For some shippers, shipping out their cargo on time is a necessity. Time-sensitive or expedited freight shipments tend to be goods that have a short shelf life, such as produce, perishables or prescription drugs. In some cases, urgent shipments like equipment can also be time-sensitive. In order to get the best results when using time-sensitive freight shipments, look at the following tips.

Pick the Right Carriers

The first thing you should always do is choose high-quality carriers who have years of experience and the right equipment necessary for successful transportation of time-sensitive goods. The process of finding the best carriers can be difficult. You should pay particular attention to the communication between you and the carrier, the service types, visibility, on-time delivery, the percentage of freight claims, etc. Shopping around for rates and carriers well in advance can also help you gain access to the qualified carriers. However, many time-critical shipments are created on the spot and this is not possible.

Get Freight Insurance

In order to get more protection against delays or freight damages, it is strongly recommended to purchase freight insurance. Unlike carrier liability, this will help cover the full value of your goods being shipped. As expedited freight is usually high value, it is really important to have it insured.

Use a 3PL

At the end of the day, working with a 3PL will help save you time and money so you won’t need to do your own research and make shipping mistakes. 3PL’s have an advantage because they have a wider network of vetted carriers that can help you find an option for your unique shipment requirements and fit in with your business needs. They will also handle the shipment documentation and are able to leverage the right technologies to help give you clear visibility during the shipping process. This gives you regular updates and 24/7 support when you need it.

Third-party logistics providers can also help with securing freight insurance and will also take responsibility for anything that happens during the transportation process. Working with a 3PL can help save you major costs in the long run because they will provide lower rates in the market on average because of their buying power.