The Benefits Of Regional Carriers Find out why you shouldn't always use national package delivery companies for every shipment.

If you use well-known national package delivery companies forall your overnight shipments, you may be spending more-and gettingless-than you need. Regional carriers are often positioned toprovide service that's more flexible, dependable andcost-effective. Some of the benefits include:

  • Later pickup and earlier delivery times without heftysurcharges
  • Less chance that bad weather will cause delays
  • Reduced risk of damage. Regional carriers typically don'tuse major sorting centers, which means less package handling.
  • Lower costs. Because they don't operate nationally orinternationally, regional carriers aren't forced to subsidizeless profitable routes.
  • Strong business relationships. Regional carriers are usuallysmaller companies with fewer employees, so it's easier to builda relationship with the customer service and dispatch personnel.This can be a big plus when you need extra help with specialshipments.

When you evaluate a regional carrier, ask for and contactreferences. Also find out about their tracking, billing and onlinecapabilities. Does the carrier operate a PC-based shipping systemthat lets you generate your own bills of lading and track shipmentsfrom your computer?

Finally, ask the carrier to conduct an analysis of your deliveryneeds and expenses. You can provide them with your typical shippingpatterns or an actual shipping history for a specific time periodsuch as one month or one quarter. The carrier should give you areport on the service and rates they offer for comparableshipments. It pays to do your homework before you need todeliver the goods. You may just find those big carriers don'tfill the bill.

Business News

The AI Job Market Is Surging and Paying Up to $300K a Year. Here's How to Snag a Role.

According to a new LinkedIn report, AI jobs can be found in a wide range of fields.

Business News

'Not Much Financial Education' — Yet Millennials Have Boomers and Gen X Beat When It Comes to Retirement Savings. Here's Why.

Millennials might own fewer homes and make less money — but they're on track for a better retirement.

Business News

'Earth Shaking News': Fans Rejoice Over the Return of 'Retired' McDonald's Cult-Favorite Item

The McRib last appeared on menus in 2022 during the company's self-proclaimed "farewell tour" for the sandwich.

Leadership

Introverts Who Use This Secret Weapon Can Be More Powerful Than Extroverts in the Workplace

Less extroverted colleagues are often misunderstood and underestimated — but their talent for one thing in particular sets them up for success.

Business News

'It's Getting Worse By the Week': Kevin O'Leary Issues Grave Warning About Commercial Real Estate Industry

The "Shark Tank" star spoke to impending devaluation of stocks in the industry on FOX Business' "Varney & Co."