Posted On October 11, 2023

Every year, over 100 billion parcels get shipped worldwide. So, how do you ensure your customers’ orders aren’t lost in the shuffle?

One of the most important aspects of running a successful B2C company is working with trustworthy shipping providers.

Not sure what to look for in a carrier for your company? Discover how to decide which shipping carrier is best for you below.

What Is a Shipping Carrier?

A shipping carrier takes packages from a shipper to the customer. Some well-known shippers in the U.S. (and beyond) include USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL.

Carrier vs. Shipper: What’s the Difference?

Some people use the words “carrier” and “shipper” interchangeably. In reality, though, they’re very different.

To put it simply, the shipper is the company that owns the product being shipped. The carrier, on the other hand, is the company transporting the products to the customer.

In the context of this article, your business is the shipper, and you’re looking for a carrier to help you deliver goods to your customers.

What To Look For in Shipping Carriers

If you’ve never worked with a carrier delivery company before, you might be confused about how to select the best one. Here are some of the most important factors to consider during your search:

Locations Served

Start by ensuring the carrier can deliver packages to your customers’ homes. In other words, do they serve the specific locations you need to reach?

Don’t forget that if you plan to send goods overseas, you must partner with experienced international shipping carriers.

Reputation

Whether you run a small business or a larger organization, you must partner with a trustworthy shipping carrier.

First, you should read reviews from past customers to get a sense of the carrier’s reputation.

Are they known for on-time deliveries and keeping packages safe in transit? If so, they’re probably a good fit for you.

You can always contact known customers of the company to get a better understanding of their services.

Technology

The best shipping carriers use the latest technology to help them keep track of your packages and keep you informed about where they are in the supply chain.

Look into the tools and technologies each carrier uses, and be wary of those who don’t seem to use any of these solutions to streamline their processes. 

Tracking Options

One of the most significant benefits of working with a carrier that uses sophisticated technology is that it can provide more in-depth tracking information. They can keep you in the loop about your package’s location, how soon it’ll be delivered, when it arrives, etc.

Better tracking lets you enjoy peace of mind. Furthermore, if a customer reaches out about their order, you can give them the most accurate response.

Warehouse Distribution

For shippers delivering products nationwide, working with a carrier who can pick up orders from multiple warehouses (i.e., ones distributed across the country) can be helpful.

Distributed warehouses allow you to store products in multiple locations and package and deliver orders more efficiently.

Shipping Speed

Does the carrier guarantee shipping within a certain number of days? For example, do they offer two- or three-day shipping?

Some business owners aren’t concerned with having the fastest shipping possible, whereas others consider it a key component of their marketing strategy.

If you’re concerned about ultra-fast shipping, choose a carrier that can accommodate you.

Weekend Delivery

Is it essential to deliver orders to your customers on Saturdays and Sundays? If so, make sure you choose a carrier that does weekend deliveries.

Shipping Costs

Of course, shipping costs will also play a critical role in deciding which shipping carrier you will choose to work with. Compare rates from different carriers to see which one offers the best deal. Take note of any additional fees, such as pickup fees.

Package Weight and Dimensions

Some carriers limit the size and weight of packages they’ll deliver.

If you’re shipping extra large, heavy, or unconventionally shaped items, talk to each carrier you’re considering to make sure they can deliver your products to your customers. Check to see if they charge additional fees for these items, too.

Find the Best Carriers Today

There are many factors to remember when choosing the best shipping carrier for your business. Remember the tips discussed above so you can make the right decision for your company and your customers. 

Do you need more help handling supply chain issues and ensuring your business runs as efficiently as possible? If so, the Flat World Global Solutions team can help.

Contact us today to learn how you can streamline your supply chain.