Examining Freight Forwarding and Logistics Solutions to Enhance Your Supply Chain

WHAT IS FREIGHT FORWARDING?

Freight forwarding involves organizing and managing the transport of goods, often on a nationwide scale. Buchanan Logistics is a 3PL that specializes in freight forwarding, which is one aspect of our overall logistics services. Trucking transport is essential in this process, serving as either the main or supplementary method of transportation. Simply put, a freight forwarder is a business that makes money by arranging the importing and exporting of its clients’ products, and goods.

HOW FREIGHT FORWARDING WORKS

Freight forwarding in trucking is a detailed process that requires several steps to guarantee the efficient and timely delivery of goods. Here’s an overview of how companies like Buchanan make it happen:

1. Initial Contact and Planning: When a client wants to send goods, they reach out to a freight forwarder or logistics company that specializes in trucking. The forwarder evaluates the shipment needs, such as weight, size, destination, and any special handling requirements.
2. Route Optimization and Carrier Selection: With their expertise and connections, the freight forwarder identifies the best route and chooses the right carrier. They negotiate costs and schedules to ensure affordable and prompt deliveries. This is where it is important for the logistics company to be extra vigilant. At Buchanan Logistics we prioritize safety above all else. All of our selected carriers are vetted and subjected to a stringent selection process. We want to ensure the carrier we put in charge of your load is going to be the best and not simply the cheapest. Because of this carrier review, Buchanan can proudly state that we have a 99% on-time pickup and delivery record, a continuous safety rating of “satisfactory” since 2011, and a lower than 0.5% claim ratio.
3. Documentation and Compliance: The forwarder takes care of all essential paperwork, including bills of lading, forms, and any necessary permits for interstate shipments. If your shipment is an oversized or heavy haul load, some permits must be acquired in each state, with rules for travel that must be obeyed. Having a company that can take care of all of those things is vital to pulling off a good transport.
4. Pickup and Origin Handling: The freight forwarder organizes the pickup of the goods from the shipper’s location. They might combine smaller shipments into full truckloads to enhance cost efficiency and effectiveness if the shipment is an LTL (Less than TruckLoad) vs an FTL (Full TruckLoad).
5. Customs Clearance (for International Shipments): For shipments crossing borders like Canada and Mexico, the forwarder oversees customs clearance. They prepare and submit all required documents to ensure easy border crossings, or like Buchanan, which offers no transloading. Having a company that does not have transloading at the Canada or Mexico border is important as well.
6. Transit Monitoring: During the shipping journey, the freight forwarder monitors the shipment, offering updates to the client and resolving any issues that arise along the way. Some companies do not offer this, and if there is a problem with your shipment, you might not even find out until it is too late to do anything. For Buchanan, we utilize a live tracking system that allows both our managers and our customers the ability to view their loads in real time. Plus our managers are in regular contact with drivers so that if a problem should arise, they can quickly respond with a solution and inform all parties of any delays.
7. Delivery and the Last Mile: Once the shipment arrives in the destination city, the forwarder coordinates the final delivery to the receiver.
8. Post-Delivery Services: After the delivery is complete, the freight forwarder manages any necessary paperwork, and billing, and can assist with services like cargo insurance claims if required. This is where your company can really benefit from having a logistics solutions provider by your side. They can free up a lot of your time by taking care of everything.

IS FREIGHT FORWARDING THE SAME AS A 3PL?

A 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) provider, like Buchanan Logistics, offers complete logistics services, managing not only the transportation of goods but also additional aspects of the supply chain which includes freight forwarding. In contrast, a company whose only function is being a freight forwarder typically focuses on coordinating the movement of goods between locations and that is all. This makes a 3PL an all-encompassing solution for companies seeking end-to-end trucking logistics support, far beyond the traditional freight forwarder’s role.

TYPES OF TRAILERS USED IN FREIGHT TRANSPORT

Trucking companies collaborate with different carriers and use various trailer types to guarantee safe and compliant goods transportation. The choice of vehicle is based on the cargo’s specific needs. Below are some common trucks and trailers used by Buchanan and the trucking industry as a whole:

• Dry Van Trailers: These are standard enclosed trailers, perfect for weather-sensitive items like clothing and non-perishable goods. They are versatile and frequently used for general freight.

• Refrigerated (Reefer) Trucks: These trailers are temperature-controlled, and designed to transport perishables, pharmaceuticals, and other items that need specific temperature conditions. They maintain consistent temperatures during transit.

• Flatbed Trailers: These are open trailers with no sides or roof, suitable for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo. They are often used for construction materials and machinery.

• Drop Deck and Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Trailers: These trailers have a lower deck height for transporting taller cargo. They are ideal for oversized construction equipment, with RGNs offering a detachable front for easier vehicle loading.

• Conestoga or Curtain-Sided Trailers: These are enclosed trailers with retractable sides, allowing for quick side-loading and unloading. They provide freight with weather protection while offering the flexibility of freight removal that is found with a flatbed.

• Tanker Trucks: These trucks specialize in transporting liquids, chemicals, and gases, featuring various designs for different liquid types. They require specific safety measures and hazmat endorsement certifications to be held by the drivers over and above the standard CDL.

• Heavy Haul Trailers: These trailers are built for extremely large or heavy loads, often needing special permits and escort vehicles. They might have multi-axle designs to ensure proper weight distribution.

• Intermodal Containers: These standardized containers facilitate easy transfer between truck, rail, and ship, making them efficient for long-distance and international shipping. They come in various sizes and configurations.

The selection of a trailer depends on cargo type, size, weight, distance, and specific handling needs. A good logistics company will be able to evaluate these elements to determine the most suitable and economical transportation option for each shipment, ensuring safe and efficient delivery.

REASONS CHOOSING BUCHANAN LOGISTICS IS YOUR COMPANY’S BEST LOGISTICS SOLUTION

• Adapting to Industry Changes: The freight industry is always evolving with new technology, trends, and regulations. At Buchanan, we stay up to date on these changes to help you ship goods more efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Grow Your Business: As your logistics company, we will simplify trucking logistics for you, which then allows you to concentrate on essential business functions. By providing a single contact for all your trucking needs, you can dedicate more time and resources to your company sales, product development, and other important growth-related activities.
• Better Rates: Our Carrier Sales Specialists utilize their broad network of carriers to find competitive pricing. This means you are not stuck with a single rate, but that you will have the most competitive rate among multiple carriers.
• Simplified Regulatory Compliance: Knowledgeable Carrier Sales Specialists, at Buchanan, remain informed about trucking regulations, such as hours of service, weight limits, and interstate transport laws. They ensure your shipments meet all necessary regulations, minimizing the chances of fines or delays.
• Industry Expertise: With our superior team of professionals, we specialize in trucking logistics, providing essential information on the best routes, carrier choices, and special requirements like oversized or temperature-sensitive loads. Their skills help to enhance your supply chain and boost overall efficiency.
• Access to a Wide Network of Carriers: We foster connections with many trucking companies, offering access to a broad network of dependable carriers. This ensures you can find the appropriate truck for your shipping needs, even during busy times or in tough markets nationwide.
• Efficient Coordination of Shipments: Managing more than 160,000 shipments each year, our team is skilled in managing any kind of load. They optimize load planning, routing, and scheduling to guarantee that your goods arrive at their destination promptly and efficiently.
• Streamlined Communication: Our broker will serve as a single contact between shippers and carriers, making communication and problem-solving easier during the shipping process. This will reduce misunderstandings and enhance overall shipping effectiveness.
• Flexibility and Scalability: As your business grows or faces seasonal changes, we can quickly adjust to your evolving trucking needs. We can modify your shipping volume without requiring you to invest in your fleet or handle complicated carrier relationships.
• Technology Integration: Buchanan Logistics provides advanced technology for tracking shipments, managing documents, and analyzing performance. These tools offer real-time insights into your trucking operations and highlight areas that may need improvement.
• Focus on Core Competencies: Outsourcing your trucking logistics to just any freight broker can have risks. However, trusting our team to serve you, allows you to concentrate on your main business goals, while the complexities of transportation management are handled by experts. This leads to better resource use and enhances overall business performance.
• Claims Management: Handling claims for lost or damaged goods can be tedious if you are left to manage them alone. Our selective carrier vetting makes claims a rare thing at Buchanan, but when they do happen, we take on this responsibility, simplifying the claims process and reducing your stress.
• Canada and Mexico Freight Solutions: Reach out to Buchanan for professional help with your trucking and transportation needs. Since 1996, we have been a top provider in 3PL and freight forwarding, equipped with expertise and a nationwide network to enhance your supply chain. Our focus is on smooth cross-border trucking to Canada and Mexico, which removes the need for transloading and ensures efficient door-to-door service. Whether you require a single shipment, a dedicated route, or a multi-route option, our team will tailor a plan to suit your specific needs.

THE BUCHANAN ADVANTAGE

To get started with Buchanan Logistics, you can request a free rate quote online or contact us directly to explore how we can assist you in achieving your logistics objectives. With Buchanan as your reliable partner, you can concentrate on expanding your business while we take care of the transportation challenges.