In the United States, around 72% of freight is moved by trucks.

If your business is looking for the most efficient way to transport goods, carrier freight services are for you. Choosing the right freight delivery team can significantly impact your business and its profits.

There are a multitude of options; however, you won’t benefit unless you’re well-informed and have a strategy for choosing the right freight delivery services. This crucial decision will affect you and your consumers and could even make or break your success.

Below, we’ve outlined the key considerations so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Define Your Requirements

Before choosing a freight delivery company, you’ll need to sit down and determine your needs and requirements. Every company may not be able to provide the specific services you need. However, to determine this, you have to know what your needs are.

What type of goods are you transporting? You’ll need to think about the dimensions and weight of each of your products.

Are there any special handling instructions? This information will need to be determined before you can sign with the delivery service.

The amount of shipping volume and the frequency of your shipments will also make a difference. By clearly defining your needs and non-negotiables, you’ll be able to find carriers that align with your business demands.

Research Carrier Freight Options

As a business owner, you have a lot on your plate. However, you must spend some time doing research.

This will help you identify potential carrier partners and determine who’s going to be the best fit for your company. This step may seem overwhelming at first, but once you know what to look for, it becomes more manageable.

You’ll want to consider a company’s reputation. Looking through online reviews and industry forums can tell you a lot about a business. Third-party sites are great tools that you can use to gather some of this information.

Be on the lookout for information about their experience as well. Asking other trusted businesses for recommendations can be beneficial. You can gain valuable insight from other people’s experiences.

Evaluate Service Coverage

You’ll need to inquire about service coverage as well. You’ll need to ensure the carriers are considering the most efficient routes. If the carrier freight is going to have to pass through customs, you’ll want to ensure they have everything they need.

Pricing and Cost Transparency

Pricing isn’t everything, but it is an important factor to consider. You’ve probably heard the saying “You get what you pay for” and that holds true for freight delivery, too.

If you only consider price when making your decision, you may not find the most reliable company to work with.

However, it’s important that the freight carrier company is honest and upfront about its pricing. A business that tries to hide fees or add on extra costs isn’t the team you want to hire.

To ensure you’re getting a good deal, request a detailed quote from multiple potential carriers. Read through the numbers and be sure you understand the breakdown of the costs.

The fees and costs will likely include fuel surcharges, insurance, and additional fees. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask for an explanation.

We know you want to get the best deal possible, but be wary of any significantly lower quotes. They may comprise service quality, which isn’t what you want.

Technology and Tracking Capabilities

Since technology has advanced, it’s possible to track your shipment in real time. However, to do this, your carrier will need to offer that service.

Before making your final decision, ask about a company’s communication capabilities. Do they offer advanced technology that allows you to track your shipment and provide updates in a timely manner?

Tracking capabilities may not seem like a necessity, but they’ll enhance your overall experience and make the process of shipping goods easier.

Safety and Compliance

When you’re shipping your goods, you’ll want to know they’re safe and will arrive undamaged. You’ll want to ensure the company has good safety records and a history of being compliant with industry regulations and standards.

Check if the carriers have the right licenses, insurance, and certifications to operate in your region. A carrier’s commitment to safety reflects its professionalism and dedication to delivering goods securely.

Customer Service and Communication

Customer service is another important factor to consider as well. You’ll have a frustrating experience if the company you ship your goods with isn’t responsive.

Take note of how responsive a freight carrier team is in the initial steps. A carrier that values clear communication and prioritizes customer support can make a significant difference in your overall shipping experience.

Scalability

As time goes on, your company may begin to grow and expand. Working with a company that can accommodate your growth is key. This will make future shipments easier.

The Road to Reliability

You’ll need to perform a comprehensive assessment of your business’s needs and the freight carrier’s reputation before making your final decision.

Remember that a strong partnership with a reliable carrier freight can be a pivotal asset in building a resilient and effective supply chain.

We know how hard it is to find a service to trust with your business needs. That’s why we have a talented and professional team that you can rely on.

Whether you’re ready to ship goods or if you want to be a part of our carrier freight team, get in touch with us today!