Why are inbound shipments
unique? It's
because companies don't usually have the same kinds of
controls over them as they do for their outbound shipments.
In fact, many companies pay very little attention to inbound
freight even though it is a critical and costly part of
their business.
When you leave shipping choices up to your vendors,
you really have no control over the inflow and freight
charges related to your goods and materials, which can lead
to production delays, stock shortages, late deliveries,
unhappy customers, and higher costs for your company.
There is no such thing as "Free Freight"! Vendors
often reap extra profits for themselves by building excess
freight and handling charges into their delivered,
prepay-and-add, and "bundled" product prices. And, when they
do negotiate reduced freight rates and better discounts,
they often don't pass the savings on to their customers.
Furthermore, if your purchases are made on a freight collect
basis, you may not be effectively leveraging your own
company's buying power to get the lowest freight rates
possible.
Always remember that you are
the customer and
you have the right to determine the freight terms and
shipping arrangements that are best for your company. And,
we'll help you get there by evaluating your freight terms,
your shipment volumes, the competitive environment and your
alternatives to recommend the purchasing terms that are best
for your company.
