Routing guides are the secret to smooth truckload shipments
Efficient full truckload shipping requires more than just trucks and freight — it demands coordination and clear processes. That’s where routing guides come in. Think of them as playbooks that outline all the rules and expectations for shipping goods. They help shippers and carriers stay on the same page, cutting down on misunderstandings and ensuring things run smoothly.
How a routing guide can help your FTL supply chain
While routing guides can be used to optimize any transportation mode, they provide a few distinct benefits for truckload shippers. These include:
Easier carrier management
Juggling multiple carriers across various lanes and regions can quickly become complex, especially when each one operates a little differently. Routing guides can help improve overall performance by outlining expectations and ensuring every carrier follows the same processes.
For example, you might require carriers to submit all delivery documents within 24 hours of delivery. By establishing this rule, you can improve your invoicing process — helping payments get processed quickly and reducing administrative costs.
Routing guides are not legally binding, but they do establish a mutual agreement between brokers and carriers. This helps ensure both parties stick to the agreed-upon rates and expectations, reducing the likelihood of disagreements.
Faster decision making
Because expectations are clearly outlined, routing guides can streamline the decision-making process in a few different ways:
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Efficient carrier selection. With established criteria for things like performance, pricing and compliance, shippers can quickly and easily choose the best carrier for each load.
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Proactive problem-solving. Routing guides often include predefined solutions for common issues. If a shipment is delayed, shippers can quickly refer to alternative routes or carrier options, rather than waiting for instruction.
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Faster approval time. Clear guidelines on pricing and service levels can significantly improve efficiency. If a shipment meets the criteria, it can be dispatched immediately, which cuts down on wasted time.
Reduced costs
There are several ways routing guides can reduce truckload costs. The first is by preventing rate fluctuations. Instead of negotiating each shipment, routing guides help you lock in consistent rates with preferred carriers. By giving carriers a consistent lane, you can often bring overall costs down.
Another cost-saving solution is the ability to set expectations for transit times and loading/unloading processes. This can help reduce service failures and costly penalties like detention from occurring — keeping operations running smoothly and avoiding the need for last-minute, expensive alternatives when a carrier falls short.
Fewer delays
Truckload shipments already travel directly from origin to destination, making them an efficient option. But routing guides take that efficiency a step further. They help avoid obstacles like congested areas and road restrictions, ensuring your deliveries stay on track and move faster. And in case something unexpected happens — like equipment failures or bad weather — many routing guides include backup plans with alternate routes or carriers, so your shipment can still get where it needs to go, quickly and smoothly.
ArcBest’s approach to routing guides
At ArcBest, we know that routing guides are key for keeping pricing and procedures consistent. That’s why our strategic capacity team uses routing guides to give you the confidence you need to ensure your loads are always covered.
For contract shipments in regular lanes, we set up a fixed per-mile agreement with top-tier carriers who have capacity in those lanes. Once we secure capacity, you can relax, knowing costs will remain steady and your loads will always be handled by experienced carriers.
Have complicated shipment requirements? No problem! With ArcBest’s truckload service, MoLo, we align shippers with carriers who will consistently haul your loads, so everyone understands the shipment needs and follows the right instructions.
Take control of your FTL shipments with ArcBest
Looking to streamline your full truckload shipments and ensure consistency across your supply chain? ArcBest offers the expertise needed, with customized routing guides built to streamline your operations.
Contact us to learn how we can help your business navigate full truckload shipping with confidence.
Want more ways to drive efficiency? Read these top truckload strategies.
