Why LTL Carriers have come to rely on Freight Dock Solutions
 

Q.  How can we be sure that we are getting the lowest prices available?

Because our customers are exclusively LTL carriers, we purchase products in large volume that only trucking companies use.  This volume pricing results in lower prices for you.  In fact, we like to say that we buy in volume so that you don’t have to!  But first, it’s important to differentiate between “price” and “total cost”.

Let’s assume that you purchase a bag of oil dry for $3.00.  The reality is that the total cost of that bag of oil dry is more like $15.00 after adding in Warehousing, Inventory, Invoice Processing, Shipping and Labor costs, just to name a few!  That’s very important because a medium to large LTL carrier can spend up to $1.5 million per year on these products, and that’s just for the cost of the product!  For large companies, there is at least another $2,000,000 - $3,000,000 per year spent in the “non-product”cost areas.

Q. What if we can find lower prices directly from a manufacturer?

             There is a severe financial penalty for securing low prices directly from a manufacturer. 

In order to receive a “low price,” your company must buy in large quantities.  There is a very high cost associated with committing your company’s hard earned money to inventory that doesn’t get used for 6 months to a year.  Then there is the high cost of operating a warehouse to store the product, using your own high labor dollars to perform the distribution, and then possibly shipping it.

What has really been saved?  What is the total cost of the product now?

Leading, progressive LTL companies are choosing Freight Dock Solutions to handle the distribution for their dock and driver supplies because it drastically reduces their Total Cost of Procurement and improves their company’s profitability.  These carriers have realized that, in these competitive times, it is a costly proposition to operate a warehouse, staff it, stock it, and perform the distribution.

When you become involved with Freight Dock Solutions, our Distribution System virtually eliminates those “non-product” costs.  We offer you greater control over these “small” purchases and eliminate the need for your company to tie up its money by holding inventory.

Q. Why do we need Freight Dock Solutions if we already have a warehouse, staff and inventory?

Some of our customers, BIG customers, have closed or substantially reduced their warehouses where they inventoried and distributed these products.  We take it as a great compliment that they trust us to handle this important function for them.  It is also a great responsibility that we take very seriously.

We understand that this course of action may not be appropriate for your company at this point in time.  But you can still take advantage of Freight Dock Solutions’ exemplary pricing and service!  It’s just our mission and responsibility to educate our customers on the most effective and progressive methods of saving money in this area.  It’s up to you to determine how you would like to use us.

Our system of distribution allows us to provide you with many products through one source, thereby substantially reducing the number of vendors you have to use.  Working with one supplier, versus ten or twenty, will cut your Total Cost of Procurement by as much as 90% for these products!

Besides, why wouldn’t a company want to take advantage of volume pricing, same day service, custom tailored programs, a wide selection of quality products and significant cost savings?

We are very flexible.  Please use us in a way that is most beneficial to your company!

Q. Do we have to buy in large quantities to get good prices?

No!  It doesn’t matter if one of your terminals orders one recovery drum or 100.  You will still receive the best prices available.  That’s the value in using a large volume supplier like Freight Dock Solutions.

Q. Currently we have to wait a few weeks to get a product from some manufacturers.  How long are your lead times?

There are no lead times! The value of working with a distributor like Freight Dock Solutions is that we stock and distribute the inventory for you.  We ship the same day we receive your orders, up to 1 P.M.  Over time, we’ll actually be able to anticipate your company’s needs.

Q. I don’t want our field people having to call your company.  Their time is better spent taking care of our customers.  What is your ordering procedure?

Ordering is very easy.  We receive orders through various channels, such as EDI, Internet and Fax.  If received before 1 P.M., we ship orders out the same day.  Keeping phone volume to a minimum helps us to control our costs too, and that helps us to be your low cost supplier!

Q. What if we use a product and you do not carry it?

 More than likely if you use it, other LTL carriers use it too.  After some discussion with you, we may decide to carry the item for you and sell it to all of our customers.

Q. Can Freight Dock Solutions help us research a new product? 

 Absolutely!  We work closely with our customers to develop solutions to all of their freight dock needs.  You won’t have to deal with a “customer service clerk” who is navigating a 4” thick catalogue and really doesn’t know the products or their benefits.  Our company is populated by people who know the LTL industry. 

Q. Does Freight Dock Solutions offer any customized ordering, reporting or billing features?

 Yes!  Tell us what your specific needs are and we will work together to develop an acceptable solution for you.