Why shippers should consider consolidating freight

Consumer buying behavior has changed. As the convenience of ordering products online continues to increase, expectations for faster deliveries increase, too. Customers are no longer willing to wait weeks to receive deliveries or pay high shipping fees. Instead, the growth of e-commerce has led to customers asking for same-day and next-day delivery at the lowest possible rate. So, how can shippers keep up with this frenzy of ordering and ever-increasing demand, all while keeping customers happy? By consolidating shipments. 

Use geo-fencing technology to protect your freight

Imagine this: You’re shipping two trailers full of electronics with a combined value of $8 million. The carrier you hired loads the freight on a Monday and has strict rules to go directly to the destination for delivery on Tuesday evening. Except the trailers never show. Six months later, they’re still nowhere to be found, and you’re out millions of dollars.

The Skill is maneuvering a truck up a long residential driveway.

The Will is impressing a customer.  

Based on past experiences with other companies, a customer was doubtful that a driver for ArcBest^® less-than-truckload carrier ABF Freight^® would be willing to deliver a shipment up his 1,000-foot driveway.

But that’s exactly what ABF Freight driver Tim Clark did.

The story behind our Waco Service Center’s success

Thirty-six years ago, the Waco, Texas, service center opened and began operations in the ABF Freight^® network. Since then, its employees have been working diligently to implement efficient transportation solutions and provide customers with everything they want and need. With only 12 dock doors and 4,200 square feet of dock space, the amount of freight going in and out of this service center is significant in Waco’s growing market.

March and April trade shows taking place in the U.S.

Trade shows and professional conferences often attract thousands of guests, which means they’re ripe with opportunity for businesses that exhibit at them. Trade shows give vendors a chance to unveil new products, discover new trends, network with colleagues and more.

The Skill is unloading a heavy shipment to a business location without a dock.

The Will is making a potentially complicated delivery uncomplicated.

At our Dayton, Ohio, service center, teamwork and communication are key to meeting customers’ needs.

The importance of freight tracking

Customers’ needs change and adapt with time, and so should their freight carriers. As technology becomes more sophisticated, it’s not enough anymore for a carrier to make the promise to deliver freight safely and on time. Today, carriers need to be able to communicate shipment status reliably, and make sure that information is available around the clock so that customers can plan and know where their freight is at all times. That’s why it’s important to partner with a carrier that offers real-time online tracking capabilities.

How consumer demands are reshaping final-mile deliveries

Traditionally, consumers completed the final mile by purchasing a product in a brick-and-mortar location and either taking it home via their own transportation or hiring a local delivery service. But, with the rise of e-commerce, consumers can now purchase virtually anything online and get it delivered right to their door. This even includes heavy and bulky items like appliances, furniture, exercise equipment, safes and basketball goals.

The importance of evolving technology

According to a June Forrester Report, business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce is expected to reach $1.2 trillion and account for 13.1 percent of all B2B sales by 2021. In the pre- and early-internet days, most would have never imagined these kinds of numbers.

Shipping freight to California

California shipping regulations differ from most other states. Factors like emissions, operating hours, shipment size and freight inspections come into play and can present challenges for shippers who aren’t aware and prepared. If you’re operating a commercial truck within the state or shipping oversized freight, international cargo, plants, produce or household goods, certain guidelines, licenses and permits may apply. Understanding and following the guidelines helps ensure compliance.