When weekend promotional giveaways at a Las Vegas casino were delayed due to customs issues, GlobalTranz expedited shipping picked up the load from the port and transported it to the casino in time for the big event.

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Traditionally expedited shipping has been used to solve these kinds of challenges. When a shortage of materials or components could shut down the production line, or impact a big event, expedited delivery saves the day. However, shippers across all industries are also finding that customized expedited shipping services can help them meet the increasing delivery demands from consumer and business buyers. 

Expedited trucking typically operates with three levels of vehicles: straight box trucks, vans, and hot shots or heavy-duty pickups towing trailers such as boxes and flatbeds. Expedited shipping carriers don’t face the same capacity challenges that leave truckload and LTL carriers to increase rates while scrambling to fulfill their commitments.

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Here’s a look at why more shippers are looking at expedited shipping as an integral component of their supply chains. 

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1. Expedited Service Means Dedicated Service

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Expedited delivery services typically involve dedicated Point A to Point B shipments of must-have products in less than truckload quantities, by truck or by air, with service guarantees. Because the vehicle is dedicated to the shipment, the rate is basically the same whether the load is one pallet or ten pallets.  

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Expedited shipping services make the most sense when the product is urgent or time-critical. Basically, any commodity can move in expedited service, from manufacturing raw materials and components to food and beverage products. 

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2. Transit Times

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Rates are higher than standard LTL or truckload service, but in most cases, shipping cost is not the issue. Shutting down an assembly line to save a few thousand on shipping costs doesn’t make sense. Instead, transit time is the top factor for choosing expedited shipping, although shippers value customized handling as well. 

The smaller trucks often used for expedited shipping operate under different hours of service regulations than full-size semis, so they can generally cover the same distance in less time.  

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3. Reduced Handling & Damage

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With expedited truck service, the shipment moves directly from shipper to consignee in the same truck. Compare that with LTL operations that usually require cross-docking or unloading and reloading freight at a terminal. 

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 With expedited shipping, there’s no en route handling, so there’s less chance of damage or loss. Of course, LTL and truckload shipping offers a high level of quality, but, expedited shipping provides a higher level of customized service.  

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4. Service Diversions

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Expedited shipping services can save the day with shipment diversion. That’s when a shipment is moving in truckload or LTL service, but it’s not moving fast enough. Perhaps an assembly line needs two days worth of parts to keep it operating until the full shipment arrives. An expedited carrier can divert all or a portion of the load and move it to the destination so the assembly line can stay open.   

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5. Better Capacity Availability

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Currently, expedited trucking rates are more stable than truckload and LTL rates as carriers work through capacity challenges and productivity impacts from ELD implementation and the driver shortage. Typically expedited carriers are standing by to move your loads at rates that aren’t inflated by short-term fluctuations. 

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6. Air & Ocean Freight Experts

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The GlobalTranz expedited shipping group also manages domestic and international air freight and domestic ocean freight. GlobalTranz is an indirect air carrier certified by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As an IAC, GlobalTranz has developed a security program that meets TSA requirements. The company is also a member of the Air Forwarders Association to keep up to date on the federal regulations. 

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Shippers of high-value cargo, such as consumer electronics, often use air freight to reduce the possibility of damage and move products through their supply chains faster. 

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The expedited shipping group also manages domestic ocean freight, such as moving supplies for rebuilding Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. 

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7. Disaster Response

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In the aftermath of a storm, like the most recent Hurricane Florence, expedited shipping can be a lifesaver for your supply chain. Expedited shipping services are more agile and responsive when major roadways may be congested or closed. Large trucks must stick to approved truck routes. By using smaller vehicles, the expedited department can facilitate deliveries into natural disaster areas for relief supplies and just-in-time deliveries. We also have the option of combining air freight with ground shipping to reach disaster areas quickly.  

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Also, when natural disasters occur, prioritization of available trucks goes to transporting relief and emergency supplies over standard freight, which can impact capacity. Utilizing expedited services can help mitigate capacity challenges during those times.  

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Talk to Experienced Expedited Pros 

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Expedited shipping can play an integrated role in your supply chain with dedicated, customized service that’s faster than other options. Work with an experienced partner like our team of expedited shipping experts that connect your freight with approved, high-quality carriers.

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