Smart Way Logistics is a third party logistics company, similar to a freight broker, serving customers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The firm specializes in LTL (less than truckload), volume and truckload, rail shipments and air service. It handles all types of loads, including hazardous materials. “We determine the most cost-effective solutions for our customers, while focusing on quality, and we make all the arrangements for pickup of goods,” explains says owner Mark Burress. “I work with all the major common carriers and independents to provide quality transportation at a great price. We have low overhead, and we have the competitive edge on pricing against larger brokers.”
Proper weight class
Burress, who founded the company in 2006, stresses the importance of determining the exact freight class of each shipment. There are many freight classes with the NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification), and the class can vary according to the load density. “I work with the shipping manager to determine the precise shipping class,” Burress explains. “Getting the right class is essential because the class, weight and number of pallets will determine the cost. I take special care to ensure it is the correct class so I give my customers the correct price. That is a skill that saves my customers up to 70 percent on their shipping costs. Carriers today are doing inspections. They are looking at the bills of lading to be sure that what is claimed to be shipped is being shipped.”
Extra services
Smart Way Logistics ensures it includes all the required services in its quotes. “I have to know what questions to ask because many things factor in,” Burress adds. “Potential extra charges include special services, special handling, lift gates, inside pickup, inside delivery, residential delivery, school delivery and others. I am also experienced in blind shipments. That’s a special animal.”
The company partners with each customer, and serves as a second shipping manager. “I relieve the shipping manager of a lot of responsibility by creating the bill of lading and scheduling the pickup. That is a timesaver and a value added service.” Smart Way Logistics also traces the shipment, provides proof of delivery, and aids in any disputes. “We audit every freight bill for accuracy, and if there is a discrepancy, we will find out why. I’ve overturned many a wrong freight bill,” Burress states.
The firm has picked up merchandise from many large and small companies including Fruit of the Loom, Harley Davidson, Stride Rite, Adidas, Reebok, Puma, Nike, New Balance, Sketchers and others. It delivers to stores such as Super Value grocery, Staples, Office Max, Albertson’s, Dollar General, Goodwill Industries and others.
Smart Way Logistics
Tel.: 219-898-2240
Website: www.smartwaylogistics.net