How to Grow Your Freight Business by Offering Specialized Services

Freight brokers and trucking companies often face the same question: How do we stand out in a crowded market? One answer: specialization. These are niche services that can set you apart and help grow your freight business. Providing specialized services like LTL shipping, cross-border logistics, and Over-Dimensional (OD)/Heavy Haul can enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and ultimately boost profit margins.

However, not every business owner is an expert in all areas of logistics. Transitioning between different types of shipments, such as FTL and LTL, can feel like switching gears—one moment, you're managing a full truckload, and the next, coordinating smaller, intricate loads. Add cross-border logistics into the mix, particularly with Mexico, and the complexities of customs regulations and specialized handling can turn even a simple delivery into a logistical challenge.

This is where a reliable brokerage partner can make all the difference. Partnering with the right brokerage gives you access to specialized services without stretching your resources thin. These partnerships can transform your ability to stay competitive and drive growth by expanding your service offerings to match your customers' evolving needs.

Here's how three key offerings can help you grow your freight business:

LTL Shipping: Unlocking New Opportunities in a Growing Market

What is LTL, and why does it matter?

LTL shipping is a fast-growing sector in logistics, with more customers seeking cost-effective ways to move smaller shipments. Unlike FTL, LTL allows multiple customers to share space on a single truck, offering a more affordable option without compromising delivery times. Understanding LTL is crucial for freight agents as customer demands diversify and more businesses look for flexible shipping solutions. You can tap into this growing market by offering LTL services, catering to customers who need reliable transportation but don't require a full truckload.

Confidently Expand into LTL

Moving into LTL can feel overwhelming, especially if you're used to handling FTL shipments. Recognizing when your customers have LTL needs and how to manage these loads confidently is vital. It can be intimidating with concerns about re-weighs, extra fees, and ensuring smooth operations. But imagine having access to advanced technology that makes managing LTL easier. Armstrong Transport Group equips agents with a proprietary Transportation Management System (TMS) for real-time pricing and shipment tracking, a customer portal for streamlined order management, and mobile-friendly tools for enhanced visibility and efficiency – all free without transaction fees. This technology gives you more visibility into transportation spend and provides insights that allow you to strategically advise your customers on cost savings, going beyond simple rate-shopping. By leveraging expert support and tools, you can confidently offer LTL services and enhance the value you bring to your customers.

Mexico Cross-Border Services: Expanding Your Reach

The Value of Navigating Cross-Border Shipping

Cross-border shipping into and out of Mexico is often seen as a daunting challenge, from navigating customs regulations and managing documentation to overcoming language and cultural barriers. It's no wonder many agents stick to domestic freight, where the processes are more predictable. However, avoiding cross-border services could limit your business growth, especially as more customers look for logistics partners who can handle international shipping. Offering cross-border logistics opens new doors for your business and sets you apart from competitors who don't offer these services.

Diversity and Simplify Cross-Border Shipping

Partnering with a brokerage like Armstrong that offers cross-border expertise simplifies the complexities of international shipping while helping you grow your business. With access to specialized resources—such as streamlined technology, established carrier relationships, and support with customs documentation and compliance, as well as comprehensive insurance coverage—you can confidently handle cross-border shipments. This frees you to focus on maintaining customer relationships and driving business growth. By adding cross-border capabilities to your service portfolio, you unlock new revenue opportunities and position yourself as a valuable logistics partner for customers with expanding international needs.

Overdimensional and Heavy Haul: Expanding Your Capabilities

What Makes OD/Heavy Haul Different?

OD and heavy haul shipments require specialized equipment, route planning, and compliance with regulations. These loads go beyond standard freight, presenting unique challenges that offer high-value opportunities. By understanding and offering OD and heavy haul services, you stand out as a provider who can handle even the most complex shipping needs.

The Advantages of Offering OD/Heavy Haul Services

While OD and heavy haul services may not be as universally applicable as LTL or cross-border shipping, they can still be valuable to your service portfolio. The key is approaching it strategically and understanding the opportunities and limitations. By partnering with a brokerage that offers support in this specialized area, you can gain the expertise needed to offer OD/Heavy Haul services without taking on all the risks and complexities yourself. This approach creates new revenue opportunities and enhances your appeal to customers who sometimes need these specialized services.

Strengthening Customer Relationships Through Diversification

By diversifying your offerings, you expand your business opportunities and strengthen your relationships with your customers. Offering a broader range of services turns you from a replaceable vendor into an indispensable partner in your customers' logistics operations. This approach fosters long-term loyalty, builds trust, and helps you grow your business alongside your customers.

Start Offering More to Your Customers Today

At Armstrong Transport Group, we understand the challenges of growing your service offerings while maintaining efficiency. As a top 25 US freight brokerage, we provide independent agents with the technology, support, and resources needed to succeed. You'll benefit from our established reputation and infrastructure if you're looking to add specialized services like LTL, cross-border logistics, OD/Heavy Haul, or explore other opportunities that meet your customers' needs. Partnering with Armstrong lets you expand your capabilities, serve your customers better, and earn competitive commissions, all while keeping control of your customer relationships and leveraging the strength of a recognized industry leader.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you strategically grow your business, improve efficiencies, and offer more to your customers. Let's unlock your full potential!