As an executive at a manufacturing and distribution company, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been managing transportation costs. We all know the importance of shipping freight to meet customer demands, but the costs associated with it can quickly spiral out of control. I found myself stuck in a dilemma: I needed to lower transportation expenses without sacrificing the quality or timeliness of our deliveries. The problem was, I still needed to ship freight.
I had been working with my current flatbed broker for some time, but they reached a point where they told me that they couldn’t reduce costs any further. They claimed that the rates they were offering were already as low as possible. Typically, I needed to ship around 30 to 40 feet of freight, which required a dedicated flatbed. But here’s the catch: a dedicated flatbed was far too expensive for my needs, and I couldn’t justify that cost, especially when the freight didn’t require the full capacity of a flatbed. To make matters worse, I was based in Pennsylvania, where the weather, particularly the snow, could wreak havoc on unprotected loads. I still needed to ensure my shipments were protected from the elements, but finding an affordable solution was proving to be a major headache. I needed a hot shot option. I needed an RGN.
An RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailer is a unique piece of equipment that has revolutionized how we all think about shipping oversized and heavy freight. Unlike traditional flatbeds, an RGN trailer has a gooseneck that can be removed, allowing it to lower to the ground for easier loading and unloading. This feature is invaluable when transporting large machinery or heavy loads, as it provides a stable, low-profile platform that makes the whole process smoother and more efficient. But the best part? It’s a cost-effective alternative to traditional flatbeds, especially when you need to maximize space and minimize unnecessary costs.
Now, while RGN trailers are a great solution, there is one additional cost to consider: tarping. The added fee for tarping is something to keep in mind, but let’s be real—it’s a small price to pay for the savings we’re seeing by switching from a dedicated flatbed. Plus, let’s not forget that whether you’re using an RGN or a traditional flatbed, you’d still need to tarp the load to protect it from the elements, especially in places like Pennsylvania, where the snow can really do a number on an uncovered load. So, in the grand scheme of things, the extra cost of tarping is a wash—and the savings we’re seeing by switching to RGN trailers more than makes up for it.
That’s when I turned to TLI Express. I’d heard good things about them, but I was curious to see how they could help with my specific needs. TLI Express came through with an incredible solution—they offered RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailers with ramps, which allowed me to ship my freight securely while avoiding the need for dedicated flatbeds. These RGN trailers were a game-changer, as they provided the protection I needed from the weather at a fraction of the cost of a full flatbed. But that wasn’t the best part. TLI Express had experienced, reliable drivers, who ensured my freight was handled with care and delivered on time, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
But wait, there’s more! TLI Express pulls their RGN trailers with dually trucks, which is another game-changer when it comes to cost savings. They can actually hit job sites a lot easier with these trucks. These trucks are not only more fuel-efficient but also more versatile than the typical heavy-duty rigs pulling traditional flatbeds. This smaller, more agile setup allows TLI Express to pass on savings to us, and it’s just one more reason why I’m so impressed with the service. By combining RGN trailers with dually trucks, TLI Express is able to offer a solution that’s both affordable and reliable, giving us the protection we need without breaking the bank.
What truly impressed me, though, was how TLI Express helped me optimize my shipping strategy. I was able to build multi-stop loads, which is essentially flatbed equipment with the added benefit of greater cost efficiency. Instead of having to pay for an entire flatbed dedicated to one shipment, I could share the space with my other loads, allowing me to lower my transportation costs significantly. I just tell them where all the deliveries need to be, and they optimize the route with their own technology. This was an absolute breakthrough for our company, and the cost savings were immediate. I now recommend TLI Express to everyone in the industry who is facing similar challenges, including even you dear reader! Their innovative solutions, reliable service, and cost-effective approach have transformed our shipping process and helped us stay within our budget while still ensuring our freight is protected and delivered on time.
