When it comes to moving freight, you as a shipper need reliable transportation services that will get your shipments to their destination on time and undamaged. You have selected a few carriers that you believe will satisfy your needs, now you need to proceed through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. You may be wondering what information you need to provide in order to host a successful transportation RFP in order to get the best service from your carrier.
Freight Details You’ll Need
The first step in hosting a transportation RFP is to have all the necessary freight details. This information will help carriers provide the most accurate pricing information and capacity options available for your business. The more you can tell your providers about your freight, the more reliable rates and capacity you will get. At the very least, you will need the following information:
Commodity Type(s): The type of commodity you are shipping is a crucial factor in determining the mode of transportation and the equipment required.
Weight per Load: The weight of each shipment determines the transportation mode, equipment, and cost associated with transport.
Cargo Value: The value of the cargo is important for insurance purposes and can also impact the type of transportation and security measures required by the carrier.
Estimated Shipping Volume for Each Lane: Knowing the estimated shipping volume will help transportation providers to plan their capacity and provide more accurate pricing.
Origin and Destination Zip Codes for Each Lane: Zip codes are critical in determining the distance between origin and destination, which helps to calculate the cost and time required for transportation.
Shipment Frequency for Each Lane: Knowing the frequency of shipments helps transportation providers to allocate their resources efficiently for pricing purposes.
Performance Requirements/Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): KPIs help to ensure that transportation providers meet the required performance standards. This could include on-time delivery, damage-free delivery, and other metrics that your business values.
Special Load Requirements (Accessorials): Accessorials are additional services required to move the freight, such as lift-gate service, inside delivery, and others.
Fuel Surcharge: Fuel surcharges are additional fees that cover the cost of fuel which will vary, being dependent on current fuel prices.
The more freight details you can provide to a carrier will result in a successful transportation RFP, providing you with a glimpse of the working relationship between your company and your carrier. You’ll learn more about what the carrier can do for you, how they can help you and the level of service you can expect from the carrier going forward. Remember that this process is designed to help you find win-win solutions with your carrier, with a focus on finding the best results for both companies.
Here at Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of the RFP process. We get this process started with all potential customers by providing a quick turnaround on any request for quotes. We’ll be able to provide you with an accurate quote quickly that you can use to determine the best course for your shipments. We’ll work with you to find the custom carrier solutions that work best for your business with the focus being on getting your shipments to their destination on time and undamaged. It’s because of our dedication to win-win solutions that we’ve been able to maintain a 99% satisfaction rating for over 20 years. To see for yourself, start today with Zip Xpress!
