size of your cargo before you begin searching for a transport partner. Don’t forget to ask for accurate quotes while weighing your options.
5. Standard Shipping Times and Personalized Shipping Options
It is always a good idea to research the average shipping times of the heavy-haul company you are considering to determine whether it is a worthwhile service for your cargo needs. Look for a freight company that has a history of providing efficient, super-fast shipping services.
As a general rule, look for carriers that have a flexible service offering that can be customized to suit your business needs. Typically, service providers with a high level of flexibility offer cross-country and international shipping.
How to Manage Shipments
A reputable outsized cargo charter service provider will not only ensure the safe delivery of all items shipped but will also make sure their rates are optimized to provide long-term profits to business owners. That said, there are things you can do on your end to make sure your company gets the most out of working with a freight carrier.
You can minimize your transport service costs by reducing your non-value-added labor cost. For example, working with suppliers closer to where you manufacture or sell your products, or by consolidating shipments and reducing the number of heavy cargo deliveries that take place in your supply chain.
If you do not already have one set up, consider incorporating a transportation management system into your business’ supply chain model. The new crop of transport management systems integrates seamlessly with existing systems that are essential for managing the shipping needs of any business warehouse management, order and purchasing management, vendor relationship management, and customer relationships management (CRM) in order to improve productivity.
Furthermore, adopting a transport management system into your supply chain model will help your company with load optimization, and better route planning; with this data, you will be able to select the best carrier to execute your orders.
The best part? A transportation management system will save your business money in the long run. Although the savings may be very little, the improved service delivery and order fulfillment to your customers will snowball into massive savings and increased profits for your business.
