4 shipping challenges that a dedicated carrier can solve
With supply chain disruptions, a driver shortage and volatile costs, navigating the transportation industry has become more complicated than ever. Whether you need long-term, guaranteed capacity for your freight, require specialty equipment or manage a private fleet, a dedicated transportation solution with contracted, consistent capacity could be the answer to many of the transportation challenges you’re facing.
Here are a few common shipping challenges and how dedicated transportation can solve them.
Shipping challenge #1: Shifting capacity needs
In today’s tight market, you never know whether you’ll have the capacity you need, when you need it. A sudden sales surge or unexpected shift in freight volume can leave you scrambling to deliver.
With a dedicated transportation solution, capacity is guaranteed, and a large, multimodal carrier can offer even more solutions for effective dedicated shipping. A carrier with a large network of drivers and assets can flex up capacity to meet your needs during temporary surges. Similarly, a carrier with multimodal services can also provide more flexibility by activating different modes of transportation as needed to provide even more efficiency.
Learn how Schneider Dedicated ensured a retailer had the capacity it needed throughout an expansion and acquisition.
Shipping challenge #2: A growing driver shortage
The industry faces a shortage of 60,000 drivers to meet rising delivery demands. That means you can’t be sure that there will be enough drivers available to move your freight when you need them.
While the transportation industry has no shortage of openings for drivers, dedicated shipping is one of the most preferred opportunities. It provides access to the consistent and predictable work configurations that drivers desire. In fact, Schneider Dedicated added more than 900 drivers to its team in 2021.
A national dedicated carrier will have a large pool of drivers to tap into, so you never need to worry whether there will be enough drivers available to move your freight. Not only that, but the drivers will be trained on your specific shipping needs and become familiar with your processes. You can rest assured that your freight is in good hands.
Learn how Schneider Dedicated coordinated over 100 highly trained drivers to help a manufacturer move a high volume of freight via flatbed trailers.
Shipping challenge #3: Volatile costs and changing transportation rates
You’re well aware of the ever-changing nature of transportation rates. Costs are affected by a number of factors, including driver availability, supply chain disruptions, shifts in consumer buying habits and equipment costs like fuel prices.
Because dedicated shipping contracts typically last three to five years, there won’t be surprises in your budget. You’ll spend less time on the day-to-day responsibilities of managing your business’s transportation, as your carrier will handle all the details.
Learn how Schneider Dedicated helped this automotive supplier control costs and even save money by meeting critical delivery windows.
Shipping challenge #4: Equipment shortages
If your freight requires specialty equipment, finding carriers that can accommodate it isn’t always easy. Using standard equipment for unique shipments isn’t always the most efficient option — and may not even be possible at all.
A dedicated carrier will invest in the specialty equipment that your freight requires. A good carrier will also invest in technology and engineer new equipment configurations to optimize your supply chain. Plus, a large, established carrier will have relationships with major suppliers due to the high volume and frequency of its equipment and parts orders. These relationships will ensure your transportation isn’t disrupted by lack of equipment or equipment failures.
Learn how Schneider Dedicated invested in custom trailers to help a bottled water company move more freight per load.
