I saw this article about creating capacity in a tight markets. These three tips resonated with me and should with our operators, planners, and drivers/owner operators/carrier capacity:
- Maximize the amount of money a carrier can make – This means more than simply asking a shipper to increase pay per mile. It also means advocating for the carrier, and urging the shipper to reduce loading, unloading and detention time. You may not be able to influence the shipper in every case, but you absolutely should share any information with the carrier about dock conditions or other aspects of the job, even if it makes the freight seem less attractive. Honesty is important to carriers, and they will remember you next time they have a truck available.
- Give your carriers the loads they need – When you make life easier for your regular carriers, they’ll do the same for you when you’re in a pinch. Keep your smallest carriers moving with loads that make a complete round trip to their home base or get them to their next desired destination. Your large carriers want 48 hours’ lead time, a rate agreement for each load, and a single point of contact within your organization, so they can make one call and get details about all the freight they are hauling for you.
- Treat carriers like customers – You always want to maintain good relationships with carriers, but it is especially critical in a tight market. Cultivate carrier loyalty by treating your carriers like customers. Treat them honestly and fairly, give them access to good freight and good information, and they will naturally begin to call you whenever they have trucks available
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