Freightquote by C.H. Robinson Blog

Freight shipping can be a struggle if you don’t have a team of professionals to help you. We’ve identified some of the key challenges in freight shipping and how Freightquote is making an impact.

E-commerce is becoming the preferred way to shop for the majority of Americans. In fact, looking at 2017 industry statistics, it was estimated that 51 percent of Americans prefer to shop online and that e-commerce is growing 23 percent year-over-year.

The Commodity Classification Standards Board (CCSB) has recently invoked new freight density changes that took full effect on Aug. 5th, 2017. These freight density changes will bring an immediate impact to how some products are now packaged, along with additional costs to shippers – particularly those shipping freight via less than truckload (LTL). 

A consolidated shipment is the result of combining multiple LTL shipments from various shippers into one full container (multi-stop truckload) shipment. Consolidated shipping allows shippers to earn preferred rates and helps optimize supply chain logistics by saving time and reducing cost.

Yes, it’s still summer, but fall is on its way, which means General Rate Increases (GRIs) will soon follow. A General Rate Increase is the average increase of base shipping rates from carriers. Although some may consider the increase unnecessary, it’s all dictated by the supply and demand chain with the average increase around 4-6% each year. 

A GRI, or General Rate Increase, is the average amount a less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier will increase their base shipping rates. Typically, industry leaders are the first to announce a GRI. When they do, others quickly follow.

Whenever fulfilling a shipment to a trade show or convention, it’s wise to incorporate additional planning. Making the right transportation decisions for the display and materials you’re shipping can save you precious time and money, while also helping to avoid any unnecessary headaches.

Companies will often choose less than truck load shipping (LTL) when they feel their freight load will not be enough for a full trailer. Although, for many businesses, shipping via LTL across the country, or even locally, can be stressful and time consuming without proper knowledge and assistance. 

As of April 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be fully enforcing the latest regulations regarding the new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food (STF) rule. The Act, which was passed by congress and signed by the President recently went into law.