The Retail Shipping Mistake Costing Small Businesses Time and Money

If you're new to retail shipping, comparing freight rates probably feels like the most important part of booking a shipment. And it is important. But there's another question you should ask before you choose the lowest LTL freight rate: Does the retailer have preferred or required carriers?

Many national retailers, distribution centers, grocery warehouses, and fulfillment networks have specific requirements for inbound deliveries. Some have preferred LTL carriers. Others may require you to use certain carriers at specific locations. If you don't know about those requirements before you book, you could end up dealing with delays, extra charges, or a shipment that can't be delivered as planned.

Though navigating these requirements may sound complicated, there’s a simple way to get ahead of it. Before you request a quote, contact your receiving location and ask about its carrier requirements.

What are preferred LTL carriers?

A preferred LTL carrier is a transportation provider that a retailer or receiving location has identified as a preferred option for inbound shipments. These carriers may already be familiar with the retailer's receiving process, appointment system and other delivery requirements.

Some retailers strongly prefer certain carriers, while others may require approved carriers for particular locations. The rules aren't universal, so it's important to check with the specific location where your freight is headed.

Why retailers prefer certain LTL carriers

There are a few reasons a retailer may establish preferred or approved carrier relationships.

On-time delivery

Preferred carriers may already understand the retailer's appointment systems, receiving procedures, and delivery expectations.

Fewer disruptions

Carriers that regularly deliver to a facility may be more familiar with its specific requirements, helping reduce issues during pickup and delivery.

Better visibility

Many national LTL carriers offer tracking and electronic data integrations that can make it easier to see where a shipment is and what's happening along the way.

Faster problem resolution

When something doesn't go according to plan, established carrier relationships and processes can make it easier to address the issue and keep freight moving.

What happens if you don't use a preferred carrier?

You might get lucky and have no issues. But if a retailer has specific carrier requirements and you don't know about them, you could run into problems.

Delays

A delivery may take longer if the carrier needs to be changed or additional arrangements need to be made before the retailer will accept the shipment.

Extra handling

In some situations, freight may need to be transferred between carriers or handled differently to complete delivery, which can add complexity to the shipment.

Unexpected charges

Retail deliveries can come with additional requirements, and failing to account for them can result in accessorial charges or other unexpected costs

Less predictable service

If your carrier isn't familiar with the receiving location's requirements, you may have less visibility into what to expect during delivery.

The takeaway isn't that you should always choose a preferred carrier over the lowest rate. It's that carrier requirements should be part of the decision before you book.

Retail shipping challenges new vendors often don't expect

Preferred carriers are only one piece of the puzzle. Retailers and other large receiving facilities may have additional requirements that aren't obvious when you're shipping there for the first time.

Appointment scheduling requirements

Some retail locations require carriers to schedule a delivery appointment in advance. Make sure you know whether an appointment is required and how it should be scheduled.

Grocery industry requirements

Food distributors and grocery networks can have specific receiving processes and requirements. Check with the destination before you book so you know what to expect.

Distribution center rules

Large distribution centers may have specific rules around delivery windows, paperwork, equipment or how freight is received.

Accessorial charges

Additional services or delivery requirements can result in accessorial charges. Understanding those requirements ahead of time can help you get a clearer picture of your potential shipping costs.

Retailers’ carrier requirements

If you're shipping to a large retailer, distribution network or fulfillment operation, it's worth asking about carrier requirements before you book. Here are a few examples of common retailers and distribution networks that have preferred carriers:

• AWG
• UNFI
• KeHE
• Chewy
• The Home Depot

These are just a few examples, and requirements can vary by retailer, location and facility. A carrier that works for one location may not be the right choice for another. That's why the safest approach is to confirm the requirements directly with your receiving location before booking.

Special consideration: Shipping to Amazon FBA

Amazon is a good example of why checking carrier requirements matters. Amazon fulfillment centers have specific requirements for LTL deliveries, including approved carrier options. If you're shipping inventory to Amazon FBA, choosing a carrier that meets those requirements is an important part of the process.

Freightquote makes this step easier for Amazon FBA shipments. When you select "Deliver to an Amazon warehouse" when quoting, the tool returns Amazon-approved carrier options.

If you're new to FBA shipping, check out How to Ship to Amazon FBA for more tips.

How Freightquote helps retail shippers

Once you understand your destination's requirements, Freightquote can help you compare your shipping options and book your LTL shipment online.

With Freightquote you can access a network of national LTL carriers, compare freight rates and transit options, get support when you have questions about your shipment, and use Amazon FBA tools to identify approved carrier options when shipping to an Amazon warehouse.

You don't need to be a freight expert to get started. Gather the basic details about your shipment and destination, check with your receiving location about any special requirements, then use those details to help choose the right option.

The cheapest freight rate isn't always the best choice

When you're shipping to a retailer, it's easy to focus on the number at the top of the quote. But a low LTL freight rate isn't necessarily the best deal if the carrier doesn't meet your receiving location's requirements.

Before you book, take a few minutes to find out whether your retailer has preferred or required carriers. Then consider those requirements along with price, transit time and the needs of your shipment.

That little bit of preparation can help you avoid delays, unexpected costs and last-minute surprises.

And when you're ready to see your options, start a quote with Freightquote.

The more you know before you book, the more confident you can feel about getting your freight where it needs to go.

Let's start shipping