Expenses when it comes to shipping are a consideration for any business. Many of the companies we supply adhesive to often work with us to get the most effective freight costs for their adhesive material needs. We often get many questions about optimizing freight shipping costs and the shelf-life of adhesive because why buy more if you don’t need it, right?
In their article, we will discuss how to get the best freight costs for shipping adhesive and touch on shelf-life and storage questions.
How to Find the Best Freight Costs for Shipping
Getting the best freight costs for shipping gelatin glue, or any product, involves a combination of strategies and considerations. There isn’t one sure way to ensure the best price for your material needs, but here are some methods that can help improve freight costs.
Compare Freight Providers: Research and compare multiple freight providers, including shipping companies, freight brokers, and logistics companies. Request quotes from several providers to better understand the cost landscape.
Volume and Consistency: If you have a consistent and substantial volume of gelatin glue to purchase and move, consider negotiating long-term contracts with freight providers. This often results in better rates and more predictable costs.
Shipping Mode: Choose the most cost-effective shipping mode for your specific needs. Options may include air freight, ocean freight, rail, or trucking. The choice of mode depends on factors like the distance, urgency, and quantity of the shipment.
Packaging Optimization: Ensure that your gelatin glue is packaged efficiently and securely. Efficient packaging can reduce the size and weight of shipments, potentially lowering costs. It's essential to meet packaging requirements to prevent spillage or damage during transit.
Consolidation: If you have multiple shipments going to the same destination, consider consolidating them into one shipment. This can often result in cost savings, as it reduces handling and transportation costs.
Route Optimization: Work with your freight provider to optimize shipping routes. Minimizing detours and finding the most direct routes can reduce transit times and costs.
Negotiate Rates: Negotiate shipping rates with your chosen freight provider. Discuss factors like the volume of shipments, the frequency of shipments, and the duration of the partnership to secure better rates.
Use Freight Forwarders: Consider using a freight forwarding service, especially if shipping internationally. Freight forwarders can often negotiate better rates due to their industry expertise and relationships with carriers.
Leverage Technology: Use transportation management software or platforms that can help you compare rates, track shipments, and manage logistics efficiently.
Shipping Insurance: Evaluate the need for shipping insurance to protect your gelatin glue shipments from loss or damage during transit. While this adds a cost, it can be essential for high-value or fragile goods.
Plan Ahead: Whenever possible, plan your shipments well in advance. Last-minute or rush shipments often come with higher costs.
Consider Alternative Ports and Hubs: If you're shipping internationally, explore different ports and hubs for cost-effective entry points into your target markets.
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with industry trends and regulation changes that may impact shipping costs. Adjust your strategies accordingly.
Audit and Review: Regularly review your shipping processes and costs. Identify areas where you can improve, cut unnecessary expenses, and optimize your shipping operations.
It’s important to remember that freight costs are subject to change and can vary based on the details of your shipment, including weight, dimension, and mode of transport. Working closely with your chosen freight provider and continuously seeking opportunities is one of the best ways to reduce costs while maintaining the quality and reliability of your shipments.
Improving the Shelf-Life of Your Gelatin Adhesive
We’ve touched on this topic before, as temperature is critical to getting the most out of your adhesive. Here are the takeaways to extend the shelf-life of your gelatin adhesive.
- Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container
- The best operational temperature is between 140°F and 150°F
- Can be frozen up to -112°F
Variations can influence gelatin glue in formulation and quality, so following the manufacturer's guidelines is recommended.
Working with Your Adhesive Supplier
To lower costs when acquiring adhesive materials, speaking with your supplier about your production needs can help reduce costs and set expectations. For example, many businesses tend to forecast immediate needs, but planning ahead and ordering in bulk can reduce expenses and waste.
If you have questions about improving your production or shipping costs regarding gelatin glue, our team can help.
