4 Freight Solutions For Small Businesses In Canada
If you are a small business owner in Canada, you may find yourself struggling to find the best and most affordable freight solutions for transporting your goods. Shipping and logistics can be complicated, but with the right information, you can make sure your products get where they need to go — from Newfoundland to British Columbia — quickly and affordably. Here are four freight solutions for small businesses in Canada that can help save you time and money.
Freight Forwarders
A freight forwarder is a third-party logistics provider specializing in arranging shipments for individuals or companies from one point of origin to another. These services typically include:
- Documentation preparation
- Sorting and packing
- Storage
- Tracking goods in transit
- Negotiating freight charges on behalf of their clients
Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between you and the carrier, ensuring that goods arrive at their destination on time and in good condition.
Courier Services
A courier service is the best option if you need a package delivered quickly. Courier services provide door-to-door delivery of packages or documents within a specific timeframe. They are usually more expensive than other shipping methods but offer faster transit times, even the same day for local deliveries. Courier services generally have less stringent weight and size limits, making them ideal for sending large items such as furniture or machinery.
Rail Transport Services
Rail transport services are economical for moving freight over long distances within Canada. Rail transportation has many benefits, including:
- Avoids traffic congestion due to its own dedicated tracks away from highways and roads
- Eco-friendly option
- Less expensive than transport by air
It is important to remember that rail transport requires special packing considerations due to the limited space available on each train car. Therefore, you will need to consult with experts before preparing your shipment if you plan on using this method of transportation.
Shipping Companies
If you need to ship goods overseas, you need a shipping company. Shipping companies are responsible for transporting goods by sea or air from one international port to another via cargo ships or planes. Transport by sea tends to be slower but less expensive. Conversely, transport by air is much faster but more expensive. Goods are typically dropped off at designated ports by customers or by trucking companies hired to do so.
Finding the right freight solutions for small businesses in Canada doesn't have to be stressful or overwhelming. With these four options, you should have enough information to decide which works best for your needs. For more information on freight solutions, contact a company near you.