Settling for a carrier company to aid you in shipping products can be a tough decision that may have lasting implications. With your goods at stake, taking your time to evaluate and analyze different carrier companies before settling for one is advisable. Here is a guide to assist you in choosing a shipping carrier for your business.
Costs
As a business owner, you always aim to save some finances in your operations. This may trigger the temptation of settling for a cheaper shipping carrier, which may not be the best option. Remember, cheap carrier companies may not offer quality services to your satisfaction. It’s recommended to compare the company charges with the services offered. Aim at settling for a company that offers quality services at an affordable price.
Capacity
Different shipping companies may opt to deal with specific container sizes, affecting the number of goods you can ship. For instance, a 40ft container can accommodate approximately 8,000 shoe boxes, while a standard TEU container can accommodate 3,500 shoe boxes. Always make sure the carrier company you choose can handle your capacity.
Tracking Services
As a client, you would love to monitor the shipping progress of your goods. Hiring a shipping company that offers tracking services will do the trick. With tracking services, you can estimate the remaining delivery time and notice any delays along the way. You will go the extra mile to ensure your products arrive on time.
Types of Products
Before settling for a shipping carrier, check the type of products the company can ship. Some companies may specialize in perishable shipping products, while others specialize in non-perishable products. Before getting into any contract with the shipping carrier, enquire about the type of products that can be shipped.
Reputation
The carrier’s reputation will give you a snippet of whether the company will suit your business needs or not. Before settling on a shipping company, go through reviews of previous clients. Ensure you settle for a carrier with positive reviews. If possible, hire a carrier company that hasn’t formulated any partnerships, as 70% of all business partnerships fail.
Safety
As a business owner, your goods arriving in bad condition is a dreading nightmare. Hiring a carrier company with great safety ratings is one way of ensuring your goods arrive safely. Besides this, you can enquire about the company’s safety protocols before getting into any agreements.
Reliability
Your business growth depends on your reliability in offering quality goods and services to clients. To maintain your business reliability, you need to choose a reliable carrier. Check the carrier company’s LOS (level of service) rates. A company with high LOS rates is more reliable than a company with lower LOS rates.
Often or not, a shipping company may attract you with lower rates to avoid spending a lot on your finances. Still, you will suffer in the long run due to unreliability and late deliveries. In addition, choose a carrier company that has transparent communication regarding the shipment of your goods.
Stability and Experience
How long has the company been in the marketplace? Always ask yourself this before hiring any shipping company. Dealing with a company that has been in the industry for a long time assures you your goods will be handled professionally compared to dealing with a starting company.
An experienced company can also handle light and heavy goods. For instance, plastic pallets are light and can accommodate a max load of 1,500 lbs. wooden pallets can accommodate a max load of more than 3,000 lbs. With this, you’ll have peace of mind that your goods will arrive safely.
Customer Service
Pay keen attention to the customer service offered by the shipping company. Work with a company that has responsive customer service. You can ascertain this by checking the company’s response time in responding to your queries, or listen to their tone of voice when asking them questions.
Take your time and vet potential shipping companies before deciding where to channel your finances. For the best results, choose a reputable company.
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