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What Is B2B Shipping And How Does It Work?
In the market of those businesses selling goods to other enterprises, B2B shipping is critical to the supply chains. As an online business owner, you should know the details about its handling process. In this post, we have laid out the ins and outs of B2B logistics, involving what it is, how it works, and how to get the best B2B delivery partner.
What is B2B Shipping?
B2B shipping, renowned as business-to-business shipping, is a transportation mode of goods from one business to another. It aims to deliver large or bulk shipments to a receiving company with a wide range of products, such as raw materials, components, and finished goods.
In addition, B2B logistics can support within a local country or international shipping through various modes of transportation involving sea, railway, truck, air freight, etc. The B2B sector (involving freight forwarding, third-party logistics, etc.) is rapidly increasing at 4%~9% per year. B2B Shipping is a significant segment of the transporting market.
How does it work？
In order to meet the logistics needs of the B2B business, most freight companies have launched B2B shipping services. It will be a bit intricate due to the larger quantities of goods and may involve multiple shipments. B2B order fulfillment typically leverages global freight and palletized logistics. But if the B2B cargo is small enough to pack in a box, it can be shipped via express.
The most common B2B shipping example is cargo delivery from wholesalers to retailers for further resale. It covers shipping the goods in bulk or multiple sections. For instance, the carrier picks up the goods from the manufacturer, then dispatches them to distributors or the destination of the port, and finally to the retailers.
Effective B2B shipping allows your businesses to meet your partner’s demands by ensuring that shipments arrive on time and in good condition. It can help you save costs via transportation optimizing solutions but also minimize the risk of loss or damage for the shipments. Moreover, B2B logistics is critical for building and maintaining relationships, which can lead to long-term partnerships and increased revenue.
B2B VS B2C shipping
B2C (Business-to-Consumer) shipping refers to the transportation of goods from a business to an individual consumer, while B2B shipping to another company. Though these two types of shipping both work in the cargo movement from one location to another, you still need to take care of the below key distinction.
First, the main difference between B2B logistics and B2C shipping is the shipping volume of the goods. B2B shipments always carry more goods in bulk quantities than B2C. For this reason, the shipping costs when shipping B2B are usually higher, whereas B2C shipments are typically lower in value.
Second, shipping B2B fulfillment may have specific requirements for cargo transportation. For example, if shipping sensitive or dangerous goods, you may need to use specialized packaging or a temperature-controlled container during B2B shipping. And it requests different transporting methods, including pallet shipping, LTL and FTL shipping, etc.
Focusing on the differences between B2C and B2B shipping fulfillment, you can develop customized shipping strategies needed. It can improve the efficiency of your supply chain and drive growth for your business.
How to get the right B2B logistics partner?
Not all 3PL fulfillment centers handle both B2B and B2C shipping. When choosing a B2B shipping company, you should ensure it provides essential services for your business. Here are some steps you can refer to:
List your shipment needs
Identify the specific requirements of your B2B business, including shipping volume, destinations, timeliness, etc. It will help you narrow down the choice of B2B fulfillment centers that can meet your needs.
Conduct research
Use online search engines(like Google) and industry directories to look for potential B2B shipping carriers. Companies that have a good reputation for reliability and customer service are your priority. A shipping provider with a proven track record of success and deep insight into the market can help to manage transportation effectively.
Assess technology and capabilities
The technology and infrastructure of a shipping company can impact the quality of the logistics provided. Evaluate their performance, such as B2B 3PL technology systems, transport networks, warehousing facilities, etc. It intends to help you to judge if they have the resources to support you and ensure seamless delivery.
Consider service
Effective communication and transparency are essential for the successful outsourcing of transportation. A B2B shipping that provides instant response can help you stay informed and resolve any issues in time regarding logistics operations.
Compare pricing
Compare pricing structures and service offerings of the B2B logistics providers on your shortlist. Look for a provider that offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Keep in mind that the cheapest B2B fulfillment shipping may not always be the best choice. Professionalism and reliability are also important factors to consider.
Conclusion
A trustworthy B2B shipping company allows you to optimize the supply chain and grow your business hassle-free. At Airsupply Logistics, they primarily provide fundamental transportation, including B2C and B2B shipping services. They can also palletize products, deliver via charter flight, and ship LTL or FTL freight. Their global network of carriers and fulfillment agents can help to transport your cargo to any location.
Airsupply works hard to find the most efficient and least expensive shipping options for shippers. Their efforts include leveraging freight carriers and one-stop customs clearance services that deliver your B2B shipment efficiently and economically. Tap into Airsupply international transportation you will be able to expand your business into new markets. Contact their expert freight agent and get customized shipping solutions that suit your business.