5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Between Logistics Companies
Business

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Between Logistics Companies

When you decide to work with a logistics company, it can be difficult to know which one to choose from among all the options you have. Every company offers the same basic services; getting your product from one place to another, whether that’s from the factory to the warehouse or vice versa. So how do you choose the right logistics company to hire? The key is to ask yourself these five questions when choosing between logistics companies. Only by asking these questions will you be able to narrow down your choices and find the right logistics company for your business.

1. Does the Company Have State-Of-The-Art Equipment?

Is it capable of handling everything from large or small parcels, to dry goods and even liquids? If you’re looking for something more specific like temperature-controlled shipping options, ask what kind of special equipment they have access to and how long they’ve used them. What kind of experience do they have dealing with certain goods? This is because you want someone who knows what they’re doing.

Don’t hesitate to ask if they’ll be delivering freight just locally or will their trucks be traveling long distances across several states? Will they be delivering small packages once a week or giant crates on a regular basis? No matter what you’re planning to ship, you want to know that your logistics company can handle it.

2. Do They Have a Reliable Support Team?

Before you commit to any service, ask if they have a support team in place. If something goes wrong and your shipments are delayed or lost, you need to know who you can call to talk about it. Most logistics companies offer some sort of customer service, but that doesn’t mean they’re all created equal. Call them up, listen carefully to their response and choose accordingly.

Reputable providers will have friendly, responsive customer service agents who can help you quickly. If you can’t get a response from them, even after a couple of attempts, you should look elsewhere. The logistics industry is relatively small and chances are that another provider has had experience with your particular situation before, which means they should be able to solve your problem without much difficulty.

3. How Much Do They Charge?

When comparing logistics companies, it’s important to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. What are your requirements and what is each company offering? You might find that certain options cost more upfront but will save you time and money in the long run. It’s important to do your research before choosing between logistics companies so that you can focus on your core business moving forward. For example, a national logistics company might charge a higher initial price than a local option.

4. How Does the Company Handle Unforeseen Circumstances?

If a container is damaged in transit or if your shipping items are detained at customs, how does your logistics company respond? Not all logistics companies have insurance and personnel to deal with these situations. Make sure to ask about their contingency plans so you don’t get left high and dry in an emergency.

5. How Long Do Deliveries Take?

If you’re shipping highly perishable products, you’ll want to make sure your logistics company has a speedy delivery time. Some companies offer 2-day or overnight delivery, which is great for people who run restaurants and need their ingredients as soon as possible.

Choosing the right logistics company should no longer be a daunting task. Incorporate the above questions in your search to ensure you get the right company.