If you want your business to be successful in today’s busy world, you will need to have cost-effective ways to get your products to customers as quickly as possible. Otherwise, they will simply leave your business behind and find another one that will meet their needs.

As you know, transportation costs can be one of the biggest expenses many businesses face, especially small businesses. Should you be looking for ways to cut your company’s transportation costs while still delivering excellent customer service, here are four ways you can make it happen.

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1. Rail Service

When you need to transport a large number of products to customers, rail service can be a smart and cost-effective idea. Able to travel long distances without having to stop, trains can also reach virtually anywhere your customers are located.

2. Boats

Extremely efficient because of well-established shipping lanes, transporting products by sea can save your company a tremendous amount of money each year. Very often, boats are able to carry more cargo than trains or large trucks, and they can also travel at a quicker pace to reach their destination.

This will work very well if you also use intermodal drayage, since this can be used to move large shipping containers between boats easily and quickly, meaning your products will get into your customers’ hands faster than anticipated.

3. Big Rigs

The most common way to transport goods to customers, using large trucks can be efficient, reliable, and very affordable. Like trains, trucks can carry a large number of items, travel long distances without stopping, and navigate many types of bad weather with relative ease.

An added benefit to your company is that there are many trucking companies from which you can choose, meaning you can often pit the competition against each other so that you come away with a very affordable option.

4. Flat-Rate Shipping

Last but not least, once you have settled on your preferred method of transporting your goods, consider offering flat-rate shipping to your customers. This will work very well if you have a product line featuring items that are similar in size and weight.

After doing some research, you should be able to arrive at a price that will ensure you are not overcharging or undercharging your customers.

As the business world becomes more and more competitive in all types of industries, finding that extra edge over your competition can be crucial to long-term success. If you can lower your transportation costs and still quickly get products to your customers, you’ll have a winning combination.

Also, read: 5 Quick Ways To Ensure Your Products Are Easy To Recycle