Shipping Questions Every Small Business Owner Should Ask

Small business owners are some of the hardest working folks out there. They have to wear many hats, juggling marketing, sales, inventory, human resources, and more at any given time. If you’re a small business owner who is just beginning to venture into the world of shipping, you probably have a lot of questions. You should partner with a delivery company that won’t hesitate to explain the answers and address your concerns in full.

Do I really need shipment tracking?

Every small business owner absolutely needs shipment tracking. It’s an essential way to keep tabs on your delivery at every point in its journey, and it lets you know when your shipment has reached its destination safely. If the first delivery company you contact doesn’t offer shipment tracking, keep looking.

What if my orders aren’t enough to fill an entire truck?

No problem! Your delivery company should offer a service called less than truckload (LTL) shipping. LTL shipping is an efficient and cost-effective way to get your deliveries from point A to point B, even if you don’t have enough to fill a truck. Your pallets will share space in the truck with pallets from other companies that are going to the same warehouse.

Did I choose the right freight classification?

All commodities fall under a certain freight classification. The determination of a shipment’s freight class is based on a standardized system that all carriers use. It’s significant because it influences your freight quote. Every item you can think of has been given a freight class by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)—a nonprofit entity. An item’s freight class is determined by its:

  • Stowability
  • Liability
  • Ease of handling
  • Density

If you’re unsure of your shipment’s freight class, contact your carrier for guidance.

If you’ve got more shipping questions, we’ve got the answers! Xcel Delivery Services prioritizes excellent customer service because your delivery is as important to us as it is to you! You can reach our team in Phoenix at (602) 368-1300 to inquire about our freight delivery and less than truckload delivery services.

Skip to content