If you reside in a costly city like Miami, it’s understandable to desire a relocation outside of the city.  The cost of living in some cities is higher than 96% than the state average. Not only does it hold a position among the most expensive places to live in the United States, but it also ranks within the top 2% of the world’s priciest cities. Therefore, if you, like many others, have plans to move away, it’s crucial to understand the process of hiring a moving company South Florida.

Hire a Local Mover

Opting for a local moving company within your locality is better to avoid any potential delays or complications. If you currently reside in Miami, Florida, and are planning a move to Austin, Dallas, Jacksonville, Orlando, San Antonio, Tampa, or the Villages, it is recommended to choose a reputable local Shark Moving company in South Florida specializing in both residential and commercial moves.

The primary benefit of hiring a local South Florida movers is their in-depth knowledge of the locality, including routes and the area you are moving from and to. With their understanding of local traffic patterns, roads, and potential obstacles, they can strategically plan the most efficient routes and promptly adapt if necessary, all while prioritizing the safety and security of your belongings.

Credentials

It is highly recommended to refrain from hiring an unlicensed and uninsured moving company in Florida to safeguard yourself from getting trapped by bogus movers. Legitimate and trustworthy moving companies are only those that possess proper licensing and insurance, ensuring the protection of your belongings. Interstate movers typically register with the US Department of Transportation and are assigned a unique USDOT number. To find out a moving company’s USDOT number, you can conduct a search in the database maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the US Department of Transportation.

At the same time, having moving insurance provides essential protection for your belongings against damage, theft, or loss during storage, transit, and the loading/unloading process. Moreover, all South Florida moving solutions operating within the United States are legally obligated to carry liability insurance that covers the value of the goods they transport. However, it is crucial to assess the coverage level based on different circumstances. There are two primary types of moving insurance: full replacement value protection and alternative liability coverage. With full replacement value protection, the insurance company will reimburse you for the cost of repairs or replacement. On the other hand, alternative liability coverage may involve additional expenses that surpass the coverage provided by the insurance.

Reputation

To gain insights into a Florida moving company’s reliability, professionalism, and reputation within the market, it is advisable to check reviews from previous clients and seek referrals.

Reviewing feedback from past customers and requesting referrals can provide valuable information about the moving company South Florida you are considering. One of the easiest methods is to explore online platforms that host reviews. Reputable review websites, online forums, social media platforms, and company websites or Google reviews can be valuable resources. When evaluating reviews, it is beneficial to identify patterns and pay close attention to both positive and negative feedback to form a well-rounded opinion. Keep in mind that a moving company may have a few negative reviews amidst numerous positive ones, indicating that occasional issues can be managed and might not necessarily reflect your own experience if you are well-prepared. However, consistently bad reviews do not reflect positively on the moving company.

Additionally, it is important to consider various factors such as punctuality, communication, handling of belongings, overall customer service, and professionalism while reviewing feedback.

In addition to online reviews, seeking referrals from individuals who have firsthand experience with the moving company can be highly beneficial. You can reach out to your neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members to inquire about their experiences. Another option is to request a list of references directly from the moving company, enabling you to directly contact previous clients and gain insights into crucial aspects such as trustworthiness. This approach proves to be one of the most effective ways of obtaining feedback as it comes directly from clients who can provide a comprehensive understanding of the moving company you are considering.

 Transparency in Rates

Understanding the pricing structure of a moving company in relation to the average market rates is crucial. The quotation you receive should align with competitive market prices. Equally important, it allows you to plan your budget effectively while minimizing the risk of unexpected costs before, during, or after the move.

Ensure that you request a comprehensive, detailed, clear, and concise quotation that covers all aspects, including packing, loading, transportation, storage, and unloading. If you only require specific services, clarify this upfront. Additionally, confirm that the moving company is open to discussing and negotiating prices based on various factors. Request a breakdown of expenses based on the size of the move, any additional services required, and the distance to be traveled. By obtaining these details, you can make informed decisions and have a transparent understanding of the pricing structure.

One of the most crucial aspects to inquire about and ensure is the possibility of additional charges. These may include parking fees, toll charges, fuel surcharges, varying rates for fragile or heavy items, and handling special requirements, among others. Some moving companies may impose extra fees if your move involves an apartment building, necessitating the transportation of your belongings up multiple flights of stairs. By reviewing and clarifying any potential extra charges upfront, you can accurately estimate the overall cost of your move.

Conclusion

When selecting a moving company, it is important to choose a local provider that offers the services you require and possesses knowledge of local routes.

Additionally, it is essential to verify the credentials of the moving company, including licenses and insurance, to ensure their legitimacy. Reading reviews and feedback from previous clients and requesting a list of referrals from the company can also provide valuable insights into their reputation in the market.

Lastly, obtaining a comprehensive breakdown of the costs associated with the move is crucial to minimize the risk of unexpected additional charges. This will allow you to effectively plan your move within your budgetary constraints.

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Load boards offer a variety of advantages that can make them an essential part of your business plan. However, load boards can’t be your only solution. Continue reading to learn more about load boards, who uses them, their benefits, and the best strategy for their use.

What are Load Boards?

Load boards, sometimes referred to as freight boards, are online platforms that help shippers and freight brokers connect with carriers. Shippers searching for trucks to haul their freight can reach out to carriers that post details of their empty equipment. Freight brokers post their loads on these platforms so carriers can acquire freight to optimize their efficiency and income.

Raye Ackerman, VP of Subscription Services at eCapital, compares load boards to dating websites, connecting brokers and carriers instead of people looking for the right partner. “Freight brokers post details about their loads, and carriers post their capabilities, such as refrigerated trucks or a temperature-controlled dry van. Carriers can search the listings to find the best loads available in a specific location. Conversely, a broker could search out a specific type of carrier to transport their products.”

Who Uses Load Boards?

Almost all carriers use load boards as part of their business operations. So, let’s look at how trucking businesses at various stages can use a load board to grow.

Startup companies 

A startup carrier can use load boards to find freight while building its customer base. As with all industries, building a solid customer base that provides regular and reliable work can take time. A load board can provide freight plus help your business connect with shippers and freight brokers to develop relationships and your reputation as a reliable carrier. As your customer base grows, your trucking business may rely less on load boards.

Growing companies 

A growing carrier can use load boards to fill gaps as its customer base grows. It can reduce empty miles while connecting you with potential new customers. For example, you may have regular work from your customers, but an expanding fleet may require additional customers that can be found on load boards to fill that new capacity.

Established trucking companies 

Even established trucking companies use load boards. Load boards can help established businesses fill capacity and avoid running empty miles. In addition, many companies use load boards to find higher-paying loads to maximize their profitability.

What are the Best Strategies for Using Load Boards?

Reducing empty miles is paramount to protecting your bottom line. Finding and hauling fronthaul freight is the easier half of the equation for running a profitable trucking business – finding freight to fill the backhaul is exceedingly more difficult. According to a 2019 survey, the number of empty miles available for backhaul increased to 28%, up from the 26% reported in the previous year’s survey. Perhaps the most common reason for growing and established trucking companies to use load boards is to secure loads to fill backhauls.

Often trucks are running with available capacity, or worse, are deadheading. A load board can help you maximize equipment utilization to grow your business more profitably.

A longer-term benefit of using load boards is that it can help you connect with brokers who could become regular customers. If you use a load board that includes broker data, you can connect with vetted freight brokers who can become trustworthy partners.

Finally, load boards can provide data that helps you make better business decisions. For example, you can track rates and target better loads with higher rates. Many load boards also offer market data and trend analysis essential to planning, forecasting, and making informed business decisions. Using this data, established companies can position additional equipment in areas of high demand where brokers will pay much higher average rates.

Take care not to lean too heavily on load boards as the sole source of freight acquisition – it is a highly competitive venue. Instead, concentrate on building lasting relationships – each load you acquire and haul from a load board is another opportunity to prove your service value to a new potential customer.  Using load boards in this fashion will build your brand reputation and provide better connections to acquire the loads you need tomorrow and in the future. As your business grows, establish lanes to acquire steady loads and continue using load boards to their best advantage – to fill remaining capacity and to reach new customers.

What are the Benefits of Using Load Boards?

There are several benefits to using load boards. Load boards are typically easy to use and are readily available if you have reliable internet access. Many load boards are free to use. You can also find affordable subscription models, which may include extra information and offer higher security and reliability.

Load boards also take negotiation and contracts off your plate. For example, if you’re a startup carrier, you might not have the staff to build relationships with shippers, submit bids for contracts, or negotiate terms. For new trucking companies, load boards supply a readily available pool of paying freight to launch your business and build relationships.

But the most significant benefit to all trucking companies, no matter what stage of development their business is in, is that load boards provide a cost-effective tool to top up capacity, fill backhauls, and source new leads. They are a valuable tool to increase efficiency and profits.

Summary

There are plenty of advantages to using load boards, but you shouldn’t rely on them for all your business.

A load board can help you break into the industry as a startup business, reduce empty miles on backhauls, and fill capacity gaps as your business grows. Still, it is not recommended as a primary strategy for acquiring loads. Your primary load acquisition strategy should focus on developing relationships with shippers and brokers and establishing lanes your trucking company can dominate. Use load boards as a secondary strategy to limit empty runs, help fill capacity gaps, identify the best-paying loads, and connect with potential new customers. Building a solid customer base will lead to steady and reliable work.

Building a solid customer base is the best approach for ensuring the long-term success of your trucking business. A load board should be just one of the tools your trucking company uses, but it is a necessary and effective tool nonetheless!

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What Is Courier Delivery for Last Mile Transportation Services?

To meet customers’ expectations for speed, companies are offering fast, on-demand shipping. But many of these companies rely on ineffective, cumbersome logistics methods that require manual key entry and delivery processing, resulting in wasted time, errors, and lost revenue. By embracing new technologies in last-mile delivery, such as booking capacity in real-time, businesses can offer their customers flexibility and speed in deliveries. 

Flexibility and speed give companies a more strategic view of their shipping activity and how those activities correlate to more significant optimizations in the supply chain. Strategic decision-making afforded by technology taking care of manual, rote shipping processes allows for healthier margins as employees are more productive and customers are happier with the shipping experience. A significant component of last mile expenditures are failed deliveries. The cost of failed deliveries usually goes to the business. It only further increases costs as the company will now need to replace the product and pay for shipping again, “The average rate of returns for online purchases was 20.8% — an increase from 18.1% last year,” noted CNBC. That risk means it’s more important than ever for businesses to find cost-effective last mile solutions. 

Among these solutions, courier services stand out among the rest. 

Last Mile Delivery- Capacity Is Essential

Courier deliveries are a fast, crowdsourced method of performing last mile deliveries. From moving homes to moving paperwork, courier services represent the new wave of logistics solutions. Expand.

Businesses use courier services as a means to save money. With last mile delivery costs representing 53% of total shipping costs, it can offer businesses the flexibility and scalability of a virtual fleet to meet ever-increasing capacity demands. The key to a successful courier service is its capacity. Couriers allow businesses to scale their delivery services to meet customer demands and react in real-time to real-world logistics challenges. 

Capacity Essentials:

• Faster turn-around times. Without crowded dispatches and sluggish warehouses, businesses can get orders out the door at a fraction of the pace (and cost) offered by slower delivery modes. 
• Assurance of suitable carrier matches. By offering a wide range of vehicles, courier services help businesses know they have the right vehicle for any job, no matter how big or small, with access to on-demand capacity. Courier services offer reliable, on-demand access to a fleet of insured drivers. 

Last Mile Delivery – Speed and Accuracy Matters

According to Insider Intelligence, last-mile deliveries account for fifty-three percent of the overall costs of delivery operations. Coupled with the challenges faced with surging e-commerce orders and customer expectations for same-day deliveries, businesses need to rely on logistics experts.

Courier professionals can help a business with accurate and fast deliveries by providing the following:

• Real-time delivery tracking: Courier services rely on an easy-to-use mobile application, integrated into an industry-leading API, to help businesses track their logistics in real-time. Courier services put businesses in the driver’s seat. 
• On-demand communications. Courier services can help businesses with their logistics issues by streamlining communication between the shipper, courier, and customer using a single platform. 
• Improved customer service. With on-call contact through an integrated logistics platform, courier services can help customers leave logistics interactions with a good review in mind. 

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In 2020 alone, over $9 billion were invested in last mile delivery startups in North America. In that same year, the last mile delivery market in the region was forecast at $39.9 billion. But last mile delivery, which involves the journey of goods from a transportation hub to a final delivery point, represents the most costly piece of the shipping process.

A recent report by Deloitte found that “more than half of shoppers said “fast shipping” was two days or less.” With customers demanding faster and faster shipping times, what are some ways businesses can solve transportation procurement problems and increase efficiency in the last mile or also known as final mile?

Let Customers Set and Adjust Delivery Specifications

By providing customers with an easy-to-use logistics platform, such as a mobile app, businesses can ensure that customers are in full control of their deliveries. Granting customers the freedom to schedule on-demand deliveries can improve transportation procurement and cut down on failed deliveries, the costs of which often fall onto the shipper’s shoulders. 

Continuously Update Shipping Services and Options

Partnering with an API-enabled last-mile logistics provider can allow for real-time reactions to real-world logistics crises. By continuously expanding shipping services, from white glove services to hot shot delivery, businesses can offer the exact service a customer is looking for, promoting five-star reviews and delivery efficiency. 

Utilized Advanced Tools and Technology to Track Orders

With the truckload market in the U.S. soon expected to reach $212 billion, it’s time for businesses to apply advanced tools to transportation procurement in order to keep up with a booming trucking procurement industry. PRNewswire, reporting on a 2021 study by Global Industry Analytics (GIA), reported that the global freight trucking market “…is projected to reach a revised size of $2.7 Trillion by 2026.”

With the industry growing at this rate, it’s vital that businesses implement new technologies to track their orders and maintain visibility over their growing operations, especially as capacity increases due to e-commerce. Using new technology in last mile delivery, such as innovative crowdsourcing, businesses can survive and thrive within the trucking procurement industry’s rapid growth. 

Enable Real-Time Communication With All Parties

PRNewswire, reporting on a study by Loquate, an address verification company, writes that “Eight percent of domestic first-time deliveries fail, costing retailers an average of $17.20 per order or $197,730 per year.” By putting all parties–shippers, drivers, and customers–in close communication through a logistics platform, costly mix-ups resulting in failed deliveries can be easily avoided. 

Provide Customized Shipping and Delivery Options

Whether a customer needs a quick courier service or an entire moving van, businesses need to be ready to provide for their transportation procurement needs. By providing a wide range of vehicles on-demand, businesses can provide customers with whatever shipping resources they need, whenever they need them. 

Automatic Notifications and ETA Alerts to Customers

With 42% of customers wanting same-day delivery, according to a 2020 Forbes report, and 15% saying they chose to buy from Amazon simply because the shipment would arrive faster, speed is quickly showing itself to be a driving factor of sales in the e-commerce era. By delivering automatic shipping notifications and estimated time of arrival (ETA) notices straight to the palm of the customer’s hand, businesses can keep their customers happy and their orders on time.

Provide Proof of Delivery for Customers Once Delivered

By partnering with an insured last and middle mile service provider that provides proof of delivery for customers upon a shipment’s arrival, businesses can not only avoid burdensome failed delivery costs but can also ensure their customers that their order is watched carefully every step of the way.   

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You may have just started a moving business and are researching ways to get it rolling. Or you’re already a seasoned mover but your business has hit a plateau and you’re itching to maximize profits. Either way, kudos to you for realizing the potential of your moving business and taking the initiative to turn your company into a leading moving service for your area.

Core Principle of Becoming a Leader in the Moving Industry

There are several ways for you to stand out and get ahead of your competitors. Surprisingly, most of it won’t cost you a dime. A lot of it is centered around core values:

• Treat others the way you want to be treated. 
• Show respect and gratitude, even with the little things. 
• Be honest and caring. 

In short, make customer service a priority because even if you are the best at what you do, if you’re not liked, it won’t matter. However, even if things go awry-say you break something-, if you maintain your professionalism, kindness, and understanding, your customers will be more forgiving.

Additionally, don’t just say customer satisfaction is your top priority, show it. Especially in this day and age, there’s a lot of companies, not just in the moving industry, that claim they care about their customers but behave in a different way. Therefore, this has put a lot of people in doubt when companies say that. It doesn’t hold much value until you’re able to prove it. That’s important to know when it comes to serving your customers and marketing to potential customers.

8 Ways to Win Customers and Increase Profits in the Moving Industry

The components listed below stand the test of time with the exception of #7 because the .com era has only been around for nearly 30 years and who knows what the future holds. Although, we don’t see an end to websites or the Internet any time soon.

1. Build trust

The biggest way to build trust is through great website reviews. If other people are using your moving services and giving it a good rating, others are bound to trust their opinions. It’s called “the bandwagon effect” in psychology. Therefore, use your reviews in your marketing efforts at every opportunity where it makes sense.

Of course, you need to get people to trust you in the first place in order to start accumulating those reviews. You can still do this by getting social, which we’ll discuss more about at the end of this list. You can get social by participating in your community like holding an event, going door-to-door, sponsoring an event, etc. 

Also, use your About Us Page and social platforms to build trust. Tell your company story. Include little tidbits about you and your family. Post pictures of yourself, your workplace, your family life, your employees hard at work, etc.

2. Be personable

Have a conversation with your customer. It doesn’t always have to be about business. Ask questions. Show empathy and interest. Find common ground. Being personable also builds trust. Your customers will be more willing to open up to you because they feel comfortable.

3. Give competitive rates

You’ll have to do some math here and research. You’ll first have to add up or estimate your expenses to figure out your profit margin. Then, you’ll have to conduct some research to find out what your competitors are pricing their services at. Hopefully, your expenses are low enough, which they probably are, for you to be in the range of your competitors. Let’s face it, price is a huge determining factor of who your customers choose when it comes to moving.

If you think dropping your prices to where your competitors rates are will hold you back from earning more profits, you’re wrong. It’s actually the opposite because you’ll be attracting more customers, as long as you’re providing great service.

4. Deliver on your promises

You must follow through on your promises. Whether it’s something on your business card, website, ad, etc. Your customers will hold you to your promises and guarantees. So, first be careful with your language and be clear on your offerings. Make sure your employees are educated in these policies and ensure your company is living up to them.

5. Provide value

Explain to your customers why they need your moving services. How is it going to make a difference in their life? Can you justify the price for them to make it worth it?

Go the extra mile of providing value for free too. It will be worth it in the long run. Periodically publish content to your website, social platforms, even guest blogs or publications that provide moving tips, moving statistics, moving trends, and more. Make it interesting and valuable to your readers. The last thing you want to do is waste their time.

6. Offer a unique moving service/unique selling point

Think outside of the box. Do some research here too. Check out what your competitors are offering. What are they doing that’s a little extra? It could be setting up utilities, assembling furniture, same-day service, etc. When you find your unique selling point, talk passionately about it through your marketing materials. Make them feel as though they’re getting a bonus service. Technically, they kind of are.

7. Have a stellar website

Most likely your customers first impression of you will be based on your moving company website. And people can be very judgemental about websites. From design, to speed, to navigation, everything has to be precise and well functionally in order to build a good reputation online. If your website is lacking information, frustrating to use, or slow you can say goodbye to business.

8. Get social

We’re talking about social media here and although social media is rather new, being social has always been about business. It’s just done differently now, where you can get social with customers without ever initially meeting them. It’s also referred to as “social selling”. The more social you are, the more you will create a name for yourself, you’ll be remembered, and recognized. 

Use your social media platforms to inform people of industry news, trends, your services and discounts, but it’s also good to share things outside of your business every once in a while. This is how people will get to know and trust you. Spark conversations too! People like to talk and give their input on topics.

The post How to Make Your Moving Company Stand Out From Competition appeared first on Carriers&Movers.

Bearing this in mind, it’s not uncommon for those in the moving industry to deal with stressed customers on a daily basis – and not necessarily because of your job performance. You are being entrusted with another person’s entire collection of belongings – it’s natural for them to be anxious.

Unfortunately, it’s easy to let this stress be transferred to your staff through frustration or negativity.

However, a bad attitude on your part can look unprofessional and could result in lost business as customers and your best employees start leaving.

Here are five tips for moving companies on how to train your job supervisors and staff to stay calm while dealing with stressful customers.

1. Do what you can to minimize stressful situations.
   Prepare for your upcoming job the evening before by making sure everything is ready to go the next day. This might mean filling the van with fuel or making sure you have enough emergency boxes on hand for the next day’s clients. Make sure you start the day off prepared.
2. Help your customers before the day of the job.
   If you give clients checklists and tips, not only are you boosting your business credentials but the customer will also be more likely to be prepared and less stressed by the whole process.  It also increases the chances of reducing any surprises if both you and the customer are organized.
3. Give the client your full attention.
   Don’t forget the number one rule when it comes to customers – they are always right. If their move isn’t going according to plan, it’s understandable that they may become upset. Take the time to assure them that you are there to help. Stop what you are doing and ask how you can make the situation better. Learning to be calm yourself can have a calming influence on others. This flexibility and understanding will ensure you receive a good review later on.
4. Take a time out.
   Physical exhaustion can be a huge cause of stress. After a day filled with moves requiring heavy lifting, ensure that you avoid strenuous tasks in the evening. Coming into work refreshed and rested will give you the right mind set to please even the most worried customer. Also, staff trips out can help your employees become closer as a team, resulting in reduced employee conflict and less stress all round.
5. Be prepared for complaints.
   Make sure that you have a go-to guide for your staff when problems arise. Certain issues are likely to pop up on a regular basis. Make sure you have a procedure in place to deal with those recurring issues. By documenting these, staff will feel less strained on the job due to your guidance, and your customers will be impressed at how quickly your movers are able to fix a problem. Learn to communicate effectively. Train your staff on how they should talk to customers. This doesn’t have to be a rigid script, but sometimes, pre-determined answers and solutions can ensure that problems are dealt with effectively.

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GET A DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NUMBER

The first thing to do, is to apply for a United States Department of Transportation number. It isn’t directly needed to start a freight shipping business, but it is necessary for the next step in the process.

GET A BROKER AUTHORITY LICENSE

This license is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It licenses a person or a company to conduct business as a freight broker, just as you would need a license to practice law or to be a commercial pilot. The specific form to be completed is MFCSA form OP-1. You must have a U.S. Department of Transportation number, which you should have already received. There is a $300 fee for this license.

GET INSURANCE

In the case of becoming a freight broker, this insurance comes in the form of a surety bond or a trust fund. This insurance is for the shipping company’s benefit and guarantees they will be paid for any cargo space. If the person or company shipping the freight does not pay, the freight broker is held responsible, and in cases where the freight broker cannot pay, this trust fund or surety bond is there to absorb the cost. This surety bond or trust fund must contain a minimum amount of $10,000.

GET A PROCESS AGENT

There is always legal documentation. For starting a freight shipping business, a person must register with a process agent for each state in which they will operate. This is also done with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. What is a process agent? He or she is an agent who acts as legal representative in a particular state. This also requires a form, called BOC-3. There is only a filing fee of $50 for this form.

These are all direct steps in order to become a freight broker. First and foremost, research is needed to get the ins and outs of what it means to begin any new career.

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