In line-haul logistics, freight is transported between distant cities and countries by land, air, or waterway. Freight loads vary in volume and weight, from small compositions to heavy pallets. This flexibility allows for various cargo loads to be shipped. However, despite the utility of logistic services, that doesn’t mean they are without their challenges.
But with such a vast and complex network, such issues are to be expected. Fortunately, every problem has a solution: Logistics services are no different. So keep reading to learn the 3 main issues of linehaul logistics and how to solve them.
Key Problem 1: Customer Service
When transporting goods and supplies, the issues that come with customer service can be hard to handle. However, there are ways to mitigate the problems, ensuring the customer is happy in the process. With customer satisfaction, time is of the essence. When a customer makes an order for goods or supplies, they want their order in a timely fashion.
The problem with this is the unpredictability of certain factors. For example, bad weather or traffic delays can make an order a day or two late.
How to address the issue
Under-promise and over-deliver. A line haul transportation company should always provide more time than expected. Moreover, they should be proactive in looking into delays before they give an “accurate” arrival date.
Key Problem 2: Surprising Price Changes
Price changes can affect many things. Price shifts, including gas price fluctuations, distance travelled, and more can significantly affect the waybill price. The longer the haul, the better the price, usually. When gas goes up and stays up, logistic services are adjusted. It can also depend on where the truck is heading to and coming from, as gas prices vary everywhere.
How to address the issue
The rising fuel prices and the difference in prices country-wide should be no surprise to logistical operations. However, line haul operators should be proactive while considering the different fuel costs to provide more accurate quotes.
Key Problem 3: Product Price Increases, Order Shortages, and Damaged Products
Product pricing may go up. If this happens, it is a discussion the shipper must have with the receiver. Logistics, the middleman who simply transports the product, does not have any involvement between shippers and receivers. Additionally, other factors can affect logistics operators. These variables can include shorted products on a waybill or damaged goods upon arrival.
How to address the issue
Order shortages happen as well, but the trucker only transports the supplies. They are not responsible for order shortages from the shipper. It’s the shipper’s responsibility to notify the receiver of any shortages before shipment. If there are issues with any line haul heavy-duty product on the waybill, the long haul driver must ensure the correct product quantity.
The driver should report damages they see before leaving for their destination. Such diligence can replace the product and, as a result, keep the order. If the product is damaged on arrival, it is immediately reported. This action is followed by the logistics company contacting the shipper and sorting it out with them.
Final Thoughts
Line haul operations are among the most efficient and trusted systems for heavy-duty product transport. We wouldn’t have all that’s available to us in stores without the existence of this efficient system. At Shadow Group, we are a full-service transportation group.
We own hundreds of equipment pieces, have over 50 years of experience, and are your trusted logistics and transportation solution.