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May 18, 2020How Freight and Shipments are Changing During COVID-19 Pandemic?
Everything in our world has seen changes since the coronavirus. This includes changes in shipping and logistics. Here is a guide as to what is going on in freight shipping and some ways you can mitigate extra fees on your shipments.
No-Touch Delivery
Recently multiple carriers are endorsing no-touch delivery receipts. This is so that the receiver does not have to physically sign the delivery receipt. Alternatives to signing the paper are the driver putting the receiver’s name on the paper receipt or into a hand-held electronic device. Another option is the receiver logging into the carrier’s website on their electronic device to accept the delivery. Some carriers are encouraging the driver and the receiver to take photos. These photos confirm, pickup, delivery, and the condition of the products.
Guaranteed Freight Shipments
Many carriers have suspended their guaranteed shipment services. In addition, they have suspended their refunds of the guarantee fee if the shipment fails to deliver on time. There are many uncertainties with deliveries if the business is open or closed and operating hours may have changed.
Terminal docks are seeing congestion with freight awaiting disposition.
Guaranteed shipments are receiving faster transit time and expedited handling than regular shipments. The carriers are trying to keep guaranteed shipments a priority for customers.
Undeliverable Freight
Prior to COVID-19, if a carrier cannot make a delivery, they call is the shipper about how to handle it. However, with a number of businesses temporarily closed, this process has become a bigger issue for carriers. Some carriers are returning the shipment to the shipment to the origin without confirming. Return freight charges will be added to the bill. For shipments sitting on docks longer than two days, storage charges will begin to accrue.
Carriers Offices
Some carriers outsource their invoicing, which has become a problem in transferring for employees to work remotely. Which means a delay in the invoicing and tracking information. This will not only delay shipping, but it will also make it hard for both the shipper and receiver to track the status of the goods.
Some Ways to Mitigate Shipment Problems
While no one can predict what is going to happen in the logistics industry and how shipments Handling will be, there are some ways for businesses to help delays and accessorial charges.
- Whether you work with a third-party logistics or carrier, share pertinent closure and limited operations information. This will make managing transportation smoother.
- Prior to fulfilling orders, gather information to mitigate backup at shipping docks.
- Prior to shipping, double-check with the carrier, pickup facility and consignee location to determine if the shipment can be fully executed.
- For freight in transit that cannot be received because the receiver is closed, carriers will have limited space to store freight. In addition to space, the fees can add up. Shippers should try to get the freight back to the shipping location or work with the receiver to select an alternate consignee that can receive the freight.
How a Third-Party Logistics Provider Can Help You Navigate
Now is the time to work with a knowledgeable third-party logistics provider. Global logistics providers have extensive carrier networks for truckload, expedited, intermodal, and all other modes. At PPLUS, we can help you navigate your shipping needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and after so that your business will continue to succeed.