Top 3 Ways to Make a Freight Exchange Work for You

Using a freight exchange platform can give you unparalleled options for shipping cargo and can open up a world of business opportunities. However, the benefits do not just arrive at your doorstep on their own - you must learn how to spot them and then seize them! Here are three good ways to take advantage of such an exchange.

Ship Cargo Using the Most Cost-effective Route

As in all industries, there are peak times and better routes to be had when transporting goods across the country. Depending on what you need - either you need to ship your cargo as fast as possible or to do so at the lowest possible cost (you cannot usually get both) - you can use the unique opportunities available to see from an online freight exchange system to get exactly the kind of transport service you need. The rules of the game are fairly simple: if you need low cost shipment, you can find it, but it would probably be slower or use an indirect route. These options exist for those who do not really need to have their goods arrive as quickly as possible at the destination and could afford a few more days transit time - with the benefit being lower shipping costs. However, if you need something delivered fast, you'll need to look for a different service. On a busy online freight exchange you'll certainly find both kinds.

Always Use Appropriate Packaging

Of course everyone wants to secure the services of a good operator to deliver the goods, but if you’re not careful at your end, you might defeat the purpose of using such a service in the first place. Some consumers become so engrossed finding a good deal that they tend to forget that they have a responsibility, too. One salient point is the packaging of your cargo. Sure, you can walk the extra mile to reduce the volume of your load or choose a slower transit time to save on cost, but if you use inappropriate packaging and your goods are damaged, it's all for nothing. It is your responsibility to take care of the basics, such as checking the outer and inner packaging of your goods, and make sure it has proper and easy-to-read labelling. You should also invest in a secure sealing method.

Do a Little Background Check

Although members of an established freight exchange system normally undergo some amount of vetting, it still pays to exercise some due diligence. This is not only for the sake of ensuring that your cargo is safe and will actually reach its intended destination as advertised, but also to avoid unnecessary hassle both on the part of client and service provider. After you’ve found a haulier that meets your requirements, click on the relevant links associated with their profile. Simply using Google for feedback is also an easy way of doing a check. There are a lot of satisfied clients who may be more than willing to say a word or two in testimony, but it doesn’t hurt to go outside the confines of the site and see if there’s any other information to be found about the person or company you intend dealing with. If it all comes up clean you’ll have greater peace of mind.