Whether you have a new business or already have an established one, exploring your shipping options is always helpful. Many online sellers are now adding regional carriers to their shipping processes. Regional carriers offer delivery in targeted geographical areas. Sometimes, businesses use regional carriers for most of their shipments and fill in the gaps by using national carriers.
Advantages Of Regional Carriers:
So, why should you consider a regional logistics company? Here are six advantages of regional carriers that will convince you of the why.
Greater Flexibility:
National carriers limit you to choosing a one-size-fits-all package. This package has tight pickup timelines, fixed pricing, and rigid policies. However, smaller regional companies provide you with a much more flexible and less-complex shipping procedure. They have agile services and can provide custom solutions.
The flexible pickup times offered by regional carriers provide a competitive advantage to companies. They can provide efficient and faster deliveries to their consumers.
Regional carriers are not bound to standardize their services. Therefore, they offer more service options and tailor solutions according to client needs. Regional companies can make same-day, next-day, and overnight shipping. They can even provide LTL services for their customers.
There is less chance of delays when you’re using a regional carrier. This is because the packages don’t have to go through a central route. Therefore, there are fewer chances of mix-ups.
Reduced Costs:
National carriers have notoriously high prices and surcharges. This is because they are dealing with high volumes of packages simultaneously. Regional operations, however, have lower operating costs and fewer assets to manage. This is why they can offer much lower prices.
You can also negotiate more with regional carriers as they need your business. They are also less likely to add extra charges to your shipments.
Faster Shipping:
Regional carriers offer faster shipping times, but this depends solely on where a business stores its products. If you have products stored at multiple warehouses, you’re more likely to get faster shipping options.
Another advantage that regional logistics companies offer is that they are more knowledgeable of their local areas. They have all the information on driving conditions, shortest routes, and traffic patterns. So, getting your packages faster to your customers can build a favorable reputation for your company.
More Responsive:
Big carriers are hard to get a hold of once you’ve signed an agreement with them. But, regional pages are more responsive to client needs. They provide exceptional customer service and consultation. You can even get a direct link with the CEO in many cases.
These carriers mainly offer 24-7 customer support and have a quick response rate for any problems their customers face.
Lower Damage Claims:
Because regional companies have a less complex network and deal with fewer packages, there is a reduced risk of damage claims and missing packages. According to supply chain experts, damage claims constitute 1/30th of the industry budget.
Higher On-Time Rates:
With regional carriers, shippers have to deal with fewer disruptions. They deal with fewer packages and have a well-managed close network, so they have a 99% on-time delivery rate. National carriers have a more comprehensive network, but a disruption in a single city can impact their whole transportation operations.
FAQs
Q- What are National Carriers?
As the name implies, they offer their services all across the country. They have a vast network that provides logistics services to far-off country areas.
Q-What is a proactive approach for regional carriers?
They are most concerned about keeping their customers happy as they run a tight operation. This is why they take on a proactive approach and predict service disruptions. They can rapidly respond to traffic changes, market patterns, and sales volumes.
Conclusion:
Regional carriers are an excellent option for businesses looking for a more client-centered solution. They offer more flexible and efficient solutions for businesses.
Also Read: OTR Transportation: The Right Shipping Strategy For You