What Is the Carrier Haulage Definition?
Carrier haulage is a service offered by shipping companies. It involves managing the movement of goods from one location to another, covering supervision from the point of origin to the point of delivery. Because shipping companies handle the arrangements, shippers have less trouble because they don't have to plan transportation on their own.
In carrier haulage, the carriage is responsible for both on sea and land; this would mean that they are responsible for carrying the goods from the shipper's warehouse to the port, across the sea, and finally up to the consignee's door. Consequently, shippers experience convenience and probably better rates due to agreements between shipping lines and land transport providers.
How Does Carrier Haulage Differ from Merchant Haulage?
Carrier haulage simply refers to the shipping line taking responsibility for the movement of your goods and, therefore, must be responsible for handling all the arrangements for transport throughout the course of transit. Quite the contrary, merchant haulage places the cargo owner or shipper in the driving seat. You are solely responsible for setting up land transportation when using merchant haulage, first from the site of origin to the port of loading and subsequently from the port of discharge to the consignment's final destination.
You have greater control and flexibility when you go for merchant haulage since you can select the logistics provider of your choice and work out a competitive price with them. However, it also comes with the added responsibility of managing the schedule and tackling any transit issues that may arise.
When to Choose Carrier Haulage?
Carrier haulage can apply to those shippers who desire convenience and ease. Allowing the carrier to handle transportation in transport permits the shipper to attend to other parts of their business. This service is invaluable for those who are novices in international shipments or who would not wish to be burdened with coordinating several logistics providers.
Another instance where carrier haulage can be useful is when a shipment is being carried out to a less familiar region. Carriers have networks and experience in those areas that simplify complicated logistics. For people with busy schedules, too, reliance on carrier haulage can simplify the process of shipment and thus save valuable time.
What Are the Costs Involved in Carrier Haulage?
The costs of carrier haulage may be higher than merchant haulage, as the carrier handles complete transportation logistics. These costs include all land, sea, and sometimes customs handling fees. However, shipping lines may offer competitive rates through bulk transportation deals they secure.
Sometimes all-inclusive pricing for carrier haulage reduces unforeseen expenses. This is because shippers are billed one comprehensive price, covering the entire journey of the cargo. This can help businesses anticipate and manage their logistics budgets more effectively.