Every business owner has to solve one of the most crucial problems – how to deliver their goods and products from manufacturer to final consumer. It should be done not only as fast as possible but also in a proper way. Items are to be delivered intact and in a good condition.
Nowadays there are several solutions to this issue. If you own a rather huge corporation, it’s possible to have your own logistics unit. It will deal with picking up modes of transportation, vehicles, drivers, containers, packaging supplies, etc. Yet, for the greater part of small and middle-size entrepreneurs, it’s too expensive to maintain the whole logistics unit. That’s why they prefer to cooperate with freight forwarders and private carriers.
There is no clear answer to whether it’s better to hire a logistics broker or a private carrier. There is an eternal dispute on this issue. The following information may be useful for you if you want to discover the main pluses and minuses of both variants.
Logistics Brokers: Pros and Cons
The shipping industry is becoming more and more popular. There are lots of available logistics firms. They are able to please the most demanding customers. When you choose a logistics broker, you get the following perks:
- The full-service transportation.
It means the experts are ready to do everything needed to deliver your freight to the needed destination. The firms have competent and experienced specialists. They are to offer you the most profitable and effective shipping solution in accordance with the needs of your business;
- They cover extensive areas.
While private carriers work only within a definite area only (as a rule), brokers can transport cargo everywhere;
- Affordable prices.
Freight forwarders are affordable for businesses of any type and size. Moreover, you may experience various sales and discounts.
Private Carriers: Pluses and Minuses
Everyone whose major goal is to save as much money as possible can’t but appreciate this option. You hire workers who just transport your cargo from point A to point B. It means you have to think about proper packaging, warehousing, downloading, and paper processing by yourself. Moreover, sometimes it’s not easy to control drivers.
This variation is a perfect solution for small companies with small sales. If you clearly realize how to organize a stable functioning of the supply chain of your business and do not need extra support and maintenance with shipping, it’s possible to hire guys who just transport boxes.
It should also be taken into account that many logistics companies work with private carriers, too. It happens when they lack proper vehicles or the needed number of trucks. No wonder, the chances that your freight will be transported by the same team are rather high.
So, it’s up to you to decide whether it’s better to cooperate with full-service forwarders or just with carriers. Yet, if you want to savor absolutely trouble-free and stress-free transportation, it’s better to choose the first variant. It allows you to allocate more time for further development and promotion of your brand while specialists are delivering your products to your pleased and satisfied clients.