As a company individual, you have to consider a number of points before you decide to select a trucking company in Michigan. A number of trucking companies offer the best experience only to disappoint you later. A lot of people think about cost as the primary element when selecting a trucking company in Michigan.
A company which has affordable prices may lower the transport expenses. However, if your products do not reach their place timely, the lower price is not really worth it. Below are details you need to look when selecting a truck company.
1. Verify whether the company has insurance and license
Each company in Michigan should have a permit and the suitable insurance to be able to provide freight services. Verify the company’s documents to make sure it matches all the requirements regarding licensing and insurance. Insurance and licenses are very important in case you generally ship unusual things, particularly hazardous stuff.
Contacts appropriate government organizations in Michigan in case you are unsure of the regulatory requirements for trucking companies. You may also use such organizations to verify the driving details of various companies.
2. Consider how the company’s staff interacts with you
The level at which the staff interacts with you on a personal level plays a major role in your final decision. A company that has unfriendly and unprofessional personnel will not handle your goods well. You want to deal with friendly, professional and well-dressed employees.
3. Examine the company’s fleet
You need to investigate the equipment the company will use to transport your goods. They should be in good shape. If the fleet is not maintained well, you are likely to experience delays, which can be costly. Visit the company’s premises and check whether all the equipment are up to your standards.
Check the truck and its designated trailer. If you are planning to transport perishable goods, check whether the trailer has refrigeration compartments. Ensure the compartments are in good shape. If you are transporting valuable or luxury items, you might want to check the security protocols and the logistics put in place to secure the goods.
4. Request the company to provide you with a list of references
You can either visit the company’s premises or make a call and ask them to provide you with references. The references should be business owners from your industry. The references will help you to determine whether the company’s claims are true. Engage them in short conversions and let them tell you about their experience with the company.
5. Consider tracking technologies
You need to determine the tracking technology the transportation company uses to monitor its trucks. You can also use your own tracking technology. There are several tracking technologies available out there. GPS and RFID are the most common in the transportation industry. Whether you choose GPS or RFI, make sure it offers an effective security measure to your products.