Flatbed Hauling Trucking Companies, Flatbed Freight Shipping Rates, Transportation Quotes
Most customers start their week planning to ship their products out, but what many customers don’t understand is that the beginning of the week is the worst time to ship because rates are at their highest.
Drivers come off the weekend like a “loaded gun”, thinking they are the only truck available for you. This encourages them to start the week demanding a much higher rate. Whether you are shipping an oversize flatbed load or just standard flatbed freight it is always beneficial to wait towards the end of the week. You just might save your company 20 to 30 percent. As the week dwindles on the capacity of flatbed trucking loads decreases and the drivers have fewer choices as to what loads they must choose from. By weeks end they are left stuck with no freight at all because they were too eager to hit the “holy grail the mother of all mother flatbed loads”, at your expense.
Always ask your flatbed shipper if there is any benefit to ship later in the week and make sure to compare rates.
There are many ways to save money, however, there are a few things to consider when shipping a flatbed heavy haul or standard flatbed shipment. You just can’t forget about the oversized permitted loads that require police and escorts. These type of flatbed loads require planning and it may not be cost-effective to hold for the weekend because of the additional services like escorts and police. Some states are not permitted for travel on weekends or after dark. You wouldn’t want to get caught up paying for hold over downtime when proper planning could have of avoided that.
If you decide to use flatbed shipping you need to take the time to talk to a reputable agent. You should also make sure that they have a vast background in flatbed trucking. If you don’t, buyer beware you may find yourself paying for hidden costs because the agent either did not have the level of expertise that you deserve or have your best interest in mind. These agents are working in a very stressful “time is money” environment and at times will move4 on to the next client too quickly so that they can make sure they make their quota for the day.
