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Defining Expedite Freight
Expedite freight has seemingly always been unapologetically classified as time sensitive material, which is certainly true from a purely logistical standpoint. However, to think of it in terms a lifelong long hauler might need to have it explained is a little more complicated than that. With this in mind, let’s get a grip on what it actually means to be an expediter!
From the Driver’s Perspective
Hurry up and wait. This phrase is perhaps the best way to describe the nature of the load that awaits the driver who’s anxious to keep their wheels turning. The prevailing mentality has always been that if the wheels ain’t turnin’, then I ain’t earnin’. To which there is certainly an abundant truth to that. However, for a driver attempting to make a cognitive shift into an expedite mindset it’s not quite that simple.
The idea of waiting for a load offer, as opposed to having one pre-planned and ready for dispatch, sours quite a few when the idea of “time equals money” comes into play. Which is certainly a fair point. But when it’s approached with the mentality of “work smarter, not harder” the focus makes a cognitive shift from go-go-go to patience and understanding that the premium rate that’s being paid to the truck should/will be higher than just running your truck until the wheels fall off.
That alone should even out the time-to-money ratio. When waiting on a load offer from dispatch, it can seem like time is crawling at a snail’s pace. But when that freight is booked and sent to the driver, there isn’t a moment to waste as it’s time to transform and roll out.
From a Business Point-of-View
No matter where you’re shipping to or from, today’s fast-paced economy requires that a shipment be completed quickly, from booking to delivery. If a client has a time-sensitive need for certain goods and/or products, such as medical facilities in dire need of supplies, expediting their delivery may be their fastest and only option. From logistics and transportation to freight management, handling these urgent loads can be a harrowing task, which is why many businesses choose to go the route of expediting their most important shipments.
The focus of expedited freight is to get the goods from point A to point B as quickly as possible. To make this happen, trucks rarely make additional stops along the way, instead making a bee line straight to their delivery destination. There are occasional hiccups along the way, which should be expected, making it all the more important that when a driver’s number does get called, they and their truck are ready to roll at a moment’s notice.
Who’s Expediting This Freight?
Practically anyone can make use of expedited services, from smaller mom-and-pop entities to larger companies and organizations. If goods and services are required within a certain timeframe, such as when an auto manufacturing plant requires a part for a vehicle or risking the assembly line shutting down, expediting is the shipping method of choice. Regardless of the size and type of freight being shipped, expedite offers peace of mind that the load will be delivered on time.
Every step in the expedite process is crucial, from booking to delivery. A driver who can carry that mindset along with them, while fully understanding that they are providing an exemplary service for someone who is otherwise in need of an emergency delivery, will not only flourish in this industry but can count on being better appreciated for their hard work and dedication. And isn’t that something we all want from our jobs?