Let’s face it – the term "sales rep" is enough to make some people's eyes glaze over. After all, plenty of us carry negative perceptions based on experiences with pushy, upselling salespeople who just won't take "no" for an answer.
But that’s an unfair generalization. And it can work against you when you’re trying to optimize your transportation supply chain. By building a strong relationship with a qualified, experienced sales rep, you can unlock a wealth of knowledge, resources, and support that can yield several benefits for your business.
Here are just some of the ways a relationship with your sales rep can position your company for success:
1.) They Can provide deep industry expertise
Transportation sales reps have extensive knowledge of the industry, including regulations, trends, and best practices. They can help you navigate the complexities of shipping, and provide advice on optimizing your transportation strategy and navigating supply chain disruptions.
If your business is nearshoring supply chain operations to Mexico, for instance, a dedicated sales rep can provide valuable insights into the shipping regulations, documentation requirements, and any additional costs you may incur.
This can save you time and money while ensuring your shipments comply with all regulations. Similarly, they can advise you on the most efficient and cost-effective way to ship your products based on your budget, timeline, and specific needs.
2.) They Can Be A source of support & Unique Supply Chain Solutions
A good transportation sales representative is not just there to sell you their services. They're there to advocate for your business and support you when you need it most.
They will understand that your business has unique transportation needs, and a one-size-fits-all approach is seldom the right answer. A good sales rep can work with you to understand your business's specific needs and offer customized solutions that meet them.
For example, if your imported freight has numerous touchpoints and service providers involved, they may be able to identify unique solutions to streamline the entire process. Additionally, they can work with you to design a shipping schedule that minimizes downtime and maximizes efficiency.
3.) They can help you save money
It’s no secret that transportation costs can add up in a hurry. But a good sales rep can help you identify cost-saving opportunities by analyzing your shipping patterns, shipping mode options, and more.
For instance, your transportation sales rep can help strategize freight consolidation of your shipments to take advantage of bulk shipping rates. They can also help you optimize your shipping schedule to reduce unnecessary expenses and streamline your operations.
More importantly, a sales rep that acts as a partner will provide honest feedback and not oversell their own company's capabilities.
4.) TheY Can Provide The benefit of familiarity
Building a strong relationship with your transportation sales rep is about developing a long-term partnership that benefits both parties. By working together over time, you can develop a deep understanding of each other’s needs and develop solutions that are mutually beneficial. This can lead to a more efficient and effective supply chain, which can help your company gain a competitive edge.
Remember though, building a relationship is a two-way street. You must be willing to communicate your needs, provide feedback, and be open to new ideas and solutions. This way, you can establish a partnership based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect.
At Averitt, our experienced and professional sales teams are here to help you optimize your supply chain with the expertise, resources, and support you need to succeed. From our local Transportation Specialists to our Directors of Corporate Business Development, our team is dedicated to enabling businesses achieve their goals at every turn in the supply chain.
We understand the importance of building strong relationships with our clients and providing them with the tools they need. So if you’re looking for a partner who can help you streamline your operations and optimize your transportation supply chain, reach out to our knowledgeable and helpful team today.
