As a leading freight handling firm, Express Freight Handlers often fields questions like: Should logistics professionals hire a freight lumper service, or use in-house staff for the task? For us, the choice is clear. Once we explain the potential issues and risks of assigning this work to your existing staff, you’ll see the value of partnering with our freight lumper teams. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each:
Freight Lumper Services
Pros
- Cost savings: Outsourcing lumping services to Express Freight Handlers can be more cost-effective, particularly for businesses with fluctuating freight volumes. Hiring professional freight lumpers eliminates costs associated with hiring, training, wages, benefits, and liabilities such as workers’ compensation insurance for dedicated staff.
- Reduced downtime and optimized driver time: Our freight lumper crews are dedicated to loading and unloading, leading to faster turnaround times for trucks at the dock (as well as for container unloading). This maximizes driver productivity and helps maintain delivery schedules.
- Scalability and flexibility: Our freight lumper services offer the flexibility to adjust staffing levels based on workload demands, making us particularly useful during peak seasons or for handling large or unexpected shipments.
- Specialized expertise and enhanced safety: Our lumpers are trained professionals experienced in handling diverse types of cargo, including delicate or heavy goods. This specialization helps minimize damage and improve safety protocols, reducing the risk of injuries.
- Focus on core competencies: Outsourcing lumper services allows your in-house staff to concentrate on higher-value tasks, rather than dedicating time to manual labor.
- Claim documentation: If Express Freight Handlers’ lumper teams find any cargo that has been damaged during transit, our team supervisor can create a detailed report. This report can be used to assist in preparing a claim submission to your insurance provider.
Cons
- Less control: Relying on external services can mean a slight loss of direct control and oversight over the loading/unloading process. However, Express Freight Handlers’ lumper teams are deployed with a supervisor who oversees the unloading as well as provides (on request) a detailed report for our employers.
In-House Staff
Pros
- Direct control: A manager can oversee your staff, but this can distract everyone from their daily tasks, leading to productivity issues. Additionally, if team members are not familiar with the proper protocols for professional freight handling, it can result in wasted time and effort.
Cons
- Logistical responsibilities: Your business must manage personnel, transportation resources, and warehouse space, which can be overwhelming.
- Higher fixed costs: Maintaining a permanent in-house team involves ongoing expenses like salaries, benefits, and insurance, regardless of workload fluctuations.
- Scalability challenges: Adjusting staffing levels to accommodate fluctuations in demand can be challenging and expensive.
- Safety risks: Handling heavy freight can be hazardous, and your business is responsible for your workers’ safety.
Conclusion
Freight lumper services provided by Express Freight Handlers are an excellent choice for businesses with fluctuating freight volumes. Our services help reduce labor costs and liabilities while prioritizing efficiency and scalability. We offer the perfect solution to meet your needs. Contact our team today to discuss your requirements!
