As we look toward 2025, experts predict that manufacturing outputs for high-value goods like computers, chemicals and electronic equipment will expand. This trend means that the need for premium freight will also increase.
Delivering these high-value goods on time and safely is paramount in today’s fast-paced business environment. It’s also essential for customer satisfaction. These shipments depend on quick and efficient delivery to protect the transported goods and meet customer needs.
According to the American Trucking Associations, preliminary figures show the nation’s domestic truck tonnage of primary shipments totaled 11.18 billion tons of freight in 2023. With this sheer amount of freight, companies need trusted carrier partners who offer tailored expedited solutions and premium services to meet their unique needs.
Expedited shipping offers the ability to move freight directly to a destination faster than regular shipping, which can be a crucial service when shortages, delays or other interferences interrupt normal freight operations.
This article outlines five instances where a company would benefit from working with a carrier that provides expedited and premium services.
1. Supply Chain Challenges
Expedited shipments can be necessary if a mistake is made within the supply chain, such as an inventory shortage, a product backorder or a similar disruption. Using expedited shipping can prevent these issues from reaching the consumer and ensure continued customer satisfaction.
2. Emergencies and Natural Disasters
In some instances, such as a major storm or a resource shortage, shipments need to be delivered as quickly as possible—and fast delivery could even be lifesaving. Expedited shipping ensures recovering communities access critical resources like food and medication.
3. Perishable Freight
It’s crucial for goods like frozen food, produce, dairy or medication to reach their destination as fresh as possible and well before expiring. Expedited shipping allows for the reliable transportation of perishable goods, opening new channels and possibilities for transportation companies.
4. Tight Delivery Timelines
Some freight shipments are last-minute orders that must arrive at their destination within a certain time frame. For example, a retail company at a trade show may need to quickly access more of a particular product, especially if there was an error in inventory planning. Expedited shipping allows businesses to receive those products exactly when they need them.
5. High-Value Freight
Cargo theft continues to be a looming problem for shippers. The longer a shipment takes, the more opportunity there is for thieves. This is a concerning reality for shippers of expensive, rare or valuable products. Not only is expedited shipping a faster option, but it also has fewer touchpoints, which reduces the number of people handling the freight and the times the freight is moved.
Should you rely on expedited shipping solutions?
Certain industries, especially those moving high-value freight, need to make fast deliveries regularly. These sectors have likely already seen the benefit of expedited shipping, including on-time delivery, increased efficiency, improved customer satisfaction and enhanced growth. Here’s more about how these sectors leverage premium services:
Medical
Because this industry ships products that can save lives and improve health, companies are familiar with expedited shipping. Additionally, medical products, especially prescription medication, are a common target for freight theft, and expedited shipping can lower the theft risk.
Manufacturing
Companies in the manufacturing industry often face tight timelines, such as last-minute orders, product restocks and seasonal market needs. Expedited shipping is essential, as timing errors can cost companies millions of dollars in revenue loss.
Automotive
Tens of thousands of unique automotive parts are introduced into the market each year, leading to many specialized and unique shipments. Repair centers and manufacturers are not able to stock their stores with every product, so they must be able to order specific parts on a tight timeline to meet consumer needs.
Reliable, safe and on-time freight transportation is essential to keeping the global supply chain moving, and expedited solutions play an important role. Companies need expertise and custom solutions to transport their high-value freight and keep their customers satisfied.
