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Shipping tips:

Deciding what transport company to use really depends on what your needs are. There are a lot of variations according to the type and value of the freight you are shipping but, here are a couple of pointers particularly for people shipping expensive items:

Destination

If your cargo is precious to you then you first have to know your destination.  If you are shipping out of the country, transporting by ship is the safest and most economical option.  If, on the other hand, you are shipping to a location within the same country, then a choosing a transportation method that minimizes the number of transhipments is the best option. Every time your freight is moved from one vehicle to another increases your chance of it getting damaged.  In addition, not all transport companies will ship directly to the door, so it is important to know whether the company you choose ships to terminals and where the destination terminal is located.

Tracking

If the value of the shipment is high then it is important to choose a transport company that offers shipment tracking.  Nothing could be more frightening than for your freight to not reach its destination on time and there to be no record of where it is.  Tracking will help you to know whether the freight reached its destination, when it will reach the destination, or where it has gone if it didn’t go to the right place.

Packaging

Finally, before choosing a transport company, make sure you understand how your freight will be shipped.  Do you want people to see the contents of your freight? Better to be discrete with the way you package things. Freight can be rearranged and damaged in the process of moving it, so make the packaging strong.

Insurance

Always check into the insurance offered by a transport company.  Some companies only offer basic, minimal coverage or coverage with restrictions, either of which could leave you with uncovered damage.  Insurance is normally automatically included in the quote as all transporters are required by law (varies according to location) to have Cargo Insurance. A company that quotes with and without insurance is self insured and pay outs for claims on these company's are less than 1% and consumers will find themselves in a costly situation by having to sue them to get claim paid. Make sure there is enough coverage to repair or replace your goods should the worst happen. Also be aware that this is not a guaranteed industry. This industry has many factors that may create delays; such as, waiting for earlier customers at pick up or delivery, weather, mechanical problems, and road constrictions for heavy vehicles. Set realistic deadlines.

Price

Deposits - Sometimes a deposit is required. Credit Card numbers for reservations are normal. Most companies that charge deposits are brokers. The companies we like are the ones that charge pick up fees after the driver is assigned. The reservation should be free with no cancellation fees prior to your driver being assigned. Once the driver is assigned the pick up fee is non-refundable so be sure to be available when the driver is ready.

Hidden fees – Over the past year, we have all seen the fuel price increase.This has affected many things including industry’s rates. Some companies; however, have taken advantage of this. They will under quote you, pick up your freight, and add up to a 17% fuel surcharge. Tax is another issue that varies according to local laws, but when getting a quote find out upfront whether taxes are applicable and if they have been included or not. It is always great to find companies with All-Inclusive rates.

Picking a company

Freight is not simply about price, it is a service. The vast majority of transport companies are reputable business people that simply want to help you, the best way to weed out the few that aren't is in by asking lots of questions when you first contact them. The person on the other end should make you feel comfortable and answer your questions. Most transport companies should be prepared to provide you with several references in regards to recent jobs they have done. If time allows try to contact every reference and ask questions regarding the type of service they received from their hauler. Remember, that no one is perfect all of the time, so if there are any less than perfect reviews, follow up with a question to see how the issue was resolved.

With regards to brokers, many people would rather go through the carrier for a cheaper rate and to cut out the middle man. This is not always the best way to do things. Trucking companies are usually owned and run by the actual driver of the truck who can not utilize certain aspects of the industry, technology or advertising to sufficiently keep him running, therefore brokers are essential to the industry and the driver's survival. With that said, companies that are brokers and carriers seem much better to deal with than just a broker or carrier alone.

Trucking companies usually go to only 3-4 states or one main route. This makes it difficult to find a truck that will go on your specific route. A broker has connections to many truckers nationwide but a good broker only utilizes a few to ensure your freight is safe and with a reputable company. For that reason many freight companies will act as brokers so that they can manage the total shipment from end to end. When you make a reservation, do not book with multiple companies and try to manage the process yourself as this will hinder your transport.