As supply chain issues continue with no end in sight, it’s imperative for businesses to foster positive relations with Carriers to help them successfully handle the distinct challenges that have emerged. These range from the basic need to move inventory from overstocked warehouses, to complex negotiations that motivate Carriers to share the cost and responsibility of decarbonizing maritime supply chains.
Your company can benefit greatly by developing win-win partnerships with Carriers that incentivize them to actively support mutual goals, whether it’s moving stagnant inventory, lowering costs, or improving efficiency and customer retention.
Here are 3 steps businesses can take to develop and strengthen Carrier relationships in ways that benefit your Company, your Carriers, and, ultimately, your Customers.
1. COMMUNICATE
The strongest Carrier partnerships are characterized by transparency and the ability to communicate with a high level of accuracy and professionalism.
2. COLLABORATE
Partnerships flourish when both sides collaborate to effectively plan, time, and streamline deliveries. Once again, technology is critical to gaining an edge in these areas.
3. HONOR COMMITMENTS
Just as you expect Carriers to deliver on time and bill correctly, it’s important for your company to follow through on commitments. Solutions are available to help both parties honor commitments and forge long-term relationships.
It’s important to note the critical role of technology in strengthening Carrier relationships. Technology enables Company and Carrier to focus on facts and collaborative solutions. Logistics tools, auditing and invoicing software, and automated claims processing are just a few of the advanced technology resources that businesses can use to improve Carrier relations and results. For businesses that want a distinct advantage, it pays to build Carrier partnerships based on mutual goals, transparent communications, and data-driven solutions.
Sources
Wall Street Journal: Supply-Chain Headaches Ease for Many Companies – WSJ
S&P Global Market Intelligence: Pass-through fees could disincentivize carriers from decarbonizing: shippers | S&P Global (spglobal.com)
TIA Net: 10 Ways to Improve Carrier Relationships – 3PL Perspectives (tianet.org)
Retail Touchpoints: How Shippers Can Improve Their Relationship With Carriers – Retail TouchPoints