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Are you planning ahead to move your freight or are all your shipments last minute "rush" shipments? Rush shipments usually means the fastest mode of transportation is required.  Faster means of transportation equals rising costs.  While everyone understands the trade-off of the higher rates of air travel against the financial gains derived from providing the service, on time; still many of you have expressed an interest in keeping costs down

The biggest factor in keeping costs down is to plan ahead.  For deliveries where timing is not critical the choice will probably be a lower cost form of transport such as truck (ground) which would be associated with extended transit times.

Here are some points to keep in mind when planning to ship freight:

Plan Ahead.

• Give your logistics company ample lead time; They are looking out for your best interest and will determine the most efficient and cost effective way to ship your freight, taking into account all the indicated parameters
• Do not assume you know the correct transit times.  Check the transit times, with your logistics company.   Ask them when they will need to pick up the freight in order to have it there on time.
  
• Allow extra time for the unexpected, during busy times, holidays etc.  Consider the weather especially in Winter -  a snowstorm could really hold things up.   "The Fraser Pass" in B.C. has often closed due to Avalanches. (some may even say its infamous for that)
• Consider sending your Trade Show Freight to a designated advance warehouse.  
• Coordinate your return shipment at the same time as you arrange delivery to the show.  After the show ensure someone is there to oversee the outbound shipment from the show. 
• Always remember those last minute shipments turn out to be the most expensive, especially when the only way to get it there on time is by air.  Air shipments are always far more expensive than ground moves

Label Your Freight  

•   USE LARGE PRINT

•    Put all pertinent information on the labels,

•    Use a minimum of FOUR  labels per piece  

Each label reduces the chances of the freight getting misrouted or lost.  In the event that the freight does get to a place where it shouldn’t be, it can be easily identified and sent to its right destination.     

Skidding

•    All shipments unless crated, should be put on a skid and shrink-wrapped.

•    Consolidate multiple piece shipments; all pieces should be put on a skid and the entire skid shrink-wrapped so that the entire shipment stays together; thus ensuring that all pieces arrive at the same time.

In summary, planning ahead, being detailed and well organized will help reduce shipping costs, improve profitability and prevent headaches.

Carol D'Alessandro is VP, Business Development of Logistics Associates.  Logistics Associates are specialists in transporting trade show booths and other freight to and from the Trade Show venues. Logistics Associates offers air, ground or ocean based shipping solutions for:  Trade Shows / Exhibitions/ Concerts/Stage Shows/Conventions and Conference. If you have a logistics question, call Carol at 905-861-9600 or e-mail cdalessandro@logisticsassoc.com  or visit http://www.logisticsassoc.com