How to find a transport company near me
How to find a transport company near me?
The main types of freight transport are rail freight, ocean freight, air freight, and road trucking. All these types of freight are useful in different scenarios depending on the route and your shipping budget, but it can be difficult to know where to find a local trustworthy company to use.
We have complied a list of 7 key considerations, when choosing a freight forwarding partner to ensure that your supply chain needs are met.
1 – What level of freight transport coverage is offered?
A reputable freight forwarder will have extensive coverage to a vast number of destinations, with a wide range of carriers. Through these contacts, the freight forwarder will be able to provide you with a variety of high quality service options and prices to meet your supply chain needs, whether you are moving full loads to Europe or part loads to China.
2 – Does the freight forwarder have a strong network of international freight agents?
When looking to import or export goods, having access to a network of international agents enables you to overcome a number of barriers to business that may otherwise cause you difficulties in conducting trade. The freight forwarders overseas agents will provide the local knowledge required, through their understanding of local business customs, languages and cultural barriers.
3 – Is the freight forwarder a member of trade bodies or do they hold any accreditations?
Look for a freight forwarder who is a member of trade bodies. A membership to associations such as FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations), BIFA (British International Freight Association) or IATA (The International Air Transport Association) is a strong indication that the company operates in an ethical manner, and is compliant with the applicable legal requirements.
4 – Knowledge and experience is key
The rules and regulations associated with shipping can be a real minefield. An experienced freight forwarder will be able to advise you on all of this. Whether working out the best incoterm under which to make your shipment, advising on commodity codes, or confirming all the relevant documentation is in place to ensure a smooth shipment of your goods, your chosen freight forwarder will be on hand to help. If the goods that you are transporting are a little more complex, such as cold chain, hazardous or dangerous goods, look for a freight forwarder who has specialist experience in these markets.
5 – Can the freight forwarder offer flexibility?
Through knowledge and experience, and a strong network of agents and carriers, your chosen freight forwarder should be able to offer flexibility for your shipments. Whether there is a need to plan shipments around the impact of Chinese New Year or other cultural festivals and holidays, or if suddenly presented with unexpected circumstances such as port strikes, your ideal freight forwarder will have the capability to offer alternative solutions to enable the smooth transit of your goods.
6 – Can the freight forwarder offer the provision of value added services?
If you’re looking for complete supply chain optimization, wouldn’t it be favourable to have a ‘one stop shop’ for all of your freight and logistics needs? Whilst most freight forwarders are able to handle air and sea transportation, rail and road haulage, are they in the position to be able to provide you with other services such as Customs compliance or 3PL? Being able to utilise the same company, not only for moving your goods from A to B, but to the point of delivery to your end user, enables a fluid and unified approach. It also offers you peace of mind, in that, at any stage of the supply chain process, you will know who to go to for any questions or queries that you may have.
7 – Customer service levels
Whilst anyone can offer a service, a good company takes time to build relationships and truly understand your business needs. Freight forwarders like Roxy Fast Freight offer you a dedicated point of contact who is responsible for handling the whole supply chain process on your behalf. By having a dedicated point of contact there is complete visibility throughout the supply chain.
At Roxy Fast Freight, we’re with you every step of the process, and will communicate in an open manner, taking the time to explain things. When choosing a freight forwarder you want to be assured that if there is anything that you don’t understand, you can just ask, and that you will receive an honest, non-jargon ridden response.
Whilst it may be tempting to opt to utilise the services of a freight forwarder that offers you the cheapest rates, consider why they are charging less than everyone else.
For the ultimate supply chain service provision, instead look for a freight forwarder that offers a good service at competitive rates.
If you would like a quotation for your freight and logistics needs, please contact us today, and we will only be too happy to help. www.roxyfastfreight.com
