It’s important to take your time and choose a trucking company that suits your needs while ensuring they’re reliable.
If you’re finding yourself in need of a trucking company, you may be surprised how many options there are. The average person usually doesn’t need to ship anything that can’t be handled by the standard parcel services, but as a business owner, you may find that you need to contract a shipping company on your own to handle those freight transportation operations. But do you even know how to choose a trucking company? This is not a decision that should be taken lightly or rushed. Read on for some helpful tips to keep in mind as you navigate the process.
Check Their Reputation And Network
Before choosing any service provider, you need to check them out and do your research, and your trucking company is no different. Take the time to ask around for options and then research those options online. You should check out their websites and marketing materials, as well as their reviews and reputation online. Make sure that this research specifically looks at the types, ages, and conditions of the trucks the company has in its fleet. The company should have enough trucks, and the size and type of containers needed for your goods and hose should all be well-maintained.
Free Quotes And Competitive, Affordable Rates
The companies that you’re looking at should all offer a free quote. In most cases, you should be able to request this quote online, and the response should come back quickly and be clear. The rates themselves should be reasonable. If their rates are far outside of your budget, it doesn’t matter that they’re the best at what they do. Likewise, if all of the companies you look at are outside of your budget, your budget might need to be adjusted. Generally, the company should offer rates that are customizable based on freight volume and weight and follow market norms for truckload and LTL shipping. There should also not be any hidden fees or costs.
Clear Communication And Tracking Information
You want your trucking company partners to be open and clear in their communication, but you need to be as well. If you don’t offer complete information in the early discussions (possibly because you haven’t worked out the details yet), you should not expect an accurate quote. A quote that is based on a guesstimate about the size of the load or the distance of the trip could be very off if that guesstimate is wrong. When discussing your needs, you need to be as clear and honest as possible, and your trucking provider should do the same. The company should also be very clear about how you can track your shipment while in transit and the tools they provide so you can.
For All Your Trucking Needs
Follow us here at Evan Transportation to get more updates on driving tips and the trucking industry. Evan Transportation provides trucking and transportation services for clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. All of our drivers and staff are offered competitive salaries, benefits, and are guaranteed to be home every day. Interested in finding out more? Visit us online or give us a call at 443-673-3365. For even more information, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.