Choosing the most suitable trucking company could make or break your budget. A freight quote from a trucking company will give you several clues regarding their service level and what they are capable of achieving as well as how they operate.
While the freight quote could be the main determining factor, you should also give due attention to several other key factors. Before you pick a trucking company, it’s important to find out about their capacity and how well they perform their job.
Timing is crucial when transporting goods and merchandise. The company must be totally reliable and deliver your shipments on a timely manner with minimal risk of breakage or damage.
For example, you could look into the following issues related to reliability:
• Are their facilities adequate for what you want ferried?
• Do they have reliable trucks capable of covering the distance you want?
• Do they prefer only full loads or can they undertake partial loads haulage?
• Are they independent operators/owners or part of a larger trucking franchise?
• Do they have full time employees or do they contract per job?
Trucking companies that have been operating for several years will normally be in possession of the knowledge and expertise required to get your work done quickly and efficiently. They will over the years have integrated relevant training and adopted techniques that empower their employees to be the best.
Equipment and Technology
It is essential that the carriers you choose possess the necessary equipment to move your shipments, effectively, safely and quickly. You must also identify whether you are you looking for flatbed trucking companies or somebody who can provide palletized or loose mechanize services.
A company’s workforce is as important as the technology and equipment in use. It’s vital that they have adequate manpower that is well trained in the tools and equipment being used.
Cost Effectiveness
The freight quote from the trucking company will be based on the nature, quantity and type of your merchandise plus the distance to be covered. You are likely to get huge discounts when you book regularly or when you book a couple of shipments at once. For instance, when you make several shipments in a month, you are likely to get a better quote. Similarly, the discounts offered by flatbed trucking companies will differ if they are hauling loose merchandize for you. So make sure you get to know the trucking company’s discounts policy.
Bottom Line
Choosing the most appropriate trucking company for your freight must not just be based on the quoted price. More important is their reliability in terms of safety and timely delivery.