How to Choose the Right Trucking Service for Your Business
Trucking service is a vital part of any business that needs to ship goods from one location to another. Whether you run an online store or have a brick-and-mortar business, your product needs to be shipped to your customers in order for you to grow and thrive.
The trucking industry is a massive one, and it’s not only the driving force behind our economy but also an important part of our lives. From moving people’s households to hauling tanks and military equipment, a trucking company moves a lot of things.
When it comes to choosing the right trucking company, there are a few key factors you should consider. These include cost, dependable services, geographic areas serviced, and reputation.
Depending on what you are shipping, there are many types of trucking services to choose from. These include flatbed, LTL, and freight shipping.
Flatbed trucking service is an excellent option for a variety of items including motor vehicles and building supplies. This type of shipping allows the goods to be easily loaded and unloaded, making it ideal for large and oversized items.
LTL – Less than truckload shipments can weigh 150 to 10,000 pounds and are usually arranged in pallets. This service is ideal for smaller shipments and can be less expensive than full truckload services.
Full Truckload (FTL) – A full truckload includes a single shipment and can be delivered to a specific destination. It allows you more control over timing and shipping routes compared to the partial truckload service.
For-Hire – These are carriers that have contracts with shippers and charge a fee to transport their cargo. This is a good choice for businesses that need to ship goods but do not have a lot of time to manage the logistics.
Common Carrier – These companies provide freight shipping for both commercial and residential shippers. They are a cost-effective way to move your goods, but they may not be the best choice for all situations.
Contract Carrier – These are a more selective type of trucking company that signs contracts with certain shippers to transport their goods. These companies are typically much more affordable than for-hire carriers, but their service can be limited.
E-Commerce – As more and more consumers shop for their daily goods on e-commerce websites, the need for good trucking and freight services has increased significantly. For example, Amazon recently launched their own trucking and delivery division to support the growing demand for e-commerce products.
In addition, some e-commerce stores have their own warehouses for storage and warehousing of goods. Choosing the right trucking logistics company can help you get your products from point A to point B in as little time as possible.
Specialty Services – When you need to transport items that are fragile or delicate, consider hiring a white glove trucking service. These experts will arrive at your business, package the item, and then transport it to its destination for you. This is a complete solution to your shipping needs and can save you valuable time and money!
