Inbound freights are typically sent from vendors. They include items such as manufacturing inputs or raw materials. The freight management market for inbound logistics is exceptionally high-octane and there are an extensive array of factors that influence freight rates. At times there is an oversupply of capacity, while at other times there is a brutal capacity crunch. In either circumstance, it is vital to examine the inbound freight practices for addressing supply chain management costs seamlessly.
Freight delivery companies scour the horizon for eliminating cost and service bottlenecks in the shipment cycle. Streamlined freight management can eliminate the need for excess inventory, improve stability and transparency across the supply chain and create an ecosystem of responsibility of supply chain confederates. Don’t despair! JMY Cargo is here to share how to simplify freight forwarding without any hiccups.
Potential challenges in implementing Inbound freight Management
Implementing an inbound freight management program can be challenging due to a wide range of factors. For one, vendors are reluctant at times. Inbound logistics companies or freight moving companies lack the technology to leap cost-effective programs. There are many hidden costs and inbound is siloed into other parts of a company’s operations.
Tips for effortlessly managing Inbound freight
- Build a relationship with your suppliers
Enquire about the cost and efficiency perks that your vendors are offering using their shipping schedules. Pick carriers that demonstrate service reliability. Typically, having a robust supplier relationship can facilitate you to improve your inbound freight service and break the cost out on the PO.
- Always keep room for plenty of load time
While shipping, always plan ahead to save time and money on your shipments. Factors such as weather, traffic, and breakdowns can be a disaster for your supply chain and bottom line. Especially when everyone is trying to ship at the end of the month, placing shipments with your vendor when you have plenty of load time can save you a lot in the long run.
- Understand the payment responsibilities and shipping instructions
Before submitting a purchase order, ensure that all instructions and payment responsibilities have been properly negotiated and submitted. By clearly understanding all agreed-upon information and communicating them before creating your PO, you can avoid excessive costs and route inefficiencies that happen due to miscommunication.
- Adhere to the compliance standards
Many freight management companies spell out fines as a backstop. When you are working with international logistics, always comply with the regulatory standards. Avoid hefty fines that are issued due to compliance issues as you understand the intricacies of transportation and logistics in different cross-country locations.
- Leverage technology for cost-comparison
Several vendors offer freight allowances for POs. However, determining what is more cost-effective can be a heavy lift when you are managing an unreally high volume of vendor shipments. If you want to keep things real, use a TMS or transportation management system to analyze and compared allowances against real-time costs and enhance decision-making capabilities.
The bottom line
If you run a freight logistics company, being up-to-date with the industry standards is imperative. As an international freight shipping company, you must choose how you control your supply chain. In the supply chain management cycle, inbound freight is the final comrade. So, analyze the associated costs and validate whether there is an opportunity for orchestrating your supply chain initiatives.