For most businesses, the nitty gritty of shipping costs and evaluating the details in freight quotes seems like more trouble than it’s worth – consequently, many companies end up overpaying for freight, impacting their profits and affecting growth. Thankfully, at Millennium Cargo, those fine details are our business, so we dig into them every day. Let us share some of our experience to help you quickly and efficiently save on your shipping expenses.
Here are seven signs you could be overpaying when it comes to your international freight.
1 – You’re Not Comparing Quotes
Going with the first option is rarely the best deal. Yes, it’s easiest, and yes, it saves time, but when you don’t compare quotes for your freight, you could be overspending by hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds.
It’s important to get multiple quotes – at least three – and compare like-for-like services on each to get a solid understanding of your supplier’s costs. Remember, however, that cutting corners is also never a good option, and you should make sure you evaluate your freight forwarder on multiple levels, including:
- Price of services
- Speed of services
- Range of services
- Size of network
- Customer service and communication
- After service care
2 – You Don’t Understand the Charges on Your Invoice
If you’re looking at an item on the invoice and you simply have no idea what it is, then it could be something you don’t need – you could be paying for a hidden fee or extra services you don’t need.
The first step is a quick Google search, but if that doesn’t provide a clear answer, then there’s nothing wrong with consulting your provider and asking them what it means – and you should expect a helpful response. If it’s something you are using, then great, you’ve increased your understanding and no harm done. If it’s not, you can simply make sure it doesn’t happen again or even ask for a refund or credit if appropriate.
If your provider is cagey or doesn’t answer your question, then that’s a red flag, and you should consider moving to an alternative service right away.
3 – Your Freight Rates Don’t Change
It’s easy to sit back happily and feel everything’s going well if your shipping bill comes in at the same price every time, month after month, year after year, and yes, consistency is good for cash flow and business budgeting. However, market conditions fluctuate, and the price of services changes, both up and down. If your provider is never adjusting their prices to reflect these factors, then you should ask yourself why – it’s rarely because they’re doing you a favour.
If it’s been a long time since your freight invoice looked any different, even if you’re shipping the same cargo week after week, then it’s worth getting quotes from other providers and seeing how they match up. You may be pleasantly surprised.
4 – You Regularly Face Charges for Storage or Delays
If there always seems to be an extra charge on your invoice for delays and associated storage fees, then your freight forwarder is doing something wrong. Problems do happen, and these charges are typically completely legitimate, but if they are showing up all the time, then you should look to a different provider for your service.
First, give your current freight forwarder a call and see if they can explain in a realistic and believable way, but it may be time to switch.
5 – Your Provider Isn’t Using Multimodal Solutions
If you are constantly using air freight even when it’s not urgent, or if you are having to use different providers for sea and another for road, then you’re probably paying over the odds on your total service.
Professional freight forwarders, like us at Millennium Cargo, create comprehensive solutions utilising multiple modes of transport, taking your cargo from its source all the way to its destination with smooth efficiency. If that doesn’t sound like your service, then it’s time for a change. Contact Millennium Cargo without delay!
6 – Your Provider Doesn’t Offer Consolidation
Like multimodal shipping, consolidation is a clear money saver that’s also environmentally responsible. Not every shipment needs its own container or truck – it’s ridiculous to pay for space you don’t need. At Millennium Cargo, we work with our shipping partners to ensure all cargo is properly consolidated, maximising efficiency and minimising costs.
If you’re not getting cost benefits through consolidation, you’re paying extra for nothing. Speak to an advisor as soon as possible.
7 – It’s Been a While Since You Reviewed Your Shipping Methods
If you haven’t spent a few hours looking into your shipping costs for a year or more, then you’re probably overpaying. With this handy article to work from as a short checklist, take a look at your freight strategy and ask yourself if you’re wasting money anywhere.
We’re here at Millennium Cargo to save you costs on your freight, boost your efficiency, and ensure that the logistics of shipping aren’t eating into your profits.
Our customer service advisors can talk you through a range of options with no obligation – speaking to us for half an hour could save you on your shipping expenses. So don’t wait – pick up the phone today and see how a partnership with Millennium Cargo can help your business.