One of the most critical considerations in domestic shipping is knowing how to choose a carrier. A carrier or trucking company moves your goods from point A to point B by land. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are reportedly over 500,000 long-distance trucking companies in the U.S. today. Due to the amount of trucks on the road, finding the right one for your shipment can seem intimidating. There are numerous qualities that a shipper should be aware of when deciding on a transporter for your freight. This article will explain the qualities to look for when finding a carrier and the consequences of hiring a bad one.
Why Is It Important To Know how to choose a Carrier
Shippers consider trucking one of the most critical parts of their supply chains because of the value it offers. With the significance domestic shipping has for cargo movement, what’s equally significant is finding a suitable carrier for cargo movement. The success of a supply chain depends on having an adequate carrier that can meet your expectations. Numerous adverse outcomes can come from choosing a poor freight transporter. An example is the monetary loss from cargo theft or damage. The impact goes past the shipper and goes to their clients. A customer not receiving their goods looks averse to a shipper using the trucker.
What To Look For In A Carrier
When deciding on carriers to move freight, there are numerous qualities you should look for; however, some are especially important. Reliability is an example of a significant quality that a trucking company must have. Reliability is the ability of truckers to meet deadlines and expectations consistently. This also includes the cargo being in top condition when it reaches the final destination. Finding out about a carrier’s reputation through references and online sources is an ideal way to check for reliability. Another trait to look for is transparency. Transparency is how a trucking company shares information with the shipper and is how the supply chain parties foster trust.
Examples of things carriers should be transparent about are pricing, delivery schedules, and issues that may arise. Another consideration to look for when deciding on a hauler is safety. Shippers can see a trucking company’s safety by checking its DOT rating. The DOT rating assesses a truck’s compliance with the FMCSA’s (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s) safety fitness standards. Various factors determine the ratings, including unsatisfactory, conditional, and satisfactory. Other essential qualities include customer service and communication. A suitable carrier should be able to answer shipper concerns promptly while being in constant touch throughout the freight’s journey.
Using A Freight Broker
While deciding on a carrier can be challenging for shippers, using a freight broker can make the process easier. Brokers act as the middleman who finds a trucking company on behalf of the shipper. Whether the shipment is heavy haul, temperature-controlled, expedited, or other, a freight broker can find a suitable carrier. They also coordinate cargo transportation and are with you until the goods reach the final destination. Reach A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1wwl.com to speak to our experienced brokers regarding your shipment.