What Are the Best Freight Shipping Solutions for Small Businesses?

Balancing shipping cost, speed and safety is essential for small business owners. You need shipments to arrive on time and intact while being cost-effective. Luckily, there are logistics brokerages and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) that can help.

1. Green River Logistics Solutions

Since Green River Logistics Solutions is a smaller logistics brokerage with enterprise-level capabilities, it blends individualized support with unique solutions to meet your needs. Whether you need expedited shipping or reverse logistics services, it will deliver.

It provides custom logistics solutions, including documentation, supply chain visibility, warehousing, route analysis and load consolidation. The company also specializes in less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, which is a cost-effective option for dry goods since you only pay for the portion of the truck you use. Full truckload (FTL) and partial truckload services are also available for high-volume and midsized shipments.

Whether you utilize ground, air or intermodal transportation methods, Green River Logistics Solutions’ competitive rates, dedicated support and expeditious delivery timeline make it the best freight shipping solution for small businesses.

Key Features

• Includes shipping options like heavy haul freight and refrigerated trucks
• Offers trade show freight logistics — a white-glove service that balances speed and safety
• Typically ships small and medium payloads within one to four days

2. Worldwide Express

Worldwide Express connects you with supply chain functions, including parcel and freight services. It works with small and medium-sized businesses to meet their immediate shipping needs.

It has a network of over 75 LTL and 85,000 FTL freight carriers. As part of the country’s largest non-retail UPS authorized reseller, it offers features that other 3PLs cannot. Day and time-specific shipping windows help you meet your customers’ expectations.

With Worldwide Express’ expedited services, you can deliver internationally within one to three days. Overnight and two-day shipping is also available for shipments to the contiguous United States, and your package can be up to 150 pounds and 108 inches long.

Key Features

• Provides UPS business solutions like same-day and overnight shipping — even on weekends and holidays
• Guarantees delivery to all 50 states and Puerto Rico
• Offers contract rates — which you negotiate based on the market rate — or short-term pricing agreements

3. Roadie

Unlike traditional carriers, Roadie employs 310,000 independent drivers to fulfill on-demand or scheduled deliveries. Once you post a delivery, the algorithm finds you a driver. It optimizes consolidations to improve delivery efficiency.

The free account has no sign-up fees or minimums. It comes with $100 insurance coverage for packages up to 300 pounds and 12 feet long. The contract business account requires 25 minimum deliveries weekly. In addition to the basic benefits, it includes advanced logistics tools.

Roadie’s drivers can deliver to 97% of U.S. households. Unlike traditional carriers, they can deliver oversized items up to 300 pounds and 144 inches without jumping through hoops. Roadie employees only travel up to 100 miles, but while your reach is limited to local customers, you gain fast lead times. The company automatically processes additional deliveries if the first attempt fails. It even lets you send branded email and SMS notifications to your customers.

Key Features

• Guarantees same-day and end-of-day deliveries
• Lets you choose two- or four-hour windows depending on distance and driver availability
• Delivers thousands of orders daily at an easy-to-understand all-in rate with the RoadieXD freight logistics service

4. PartnerShip

Over 20,000 businesses across North America have worked with PartnerShip for its freight logistics services. With its vast network of carrier partners, you can get LTL, FTL or small packages transported at a moment’s notice. It even provides warehousing to streamline deliveries.

For businesses that prefer to manage storage independently before handing off to a carrier, having on-site capacity can be a cost-effective first step. Companies like USA Containers offer 20ft and 40ft shipping containers for purchase or rent — giving small businesses a flexible, weatherproof staging area without long-term warehouse contracts.

With a 200,000-square-foot warehouse and headquarters in the Midwest, PartnerShip’s home base is within 600 miles of 60% of the U.S. population. Moreover, it has easy access to an international airport and multiple interstates, enabling it to streamline deliveries.

The company ships small packages through FedEx Express for time-sensitive shipments and FedEx Ground for everything else. Using its standard LTL freight service guarantees delivery by 5 p.m. on your specified delivery date. Alternatively, you can select a time-specific window.

Key Features

• Provides a dedicated account team to understand your business and supply chain needs
• Works with Roanoke Trade — which typically pays out claims within 30 days — to provide freight insurance for physical loss or damage
• Lets customers select time-specific delivery windows

5. USPS

Generally, USPS is more affordable than other major carriers for smaller parcels. While it is not as effective for moving postal freight, it is still among the best options. It has many free value-added services for small business owners.

With a business account, you immediately access discounted prices for Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, Ground Advantage Return and Priority Mail Return labels — the lowest rates you can get outside of a negotiated service agreement. The business account includes free tracking, shipping supplies, package pickup and weekend deliveries. You also do not pay surcharges when it fulfills residential orders.

USPS also boasts lower commercial rates than others, including flat-rate shipping. It ships internationally in one to five business days and domestically in three to 10 days, depending on the service type. It can facilitate returns within one to five days. Its new local delivery service is rolling out nationwide and supports same-day and next-day delivery.

Key Features

• Provides supplies, including envelopes, pouches, boxes, receipt forms and address labels
• Offers the Click-N-Ship service, which lets you easily pay, print and ship from your home or office
• Remains affordable, thanks to government funding

6. Old Dominion Freight Line

With nearly a century of experience, Old Dominion Freight Line is a leading LTL carrier. It supports domestic and international freight, delivering to all 48 contiguous states. It also provides FTL and trade show logistics services.

Its 261 service centers strategically placed nationwide enable fast lead times. As a result, it guarantees delivery by 5 p.m. on the scheduled day. The “Guaranteed by Noon” service ensures orders arrive by noon on delivery day.

Thanks to its 24/7 shipment monitoring function, it has a 98% on-time delivery rate. Despite this speed, it boasts a 0.1% claims rate, so you do not have to worry about losing customers.

Key Features

• Ranked the No. 1 National LTL Carrier for Quality by Mastio & Company for 15 consecutive years
• Requires its truckload carriers to carry a minimum of $100,000 cargo liability
• Delivers by 5 p.m. on your prescheduled day

7. CrossCountry Freight Solutions

Since CrossCountry Freight Solutions specializes in FTL logistics, it is ideal for large, high-volume shipments. In addition to dry vans, it has reefer, flatbed and hazmat vehicles that can transport perishable, heavy and hazardous goods.

Like other top-rated freight shipping solutions, it balances speed and safety. It boasts a 98% on-time order fulfillment rate and a 0.0002% claims rate. Its conveniently located service centers help it reach destinations in one to four days.

In addition to real-time tracking, CrossCountry Freight Solutions offers tailored alerts and reports. You can receive notifications when freight is delivered or when weather delays occur.

Key Features

• Ships to the lower 48 states
• Typically arrives at destinations within one to four days
• Sends customized alerts to keep you updated on your shipment

8. FedEx

Since its founding in 1971, FedEx has completed more than 16 million deliveries. With its nationwide network of couriers, you do not have to rely on multiple carriers as your shipments move from region to region.

It handles specialized orders with temperature control and increased security features. If your shipments are under 1,200 pounds, you can use the FedEx Freight box at a flat rate — no need to classify it. While FedEx cannot offer dedicated or individualized support, its size gives it a broad reach. You can use its LTL freight shipping services to ship anywhere in the contiguous U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The company’s air freight services offer one-, two-, and three-day shipping nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii. If you need to ship internationally, you can send products to around 220 countries and territories within five days. FedEx can make door-to-door deliveries to all 50 states within hours.

Key Features

• Provides proof of delivery with images of the recipient’s signature
• Shares tracking information for up to 20,000 active shipments
• Allows you to tailor email notifications to share shipment status updates with others

9. Schneider

The 3PL Schneider is one of North America’s largest and oldest carriers. It has 90 years of experience, manages $2.3 billion in freight annually and has relationships with approximately 1,500 owner-operator businesses.

Whether you need to move temperature-controlled or high-value freight, it has reefers, dry vans and flatbeds. Even though its drivers travel over 9.1 million miles daily, over 99.99% of its loads are theft-free. Its multilayered security practice involves around-the-clock satellite monitoring and electronic logging to keep your products secure.

In addition to its logistics services, Schneider offers an online marketplace that grants immediate, comprehensive visibility into your supply chain. It includes 24/7 tracking, relevant notifications and customizable reports.

Key Features

• Provides LTL, FTL and bulk options through ground, air and intermodal routes
• Offers award-winning service as the three-time recipient of the Inbound Logistics Top 100 Trucker award and the two-time winner of CargoNet’s Best in Cargo Security award
• Maintains robust security measures to ensure your products’ safety

10. DCL Logistics

DCL Logistics has developed a national network of wholly owned fulfillment centers, which results in lower warehousing and shipping costs. In addition to providing LTL and FTL logistics services, DCL Logistics can provide access to its purpose-built fulfillment software. This ensures you stay informed, enhancing your decision-making.

The company works with businesses of all sizes and has a 99.89% on-time delivery rate. Around 99% of its U.S. customers receive same-day and next-day shipping. Despite its fast lead times, its prices are reasonable. Its customers save an average of 21% on LTL shipping and 33% on small parcel freight.

If you ship with this 3PL, a dedicated transportation team will deliver quarterly reports to optimize your service. DCL Logistics has one account manager for every four customers. You can further personalize things with branded boxes or specialized packing material.

Key Features

• Contracts with top-rated providers like UPS, DHL and FedEx
• Provides comprehensive reverse logistics services to cover return facilitation and restocking
• Analyzes your return rate to help you recapture value where you lost it

What Is the Best Shipping Solution for Your Small Business?

To find the best freight shipping solutions for small businesses, consider key factors, such as maximum package dimensions, insurance availability and dangerous goods limitations. The best freight shipping solution — like last mile delivery management software — balances speed, safety and price, providing everything from advanced logistics technologies to rapid lead times at a competitive rate.

Compare companies to understand the differences in services and value. Although most offer the same thing on the surface, their timeliness, claim rate and customer support levels may vary.

Keep in mind that delivery times are generally typical and not guaranteed. They vary depending on your shipping method and destination. Even companies with a guarantee can get behind schedule. In those situations, they may offer compensation or cancellation.

Deciding Between the Best Freight Shipping Solutions

These 10 options are the best freight shipping solutions for small businesses. Whether you choose a smaller logistics brokerage or a major carrier is up to you — each has unique benefits. Consider the decision carefully as your shipping partner impacts everything from your customer retention level to your sales. Select a trustworthy provider that meets your company-specific needs.

Devin Partida writes about investor technologies, big data and apps. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of ReHack.com.