Why Thinking Small Makes Sense
It’s a peaceful morning at the office. You’re slowly sipping coffee while looking over the shipments you have on board. Everything looks in order. It seems there will be no delays in transit and every shipment will be delivered on time. Still, you send out emails to truckers to confirm everything is on track. You get notified that one of the important shipments was delivered on time. You notify the customer and feel that big pressure is finally off your mind. But then, you receive an email response back from that same customer, complaining about damaged goods. You can already feel that uncomfortable feeling in your chest when something’s wrong. After a brief investigation, you discover that the carrier has either consolidated the freight or transloaded it into another vehicle, resulting in damage. You did all that was in your power, by emphasizing to your trucker how important the shipment was and by paying them a premium rate for an exclusive vehicle.
The truth is that this isn’t the only scenario that puts us in uncomfortable positions with customers. In order to prevent those from happening in the future, let us examine some other possible scenarios and how using smaller vehicles can help us with that.
SMALL TRUCKS, BIG GAINS
Some shippers try to combat consolidation and transloading by sealing loaded trailers. Now, the challenge is that technology has advanced so much that there are devices (machines) that can cut seals (without leaving marks) or create new ones that look identical to the original
The most convenient and often more affordable way to prevent this from happening is by downsizing vehicles we use. What do I mean by that?
Well, think this way: If we have 10 standard size pallets and we want to move them exclusively, can we agree that using a 22-foot straight truck makes more sense, than going the traditional 53’ van route? Using a straight truck, in this example, gives carriers less space to “toy” with freight.
Now, this technique does not apply for semi-trucks exclusively. We can use it when we have a straight truck shipment, as well. Let’s say a customer needs 6 standard size skids expedited. Right off the bat, we think about shipping them with a 22’-26’ straight truck. What we should consider using, in this case, is a small 12’-16’ box truck. They are more affordable than large straight trucks and, again, they give carriers less space to toy with freight.
Downsizing makes sense, doesn’t it?
WHEN ARE CARGO AND SPRINTER VANS BETTER FOR BUSINESS?
Now that we are getting the point, there are certain types of vehicle which are often disregarded in the trucking industry but are usually the smartest choice when it comes to expediting shipments.
Cargo and Sprinter vans.
Between a sprinter and a straight truck, which one is most likely to arrive at the destination faster? A sprinter, of course. Why? Well, there are multiple factors and some of them are: no road restrictions, they don’t have to stop at weigh stations, no need for making mandatory breaks, can travel faster through mountainous areas, etc.
In terms of freight exclusivity, sprinters win the fight as well. Can we agree that it is less likely for a sprinter driver to consolidate or transfer the freight than a straight truck carrier? Think about it.
The last, and for some customers the most important fact, is that sprinter vans are the most affordable type of vehicle we can use in expediting. The nature of their expenses, in comparison to larger vehicles, is much lower.
SO IS BIGGER ALWAYS BETTER?
I’m leaving it to you to conclude it. To me and to customers we serve, downsizing always makes sense if the shipper and receiver can accommodate them. It saves time, reduces the risk of transfer or consolidation and saves money. The smaller the vehicle, the more effective it is. It is a win-win situation.
The problem with us as a society is that we’ve been taught to think big in order to succeed. This is true for some segments, but not for everything in business. In trucking, there are obvious benefits in thinking small. It is just a matter of our own ego and if we are willing to accept it or not. Ultimately, when our clients win, we win.