Moving cargo with trucking flatbed companies is a serious business. You should perform a thorough background check when hiring flatbed hauling companies. Carrying out due diligence at the contracting stage will ensure that you hire a trucker that is reliable, responsible and ensures your cargo is delivered to the right place when you need it.
Although flatbed trucking companies offer similar services, the competence and service level of each of them varies. Here is a checklist of points to look for, when hiring flatbed hauling companies, that ensure you choose a good reliable partner.
Choosing Trucking Flatbed Companies
Shortlist Three or Four Companies
When you are looking for a flatbed hauling company in the market, do not just sign up with the first company that you find. Always look at three or four different suppliers to get an idea of what services are currently offered.
Look for companies that have a good rating and reviews from existing customers. You can easily find feedback about their services at Industry-Related listing websites. What the past customers say about a company speaks volumes about their service standards.
Once you have a list of three or four reliable companies you can contact them to find out more about what they offer.
Check Licensing and Insurance
When contacting flatbed hauling companies, you should aim to work with a business that has the appropriate licensing to operate. They should also carry adequate general liability insurance.
Ask them to share their license and insurance information with you. Even If all the shortlisted flatbed hauling companies claim that they have both, don’t be hesitant about asking them for proof.
You can also check license information online to verify that it is valid. All of this should be part of your due diligence process.
Get Fleet Information
The size and nature of the fleet that trucking flatbed companies have are also important. If you are looking to move a lot of cargo, and the company does not have enough capacity to deliver all of it within your specific timeframe, then their service is not useful for you.
Most reliable flatbed hauling companies will have at least two to three trucks in their fleet. This shows that they have been in the business for a while and built up their cargo delivery operations.
Smaller and newer operators might have only a single truck. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they are not reliable. However, the business could be very new and you should be careful about using them for your business.
Ask the Cargo Securing Procedure
You should also find out the method that the trucking company will use to secure your cargo on their truck during transit. Is it reliable and safe? Do they use chains or straps for the job? If you have questions or concerns, don’t be hesitant to ask them for details.
Also, make sure to inquire if they have worked with similar cargo before. Make sure that you feel confident about the safety of your cargo and there is little to no risk of damage before you lock into any contract. If the flatbed hauling company is unwilling or unable to give you assurance for cargo safety, do not sign up with them.
Summary
In this blog, we looked at some of the important factors to consider when choosing trucking flatbed companies for your business. For more tips and guides, make sure to read our other blogs.