Route the Shipment

Review the shipment information and select the best transportation option.

Learning Outcome

Given shipment requirements and transportation alternatives, select an appropriate shipping option and justify the decision using relevant logistics considerations.

Transportation Decisions

Logistics professionals must select transportation options that support customer requirements while controlling cost and managing operational risk. Transportation decisions may involve shipment size and weight, origin and destination, available modes and carriers, delivery requirements, transit time, service reliability, handling requirements, and transportation cost.

The lowest-cost option is not always the best option. Faster services may cost more, while lower-cost services may involve longer transit times or different levels of service. A logistics professional must evaluate the available information and select an option that supports the needs of the shipment and customer.

Shipment Information

Your company manufactures replacement components for industrial equipment. A customer in Atlanta, Georgia has placed an order that must ship from Fort Worth, Texas.

Shipment weight: 850 pounds
4 palletized cartons
Commercial origin and destination
Product is not hazardous and does not require temperature control
Customer requested delivery no later than Friday
Shipment is ready for pickup Monday morning
Customer production could be affected if the shipment arrives late
Transportation cost should be controlled whenever possible

Transportation Options

Transportation options available for the Fort Worth to Atlanta shipment
Option	Estimated Cost	Estimated Transit	Service Information
Carrier A	$640	2 business days	Premium LTL service; scheduled delivery; strong on-time service history
Carrier B	$455	3–4 business days	Standard LTL service; lower cost; delivery window may vary
Carrier C	$820	1 business day	Expedited service with time-definite delivery

Additional Information

The customer's receiving department is open Monday through Friday.
The company typically favors lower transportation costs when customer requirements can still be met.
The customer's production schedule begins the following Monday.
No special handling service has been requested.
Carrier performance should be considered when service timing is important.

Assignment

Select the best transportation option for this shipment.

In your response:

Identify the carrier you selected.
Explain why you selected that option.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of your choice.
Explain why you did not select the other alternatives.

Submit a 500–750 word recommendation.

Points: 50

References and Attributions

U.S. Department of Transportation. (2023, December 5). Freight and logistics. https://www.transportation.gov/mission/office-secretary/office-policy/momentum/freight-and-logistics

United Parcel Service. (n.d.). Freight shipping guide. https://www.ups.com/us/en/supplychain/freight/freight-shipping-guide

Scenario carrier names, rates, transit times, and service descriptions were created for instructional purposes and do not represent actual carrier quotations.