| Facts for getting better rates |
Saving even $10.00 per shipment adds up fast: We interviewed 15 past business owners and shipping managers and they agreed that they refused to save money on shipping out of fear of leaving their comfort zone.
| "If I had taken the time to trying to cut costs and paid attention to our shipping rates, I could still be in business today. I was used to my system and I should have realized that there are always better solutions available. I said no to saving about $20 bucks per shipment because my carrier rep brought me lunch once a month." | ||
B. Miller, owner of failed distribution warehouse |
Shipping Cost can impact the bottom line instantly: Shipping costs are a way of the world. If you can save on shipping; that profit is put right back into the company instantly.
| "We increased our advertising, raised our product costs and it helped but the largest, most significant impact we continually have is negotiating better shipping rates. Being the shipping manager and showing a savings in our department year after year gave our company President the ability to expand our product line" | ||
C Daily, Shipping Manager of a Dental Products company |
"I have the best rates": If you think that your competition is not out looking for lower costs, better rates or any edge over you, think again. This EXCUSE is made so often by employees than owners. It is the main reason for being fired. *NOTE* We showed savings to a company that ships over $4 million a year in freight.
| "I forgot why I was hired. My job was not only to handle shipping but to save my employer money. I got comfortable in my job, even a little cocky. When the economy started softening, I was let go for not performing my job to it's fullest ability" | ||
Anonymous, Ex-Shipping Manager of a Plastics Company |
"I got better rates but stayed with my current company": These are the people that will destroy your business. If a carrier or broker comes in with better rates and you ask your current provider to meet or beat and they do, it shows that you are ok with being taken advantage of.
"I had this job where a broker called on me. He beat my pricing by over $100 per shipment. I was astounded. I went back to the broker who I have been using for about a year and they matched the rates. I continued to ship with them and they slowly raised their rates back to "SCREWING ME" level. Little did I know is that the broker who called on me sent a packet to my boss and the owner of the company showing them what was proposed for rates and when they reviewed my shipping invoices, I was fired. I was lazy and did not do my job" |
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P Rica, Ex-Shipping manager of Cosmetic Company |
I am irreplaceable: You were not born in that job nor will you die in it. With that mentality, you will not be in it for long .
| "I make this place run, it would fall apart if I was not here. Who else do you know that can do what I do for you? That was the last statement I made before I was let go. That was 2 years ago and that company is still in business. " | ||
S Gordon, Ex-Traffic Manager of Energy Drink Company |
Statements that should not be said: If you have heard any of these statements below or even made a few yourself, you are failing your employer/customers/stockholders.
| "I have the best pricing this company has ever seen" | |
| "I'm too busy to take a look at this. Give me a call in a few months" | |
| "I'll take a look at your rates when we slow down" | |
| "I am doing the best job, you cannot do better on rates" | |
| "My carrier rep/broker gives me free stuff all the time, can you?" | |
| "I have no idea what my rates/tariff are" | |
| "Send me some rates" | |
| "We are not interested at this time. Thank you anyway" | |
| "Please stop the communications, we are not interested" |
If you have a shipping manager, maybe they are not always looking to save you money. If you are an employee and you think you doing the absolute best job and have the absoute best pricing, keep your resume handy or have us make you look like the hero.
We will negotiate FOR FREE rates that will must likely show you savings or at the minimum areas for improvement.
Do You know it all? Probably not. Most of the traffic managers or small business owners interviewed agree that they never realized the impact shipping rates have on their entire business model. Are you one of those?
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- Zip Codes Access the United States Postal Service website for Zip Code Lookup to find the zip code for your next shipment. Link opens in a new window.
- Density Calculator Use this handy calculator to help you determine the density of your shipment
- Freight Dictionary A few common shipping terms you may encounter.
- FAQs Frequently Asked Questions about shipping.
- Packaging Tips Guidelines for basic packing to limit damage claims and save you money.
- Find Your NMFC Class If you’re unsure of your class, go to our webpage: NMFC Codes No other site offers this extensive list.
- Carrier Information Links to websites, terminal locators, and claim forms for major carriers.
If you have questions or need support beyond these tools, feel free to contact us directly at info@Freight88.com or 704-302-1211. You will receive a prompt response during normal business hours, Monday–Friday, 7am–5pm Pacific.