There’s always something throwing a wrench in the cogs of the supply chain — political moves, extreme weather, labor stoppages, etc. Shippers have to be prepared to move — and move fast — no matter what roadblocks are thrown in their way.
This is where expedited freight services come in — when there’s a critical need to move goods fast to avoid parts shortages, inventory stockouts, factory shutdowns, or any number of other supply chain snafus.
Here, we’ll look at the common challenges in expedited freight services and strategies to overcome them — with the help of a premier transportation solutions provider.
What is Expedited Freight?
At its core, expedited freight is the time-sensitive transport of critical shipments. It’s not a new offering, but need-it-now shipping garnered the general public’s attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, when consumers were shopping online like crazy, facemasks and other protective gear needed to be delivered fast, and automakers dealt with production halts because they couldn’t obtain essential components.
Providers of expedited freight services were among the heroes who kept goods moving during a time of unprecedented supply chain disruption. But they haven’t been resting on their laurels post-pandemic. Top-notch expedited freight transporters know the next disruption could be right around the corner — for example, an International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike at ports all along the United States East and Gulf coasts in January. And they’re ready to deliver.
Common Challenges in Expedited Freight
Skilled expedited freight service providers are ready for whatever comes their way. They’ve addressed the challenges in expedited freight before the services are needed.
Capacity Constraints
A limited availability of vehicles, drivers, and equipment can prove disastrous when freight has to move now. If a transportation provider says, “I don’t have a truck right now,” the shipper will move on to an expedited freight transporter that does have capacity.
Industry experts say trucking capacity is finally rebalancing following a market trough. Over the past two years, trucks have been aplenty. A market recovery will tighten capacity and make it even more important for shippers to have a trusted expedited freight services provider on speed dial for when they need fast delivery.
Cost Implications
Yes, expedited freight services typically cost more than shipping goods via rail or truckload, and shippers must weigh price versus urgency. Sometimes, the math can be fairly easy. For example, according to one estimate, an automotive manufacturer loses $22,000 per minute when the production line is down.
When the cost of expedient delivery is warranted, shippers must work with an expedited freight expert who can deliver as promised for the most cost-effective solution possible.
Infrastructure and Delays
The Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster in Baltimore and the destruction caused by Hurricanes Milton and Helene in the Southeast are examples of infrastructure damage and its resulting impact on the supply chain this year. In early 2025, there will most likely be weather-related delays and perhaps some infrastructure damage. However, the biggest threat to the supply chain is the potential ILA strike.
Contract talks between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) broke down again, and the dockworkers could walk off the job again on Jan. 15. The union workers returned to work after a three-day strike in October after the USMX agreed to a hefty pay hike. Port automation reportedly remains the major sticking point.
All this means that shippers and expedited freight handlers must be prepared for port delays, diverted cargo, and calls for urgency.
Regulatory Hurdles
“What paperwork?” That’s probably the last thing you want to hear when your factory is idle. When time is of the essence, there’s no time for incorrect or incomplete documentation. International shipments are further complicated because of customs and compliance requirements.
In good times and bad, shippers should work with logistics providers that always supply complete and correct documents and know domestic and international regulations like the backs of their hands.
Technology Gaps
Actually, there probably is another question that keeps shippers up at night. “Where’s my freight?” At the aforementioned factory awaiting a critical part to get the production line back up, real-time visibility and tracking can ease shippers’ minds and provide a time frame for when manufacturing can resume.
Technology also plays a critical role in coordinating among shippers, carriers, logistics partners, and transportation modes. When looking for the status of urgent freight, shippers do not want to leave a voicemail.
Key Solutions to Expedited Freight Challenges
Technology is perhaps the No. 1 key to overcoming the challenges associated with expedited freight. However, shippers should also ensure that their expedited freight service providers have several other important capabilities.
Advanced Technology
The ability to provide real-time tracking and visibility and predictive analytics for optimizing routes is a no-brainer for top-notch expedited transportation providers.
Partnerships with Reliable Carriers
A stable of well-vetted, reliable carriers is essential when freight has to move quickly. Those expedited freight carriers should have an array of service options, including straight trucks and sprinter vans. They also should have been proven to meet safety and regulatory standards, ultimately reducing damage or delay risks. In addition, having strong carrier relationships ensures shippers will have access to capacity even during peak periods or times of supply chain disruption.
Streamlined Processes
Top-tier expedited freight services providers handle all the busywork for shippers, streamlining such processes as pickup and delivery scheduling and customs clearance and automating paperwork. Delays at delivery destinations often stem from incomplete or incorrect paperwork or documentation. It’s important that all shipment documents can be accessed quickly to move freight quickly without complications.
Flexible Transportation Options
The best expedited transportation teams are made up of experts in the field, skilled logistics providers who know the best modes and routes to get freight where it needs to go and when it needs to get there.
Capacity Planning and Scalability
Those skilled teams know when demand will hit and have the necessary capacity at the ready. They also know what type of capacity is needed, whether that’s a straight truck, sprinter van, or cargo van.
Strategic Benefits of Optimized Expedited Freight
Shippers working with optimized expedited freight service providers reap a wealth of strategic benefits.
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
Meeting tight delivery windows improves customer loyalty. If you’ve proven yourself in times of need, they’ll trust you to deliver again and again.
Risk Mitigation
Achieving on-time expedited delivery helps avoid financial losses from production delays or missed deadlines.
Cost-Efficiency Through Planning
With the help of a trusted logistics partner, premium freight costs can be reduced through better forecasting and load consolidation. Overall, expedited freight services should be considered an investment to protect companies from losing business in the short term and incurring higher costs in the long term.
RJ Logistics Provides Solutions to All Expedited Freight Needs
When time and precision matter, trust RJ Logistics to expertly take care of your expedited services. We handle each and every freight shipment with speed, efficiency, and care.
Our expedited freight services include:
- Dedicated account managers
- 24/7 communication
- Advanced technology
- Global shipment tracking
- White glove
- Dry vans
- Sprinter vans
- Cargo vans
- Straight truck
- Aircraft on ground (AOG)
- Team drivers
- Trade show
As veterans in expedited freight services, we have the expertise to handle all urgent shipments with care. Our dedicated team is always available to secure capacity for expedited freight, and we provide frequent updates throughout the entire process. We’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure the successful delivery of your expedited freight.
At RJ Logistics, our mission is to deliver positive experiences for our customers, partners, and community through actions guided by our core values and principles. We have you covered whether you need expedited, truckload, flatbed, or cross-border shipping.
Schedule a call with RJ Logistics today to proactively prepare for your expedited freight services needs.
