Did you know that in 2019, nearly 15 billion packages were delivered throughout America?
You’re probably aware that there are a lot of trucking companies to choose from, and it can be hard to figure out which one is the best for your needs.
With so many options, it’s easy to make a mistake when choosing a trucking company. You might end up with a company that doesn’t meet your needs or expectations.
But don’t worry. To help you avoid making a mistake, we’ve put together a list of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a trucking company. Read on to learn more.
What Is a Trucking Company?
A trucking company is a business that provides transportation services for goods and materials. Trucking companies can be small, local businesses or large, national corporations. There are many different types of trucking companies, each with its specialties and areas of expertise.
When choosing a trucking company, it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements. Do you need a company that specializes in hauling sensitive or fragile items? Are you looking for a company with experience in hauling oversized loads? Make sure to ask these questions before making your final decision.
The Most Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to choosing a trucking company, there are a few common mistakes that you will want to avoid. Here are some of the most common pitfalls to watch out for:
Not Checking References and Reviews
Failing to check references and online reviews is a mistake that could cost you dearly. Imagine you’re considering collaborating with a new trucking company. You find out they have great rates, so you decide to go ahead and use them. But then you find out that they’re terrible at actually delivering the goods.
Your products are damaged or arrive late, and you end up losing money as a result. If you had just checked their references and reviews, you would have known to avoid them. So always take the time to do your research before doing business with any company, especially if it’s a new one. It could save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Not Asking About Their Experience
Asking about a company’s experience is important for several reasons. First, it can give you an idea of the level of service you can expect. A company that has been in business for a long time is likely to have more established processes and procedures in place, which can lead to a smoother shipping experience.
Additionally, a company with experience shipping your type of product will be familiar with the challenges and potential problems that can arise and will be better prepared to deal with them. Asking about a company’s experience is therefore a good way to get a sense of what they can offer and what you can expect from them.
Not Considering the Cost
Cost is always an important consideration when making any decision, particularly when it comes to hiring a professional service. After all, you don’t want to spend more than you have to to get the job done. However, it’s also important to make sure that you’re getting what you pay for.
Be sure to get a few quotes before deciding so that you can compare apples to apples. Also, be sure to ask about any hidden fees or surcharges that could be added on later. By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible value for your money.
Not Checking Insurance Coverage
Before hiring any trucking company, be sure to check their insurance coverage. This is important in case something happens to your products during shipping. You will want to make sure that they are fully insured so that you are not left holding the bag if something goes wrong.
The last thing you want is for your products to be damaged or lost in transit, and then find out that the trucking company does not have adequate insurance coverage. Do your due diligence upfront and confirm that the trucking company has the insurance coverage you need. It could save you a lot of headaches and heartache down the road.
Not Shopping Around
Not shopping around is a mistake. There are many trucking companies to choose from and each offers different services. By not shopping around, you may not find the company that best meets your needs. You could end up paying more than you need to or not getting the services you want.
To avoid this, get quotes from multiple companies and compare their services. This will help you make an informed decision and find the company that best suits your needs. Take your time in choosing a company so that you don’t make a mistake that could cost you money or cause problems down the road.
Not Building Trust
Any business relationship is built on trust. If you’re not confident that your partners will uphold their end of the deal, it can make it difficult to move forward. The same is true when choosing a trucking company. It’s important to build trust with the company you choose, so you can be confident that your shipments will be handled properly and arrive on time.
This means working with them over time and getting to know them well. If you can develop a good relationship, it will go a long way in ensuring that your business runs smoothly.
Choosing a Company with the Wrong Shipping Options
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a shipping company is their experience with the type of shipping you need. If you are shipping internationally, for example, you will want to make sure that they have experience with this type of shipping.
Otherwise, you could run into problems further down the road. The last thing you want is for your shipment to be delayed or lost because the shipping company didn’t know what they were doing. Make sure to do your research and choose a company that can offer the services you need.
Only Looking at Rates
Rates are important, but they should not be the only factor you consider when choosing a trucking company. Be sure to look at the other factors on this list as well so that you can choose the best company for your needs. Consider the company’s reputation, safety record, and reviews from other customers.
Make sure you understand the terms of their service agreement and ask about any additional fees that might apply. Once you have all the information, you can make an informed decision about which company is right for you.
Not Reading the Fine Print
It is always important to read the fine print before signing any sort of contract. This is the best way to know exactly what you are agreeing to and avoid any unwanted surprises. When you’re about to sign a contract, take a close look at the terms and conditions so that there can be no misunderstandings later on.
Keep in mind that once you sign a contract, you are legally bound by its terms. So if you don’t fully understand something, make sure to ask questions or get clarification before putting your signature down. Reading the fine print may seem like a tedious task, but it can save you a lot of hassle down the road.
Choosing a Company Without Additional Services
Another important factor is whether or not the company offers additional services. These services can include things like storage, packaging, and even assembly. While they may cost a bit more, they can also be very helpful in getting your goods delivered safely and on time.
So be sure to ask about additional services when getting quotes from different companies. It could make all the difference in your decision.
Forgetting About Location
The location of a trucking company is an important consideration, especially if you are shipping internationally. If the company is located near the port, for example, it will save you time and money in the long run.
There are several other factors to consider when choosing a trucking company, but the location is one of the most important. Make sure to take all of these factors into consideration when making your decision.
Top 10 Questions to Ask Evert Trucking Company
Now that you know the most common mistakes to avoid when choosing a trucking company, here are the top 10 questions you should ask every trucking company:
1. What Is Your Experience?
When it comes to shipping your products, you want a company with experience. Ask them how long they have been in business and what type of experience they have with shipping your type of products.
2. What Are Your Rates?
Be sure to ask about the rates for the services you need. Make sure to get a few quotes so that you can compare apples to apples. Also, be sure to ask about any hidden fees or surcharges that could be added on later.
3. What Is Your Insurance Coverage?
This is important in case something happens to your products during shipping. You will want to make sure that they are fully insured so that you are not left holding the bag if something goes wrong.
4. What Additional Services Do You Offer?
When choosing a trucking company, be sure to look for one that offers additional services. This could include things like storage or packaging. These services can be very helpful, so be sure to ask about them when you are getting quotes.
5. What Is Your Turnaround Time?
Make sure you know how long it will take for your products to be shipped. You don’t want to be left waiting for weeks on end, so be sure to ask about this before you choose a freight company.
6. Where Are You Located?
For shipping internationally, you will want to make sure that the freight company has a location near the port. This will save you time and money in the long run.
7. What Type of Tracking Do You Offer?
Be sure to ask about the available tracking options. Can I track my items through customs? This is important so that you can keep an eye on your shipment and know when it will arrive.
8. What Are Your Terms and Conditions?
Make sure you read the fine print before signing any contracts. This is important so that you know what you are agreeing to and can avoid any surprises later on. Pay close attention to the terms and conditions of the contract so that you know what you are getting into.
9. Do You Have Any References?
It’s always a good idea to ask for references from previous clients. This will give you an idea of what others have thought of their services.
10. How Can I Reach Customer Service?
Be sure to ask how you can reach customer service if you have any questions or concerns. You should be able to reach them by phone, email, or live chat. This is important in case you need to get in touch with them for any reason.
Partner with the Right Trucking Companies Today
Finding the right trucking companies for your business is an important decision for any shipping manager. There are many elements to consider, but if you keep the trucking company tips we’ve listed above in mind, you should be able to avoid any costly mistakes and find a trucking company that’s a good fit for you.
And if you’re in the oil & gas, construction, or frozen food industry, you want to make sure you’re partnering with the best in the business. Request a quote from us at Patriot Freight Group today. We have the experience and expertise you need to ensure that your goods are shipped safely and on time.
