Carriers: Powerful Reasons for Using Ones that Care!
Carriers
Some companies believe all carriers are equal. We aren’t one of them. We deal with a large variety of transportation companies, and I can attest that they’re not all top-notch. I’m sure at this point, you are asking yourself, Why does it matter? Several issues can come into play; let’s dive in a little deeper below.
Signs They Care
There are things to look for that signal a good transportation company from a less desirable one. One of the first things I tell people is to check their website and read reviews. The next item on the list is to research their company stats, such as safety score, number of assets, etc. These can present you with an accurate view of the company. Lastly, I suggest you call and talk to them, or better yet, set up an in-person meeting. If, at the end of these steps, you feel that the company has your best interests in mind, then you have found a carrier to move your goods.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that truck companies with established good records and a large fleet will generally cost a little more money. For the sake of argument, let’s remember the saying, “You get what you pay for.”
Cheaper Carriers May Not Be Better
There are many cost-efficient companies out there, or at least they appear cost-efficient. Here are some of the reasons they can run cheaper. First, they are using older, less reliable equipment. This can lead to tractor breakdowns, which can be costly in the long run. Secondly, a lot of these companies hire drivers who don’t speak much, if any, English. These drivers are dependent on translation services within their GPS systems to provide directions, explain street signs, and the like. Using these companies can create language barriers between you, them, and your consignee. Language barriers can leave a bad taste in people’s mouths.
A last point to consider is that some of these companies have multiple drivers in a cab. Although there can be positives to this, one major drawback is the possibility of distraction. Because some of these transportation companies use older equipment, these drivers may not be logging their hours carefully.
How to Decide on A Carrier
I’m sure you’re asking yourself, So how do I decide on a transportation company? Obviously, rates must be considered. Sometimes you can negotiate a cheaper price based on the quantity of loads shipped. Truck lines typically have trailer grades, so using trailers that are food-grade quality might be more expensive than a standard clean trailer. Personally, I would base my decision on price, company safety record, and input from businesses that use the truck line you are considering. I also recommend asking people for referrals.
In Summary
When we take on a new client and they request trucking information, we refer them to Gulf Relay. The reason is simple. They have reliable equipment, and the management team is top-notch. Their drivers are polite and take extra effort to build relationships with the consignee. Are they the cheapest? No, but they are fair and dependable. These are qualities that we consider important.
