In truckload shipping, capacity for a fair price is what companies and logistics providers are searching for. Sometimes it can be easy to find, but most of the time it can be a challenge. Even with all the available trucks in the U.S., almost two-thirds of them are already driving, loading or unloading someone else’s freight, which can complicate finding a truck for a good price. There are several factors that define your success in getting the required capacity on-time, and one of them is truckload lead time in shipping.
What is a lead time in shipping? Truckload lead time definition
Lead time can be defined as a time period from the day an order was made to the pick-up date,
which basically indicates the time to book a truck. The longer the lead time, the better it is both for a shipper and a carrier. Long lead times can provide substantial cost savings for companies, and improve consistency for the carriers. According to the latest study, delivery speed is a top-priority concern for the customers, and longer lead times can improve that KPI.
Why is a lead time in shipping important?
Planning in advance is a useful skill in many areas, and truckload shipping is not an exception. Providing longer lead times offers you, or your logistics provider, some benefits in terms of searching and booking the best option for transportation.
Why longer lead times are better
Lower costs
Most carriers are interested in having pre-planned loads for a certain period of time. That’s why unplanned, on-the-spot shipments are charged more. On the contrary, the earlier you are booking, the lower the price will be. This is a good solution to cut costs per shipment by just extending your lead time by several days.
Ability to choose the top carriers
Extended lead time also drastically increases the pool of carriers and equipment to choose from. This can mean a higher quality of service, or an ability to find the carrier for specific requirements. When you don’t book the capacity earlier, all your competitors will do it for you, and the pool of opportunities will shrink.
Accurate delivery times
Generally, you have more control over the shipment if you’re booking it earlier. If you or your 3PL secures carriers in advance, you ensure better performance, less room for delays and disruptions, and accurate pick-up and delivery times. In the long run, it will positively affect your performance and customers’ satisfaction.
Ultimately, many other factors affect lead time, from the customer service department to supply chain issues. To really define the savings potential, you should consider all aspects.
