In today’s freight environment, reliability isn’t just a selling point; it’s a requirement. With rising costs, changing port volumes, and the increasing pressure on logistics teams to meet tighter schedules, choosing the right partner for your intermodal freight matters more than ever.
Too often, we hear about freight forwarders and import/export teams that are left scrambling when a carrier falls off a load or can’t provide the capacity they promised. This not only slows down operations but also eats into margins and damages trust with your customers.
Why does Dropped Freight happen?
The answer often comes down to three factors:
- Overbooked Fleets: Many carriers fill their boards with more loads than they can realistically cover, hoping to sort things out later. This practice creates a domino effect of delays and last-minute cancellations, forcing logistics teams to scramble for backup.
- Driver Shortages: Even the best dispatch systems can’t move freight if there aren’t enough trained drivers available. While the driver shortage has improved in some markets, it’s still a key reason why freight gets dropped at the last minute.
- Lack of Communication: Silence from your carrier is more than frustrating—it’s risky. Without timely updates, freight forwarders and logistics managers can’t plan, adjust, or communicate expectations with their own customers.
How can logistics teams protect themselves?
- Ask tough questions about capacity. Don’t just ask “Can you cover this?”. Ask, “How do you guarantee coverage?”
- Check for transparent communication systems. A carrier should be able to tell you where your load is at any time.
- Look for driver-focused carriers. Companies that prioritize training, safety, and driver retention tend to be more consistent in their coverage.
Intermodal trucking companies that invest in reliable capacity and proactive communication are the ones that keep freight moving, no matter the challenges. At the end of the day, choosing the right partner is the difference between a smooth delivery experience and a supply chain scramble.
Here at Sunburst Truck Lines, we’ve built our reputation as a company you can trust to keep your freight moving, without the fear of getting it dropped. If reliability is top of mind for your team, reach out today.
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