Parcel - March/April 2009 - (Page 15) What options do shippers have? 3 Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. At a minimum, for each distribution center, savvy shippers should have an agreement in place with a global carrier and a regional carrier. Become a strong partner, not just a customer. Insist on technology from your carrier for both tracking of packages, tracking of equipment using GPS and electronic billing. Demand proof of capabilities from your carrier. If they are using independent contractors, ask how they manage tracking. Understand your carrier processes. Offer ground service as a primary to all customers with faster services offered to the customer as a premium option. Hold accountable the department within your firm that authorizes premium service. Analyze your shipping patterns, on-time deliveries, lane segments and weights, inbound and outbound every quarter for every carrier. Meet with your carriers at every distribution center quarterly. Ask to meet with operations and executive management from carriers at high-volume locations. Ensure competitive bidding for each location, and press for lower prices. Shoot for deals with two-year terms, equal pricing for outbound, inbound and third party and minimal additional surcharges. Lock in fuel now, while it is low, if you can. Consider using only regional carriers from major distribution centers for 200 miles and less. Evaluate your distribution network, and close DCs that do not directly benefit your customers. 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 of a dozen. Think about what you could do that differentiates you but costs little. Invite key customers and vendors to your employee BBQ or pass out a flower or balloon on birthdays or holidays. Have a customer of the month, keep it lively and make it fun. ■ ROB SHIRLEY has been in the logistics industry and its technology for the last 30 years. He is EVP of Celevoke, a key provider of asset tracking services for carriers and shippers in 154 countries. You are invited to contact Rob about concepts for his column at Rob.Shirley@Celevoke.com. MARCH 2009 | www.PARCELindustry.com 15 http://www.PARCELindustry.com
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