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Tips for Selecting Ideal Transportation Partners to Optimize Your Supply Chain

Selecting the right transportation partners is critical to the success of your supply chain and logistics system. They are the final links in a complex web that can make or break your ability to get goods where they need to go quickly, efficiently, and at the lowest possible cost. We’re sharing a few tips for selecting ideal transportation partners that will optimize your supply chain and help you reach your business goals.

Consider the Full Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Start with the big picture. Transportation needs exist throughout the manufacturing process, through warehousing and all the way through to final delivery. You’ll want to optimize transportation partners across your entire system, not just at one stage. That means looking at the big picture and understanding how all the pieces fit together.

Next, get clear on your goals for a shipping and transportation partner

Think about your business goals. What are you trying to achieve? Are you focused on speed, efficiency, or cost savings? Do you need a partner that can handle complex shipments or multiple modes of transportation? Once you know what you’re trying to achieve, you can start to narrow down your options.

Know your shipping needs

Next, identify your shipping needs. What are you shipping, and where is it going? You’ll also need to consider the volume of shipments, as well as the frequency. The best way to improve supply chain efficiency is to find a long-term partner that can create stability across your shipping lanes, so you spend more time improving processes, and less time sourcing new solutions.

Price doesn’t always win the day

Don’t sacrifice quality for price. It’s tempting to choose the cheapest option available, but that could end up costing you more in the long run. Transportation partners that offer rock-bottom prices may not be able to deliver on their promises, which could lead to delays, lost shipments, and unhappy customers. It’s important to find a balance between cost and quality when selecting transportation partners.

This is why Paystar practices active sourcing. No lead boards, no RFPs, and no transactional deals. We’re focused on pairing your clients with the best fit transportation partner for their network needs.

Refocus on Reliability

Of course, you’ll want to look for a partner that offers the services you need, at a price that fits your budget. But don’t stop there! It’s also important to consider things like customer service and reliability. You want to work with a company that you can trust to get your shipments where they need to go, when they need to be there.

Build Relationships

When it comes to creating effective logistics solutions, it’s not just about finding a carrier for one load. It’s about building relationships. The best transportation suppliers are those that view you as a partner, not just another customer. They’re invested in your success and work with you to find solutions that meet your unique needs.

At Paystar, we focus on building long-term relationships with our clients. We understand that your business is constantly changing, and we work with you and carriers across our network to help you adapt and grow.

Finding Your Best Fit

Selecting the right transportation partners is essential to ensuring an efficient and effective supply chain. Keep these tips in mind as you start your search, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect fit for your business.

If you’re looking for a partner that can help you optimize your supply chain, we’d love to connect with you. Give us a call today to learn more about how we’re transforming 3PL, one relationship at a time.

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