If you’re in need of a trucking service, but you don’t know where to start, here are 3 questions you can ask to see if you’ve found a reliable trucking service.
When you own a small- to medium-sized business, one of the first things you learn is the importance of outsourcing your needs. Since it’s just not possible to do everything yourself, you need to partner with service providers to make your enterprise a success.
And if you are purchasing supplies or shipping products, reliable trucking services top your list of essential providers. It might seem nerve-wracking to entrust your goods to any old Joe Blow with a Class A CDL, so read on to learn three questions to ask when interviewing a trucking company.
1. Can I Review Your Credentials and Documentation?
As in most industries, there are certain licensing and insurance requirements that a trucking company must fulfill in order to operate in the United States. These include commercial liability insurance and state transportation permits. There are also federal guidelines that dictate interstate transport.
In addition, trucking companies need to secure separate permits for hazardous cargo and oversized or oddly sized cargo.
Chances are you don’t know what regulatory requirements to even ask for. A good place to start is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
While you are checking out the companies’ paperwork, it’s a smart idea to look at their safety records, too. Accidents happen, but a track record of unsafe procedures or driver behavior is a red flag.
2. Can You Provide Me with References?
You can read online reviews until the cows come home, but do you really know who those people are behind their Yelp usernames? If you truly want to solicit opinions from a company’s client base, it’s best to do it the old-fashioned way, by talking to references.
A reliable trucking company won’t have anything to hide. They will be happy to pass on the contact information for satisfied clients. When you talk to those clients, ask them about their overall experience, if there were any problems with their shipments, and if they would utilize that company again in the future.
The answers to those questions should give you a good indication of a company’s quality level.
3. Why Should I Hire You Instead of Your Competition?
Naturally, you want to vet every service provider that you contract with. That’s just common sense — and good business. But in a sense, the burden of proving their worth should also rest with the trucking company itself.
Don’t be afraid to put them on the spot by asking them what qualities set them apart from their competitors. Sure, this question might take them back for a few seconds, but they should recover quickly.
If they hem and haw, try to change the subject, or give you a lame answer like “Well, we’re the best”? That’s an indication that this company might not take much pride in their work. Or maybe they’re just in it for the money — also a bad sign.
Final Thoughts About Reliable Trucking Services
Here at B.C. Freight, we definitely pride ourselves on providing reliable trucking services. We are transparent, dedicated, and experienced. And we’d love to add you to our list of satisfied customers!
Contact us today to ask these or any other questions you may have.