Mother Nature is responsible for more shipping delays in the winter than manufacturing line shutdowns. We expect snow and ice to cause supply chain snafus in the Great Lakes region and can plan accordingly. It’s a whole other story when winter weather hits the South, where grocery store shelves empty of bread and milk at the first mention of possible precipitation.
Expedited shipping really boils down to responding to out-of-the-ordinary events. The reasons behind the need for expedited delivery can be a region-crippling ice storm, a parts shortage at a manufacturing facility, inventory stockouts, stranded freight because of a company shutdown — you name it. Modern-day shippers know to expect the unexpected.
Shippers can mitigate delays — no matter the cause – by being prepared for necessary expedited shipping. The best way to do that is to partner in advance with logistics providers that have the expertise to efficiently handle expedited services when they are needed. The true experts set themselves apart by how they respond to the immediacy of need-it-now shipping.
Optimize Carrier Selection and Communication
Expedited shipping experts know the importance of working with trusted carriers and maintaining constant communication with all stakeholders from load booking to delivery.
Choose Reliable Carriers
- Work with carriers that have a proven track record in providing expedited services. The vetting process should focus on compliance, risk mitigation, safety standards, flawless execution, top-of-the-line equipment, and use of advanced technology.
- Weigh on-time performance and capacity to handle urgent shipments.
Leverage Freight Technology Platforms
- Logistics providers should utilize advanced technology to match expedited loads with top-notch carriers in real time.
- Automated updates help track expedited shipments throughout the supply chain.
Proactively Communicate
- Continuous updates help mitigate risks of delays.
- Having up-to-date information allows for rapid contingency planning when unforeseen events occur.
Ensure Accurate Documentation and Compliance
When time is of the essence, expedited shipments must be accompanied by accurate documentation and be fully compliant with all laws and regulations.
Eliminate Documentation Errors
- Ensure drivers have all the needed documentation – whether paper or electronic – before they hit the road.
- The use of automated tools can ensure documentation is complete and accurate.
Regulatory Compliance
- There’s nothing worse than an expedited shipment being held up because of noncompliance with shipping regulations, such as standards for handling hazmat.
- Efficient back-office operations can ensure expedited shipments are fully compliant to avoid being detained or incurring fines.
Leverage Technology
- The use of advanced technology reduces human error and increases speed.
- Integrated tools that can be used by shippers, carriers, and logistics providers enable quick decision-making when it matters most.
Embrace Real-Time Tracking and Proactive Risk Management
The latest advanced technologies should be in use before a production line goes idle or freight gets stuck on a shut-down interstate.
Real-time Shipment Tracking
- Use of the Global Positioning System (GPS), radio-frequency identification (RFID), and the Internet of Things (IoT) all can improve visibility into expedited freight.
- Automated tools can provide real-time updates from pickup to delivery.
Predictive Analytics for Risk Management
- Artificial intelligence can help predict and prevent delays.
- When delays are foreseen, carriers can be rerouted to mitigate risks.
Proactive Problem-Solving
- An experienced logistics provider’s rapid response team can resolve issues as soon as they arise.
- Experts in expedited services are armed with best practices for creating contingency plans.
RJ Logistics Has the Skills to Avoid Delays
At RJ Logistics, we specialize in expedited services and minimize shipping risks and maximize operational efficiency. We work with our customers to develop their strategies for expedited services before they need them. We then deliver on those strategies when called for. We have the expertise to handle all priority shipments efficiently, and our dedicated account managers are always available to secure capacity and provide fast and dependable service — every time.
We provide:
- 24/7/365 service to respond to urgent transportation needs and communicate effectively.
- Real-time visibility throughout an expedited shipment’s journey.
- Advanced technology for error-free paperwork and delivery execution.
- Consistent and dependable service for every type of shipment.
- Quick decision-making during critical events.
- Robust communication to keep all stakeholders informed every step of the way.
- The right people and the right equipment to execute flawless expedited services every time.
Our mission is to deliver positive experiences for our shipping partners and the community through actions guided by our core values and principles. That is our mission every day. That is our mission with every shipment.
In addition to expedited services, we are experts in cross-border shipping and truckload and flatbed freight.
Schedule a call with RJ Logistics to learn how we can serve all your shipping needs from our headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, and facilities in Laredo, Texas, and Indianapolis.
