7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Trucking Company
Whether you are a small business owner or you mass produce goods, there is a time in your business when you will have to determine what company will handle your transportation needs. The process of finding the right trucking company that best fits your needs can seem pretty daunting. After all, there are around 1.2 million trucking companies in the U.S. Within the trucking industry companies often offer similar services, making it difficult to truly know which transportation company will best fit your shipping needs.
Throughout this blog, we want to provide clarity and insight into the process of selecting the right transportation company. The criteria listed below will ensure you are selecting a company that best fits your freight needs.
Crucial Criteria to Pick Your Transportation Company
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Types of Freight
Trucking companies specialize in different types of freight, such as dry goods, refrigerated goods, hazardous materials, and oversized loads. It is important to select a company that offers the specific type of freight transportation your company is looking for. Depending on the company, you can usually find this information on the companies website, for example, our services page highlights the freight services we offer here at Bender!
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Safety Record
Safety is critical when it comes to freight transportation. It is important to check the company’s safety record and ensure they have a great safety rating from the Department of Transportation. This rating provides a concise record of a company’s identification, size, cargo, inspection and out-of-service summary, crash data, and safety rating. Checking this information prior to selecting a company will save you from future expenses, delays, or other unforeseen issues. Doing your due diligence on each trucking company is very important and will pay off in the long run.
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Fleet Size
It is important to review the fleet size of the company and the condition of the equipment. If a company has a well maintained fleet with modern equipment it is more likely to provide reliable and efficient service. Typically, you can find this information on the company’s website or if not, the company should be happy to provide this information to you!
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Insurance Coverage
To ensure your own protection, it is smart to check the insurance coverage the company provides. In the chance that your items get damaged or misplaced, this insurance coverage should be able to cover some expenses. Be sure to check the policy that the company holds. Furthermore, each trucking company may offer different coverage, and it is important to be made aware of this coverage as well as the state regulations as well.
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Reputation
Checking online reviews and asking for references from others is a great way to get a better idea of the company’s reputation. Understanding the true experience of what it is like working closely with a company is crucial for partnership success!
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Flexible Services
While your company may only need certain services at the time you are selecting a freight company, it is important to know if the company offers flexible services, such as expedited delivery or same-day delivery, to meet your current and future transportation needs.
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Freight Quote
Getting quotes from several different trucking companies will help make sure you understand the pricing structure within the trucking industry. This will protect your company from any additional unknown fees and charges and will ensure you are selecting the transportation company that fits with your desired budget.
The Importance of Selecting Your Freight Transportation Company
Choosing the right trucking company for your freight transportation needs is a crucial decision that can impact your business’s bottom line. At Bender Transportation, we understand the importance of finding a reliable and trustworthy transportation partner. That’s why we strive to provide comprehensive information about our services, pricing, and resources on our website. We believe in transparency and want our customers to have all the information they need to make an informed decision.
Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service to our customers and ensuring that their freight is delivered on time and in the best condition possible. We have a fleet of well-maintained trucks and experienced drivers who are committed to safety and efficiency. We offer a range of services, including full-truckload, less-than-truckload, and expedited shipping, as well as temperature-controlled and hazardous material transportation. Our resources page provides helpful tips and information for our customers. If you’re in the process of selecting a freight company, we encourage you to consider the seven factors listed above and to explore our website to see how we can meet your transportation needs. We value our customers and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your freight transportation needs.