When you ship your goods, you need to ensure that they travel safely and arrive at the destination in a timely manner. Damages and other shipping issues can quickly become expensive and seriously hamper business. When choosing a freight carrier, it is important to make the right choice.
Why is finding the right freight carrier important?
A freight carrier is responsible for the transportation of your goods. A lot can happen during the transportation process. Depending on how freight is moved, goods may be vulnerable to theft, damage, loss, or delayed arrival. You depend upon the freight carrier to properly transport your goods, and your customers depend upon your business to have the right goods at the right place at the right time. If your carrier fails to follow through on their obligations, your business and your customers suffer.
The right freight carrier can reliably and safely move your goods while saving you money at the same time. If issues arise, you will be able to trust that the right carrier will communicate promptly and work to do whatever necessary to resolve the issue.
What To Look For in a Freight Carrier
There are some key considerations to evaluate when choosing the right freight carrier for your business.
Types of Goods
First and foremost, you need to ascertain whether or not the carrier ships the types of items you sell. If you sell goods that are fragile, high-value, hazardous, or perishable, it is imperative that you find a carrier who specializes in the transport of your goods. These types of items can be difficult to ship, require special handling, and utilize specific equipment. Some carriers will not move freight that falls under any of these categories, so you need to find a carrier that is experienced in handling sensitive goods.
Reliability
Reliability is an important factor to consider when evaluating a freight carrier. To determine the reliability of carriers you are considering, look at their Level of Service (LOS) rates. A high LOS indicates reliable service. A low LOS indicates that the carrier likely loses customers. A carrier with a low LOS may be able to save you money in the short term but will possibly provide unreliable service that causes significant financial damage over time.
Reputation
Reputation encapsulates both the quantifiable and qualifiable aspects of a company’s performance. If a company has a bad reputation, they are likely to let customers down in a few ways. They may deliver freight late or in poor condition. A carrier with a positive reputation is likely to provide quality service to their customers. If you find a carrier with an overwhelmingly positive reputation, it is a good idea to contact the company and learn more about their services.
Balance Costs and Services
When choosing a carrier, you will inevitably have to consider shipping costs. It may be tempting to choose the cheapest carrier, but this choice will likely not be the best for your company in the long run. Many cheap carriers provide low prices by cutting corners. If you have some flexibility in your delivery schedule or your goods are not precious, going with a cheap carrier may be an okay option. However, if you need a reliable delivery schedule, thorough communication, and careful handling you will likely need to choose a carrier that charges a bit more for their services. A carrier who provides excellent services will support the growth of your business and provide value and peace of mind.
Available Shipping Destinations
Some carriers operate internationally, and some carriers only operate within a national field. When choosing a carrier, make sure the company moves freight to all of your destinations. If you need to ship internationally, make sure you choose a carrier who does that as well.
First Star Logistics Freight Carriers
We are a unique, asset-based global logistics provider whose core business is the transport of your freight. We arrange and secure space for your shipment between states and countries via common carriers such as trucks, railroads, and ocean liners. Clients benefit from a comprehensive North American network and global reach, along with time and money-saving technology that delivers.
We also have an in-house freight brokerage department which allows us to serve the entire country. We believe that our first responsibility is to our clients. We understand that for our customers to operate efficiently, it means that their shipments need to be in one piece and on time. We work fast, with cutting-edge technology to ensure an effective and easy-to-use experience. We are there for our clients to attend to every shipping detail so that they can focus on other aspects of their business without the worries of where their shipment is and when it will arrive.
End your carrier search today by contacting First Star Logistics.
