When you are on the search for carriers, you can’t just scroll through the load boards and find a random carrier that might work. Yes, you may get your shipment where it needs to go, but what was the process around that? Can you replicate it? Can you rely on it? Probably not.
You just went through carrier noise. You deserve carrier networks. The difference shows us when something goes wrong, if there is a hiccup in the strategy, and when you want to replicate the amazing process down the road. With a reliable carrier network, you can develop a stronger freight strategy around real and tangible outputs, rather than just hoping the carrier you picked on the load board this week will get it done the same as the other carrier last week.
Here’s how to find real freight reliability in your freight carriers.
How You Connect With Your Carriers Can Speak to Their Reliability
When you simply choose your next freight carrier based on who has the availability in the most recent refresh of a load board, you may be getting your shipment moved, but you may be opening yourself up to a world of unknown factors. If you connect with your next carrier purely because they have an opening and there is nothing else communicated between you two, you may not be getting the reliability you deserve.
On the other hand, if you are provided a list of reputable carriers from a referral board, you may find some more reliable types of carriers to hire for the job. A referral board, rather than a load board, ensures that the carriers on there have worked with similar shippers, provide good, stable work, and have been used recently. All these factors can increase their chances of being reliable and trustworthy for your freight.
Have They Worked With Your Type of Shipments Before?
Choosing a reliable freight carrier also means looking at carriers who have worked with your type of freight in the past. A high-value piece of medical equipment is going to ship far differently than construction pieces, furniture, or vehicles. Everything is going to ship differently and need different safety precautions.
The best thing you can do for yourself, your business, your customers, your reputation, and your shipment is to partner with a carrier who knows the needs of your freight inside and out. If there are specific safety precautions, loading and unloading regulations, temperature needs, or whatever else the shipment might require, you want a carrier who will take it seriously. When you do that, you know you found a reliable carrier.
Do They Match Your Level of Communication Needs?
Reliability starts with good communication. Freight has the opportunity to either be a very automated and straightforward process or a back-and-forth between shippers, carriers, brokers, loading bays, and anyone else involved. No matter the type of communication, it is wise to find a carrier who can match your own energy and live up to your communication expectations.
The last thing you want is to partner with a carrier who takes on the shipment and then goes no contact, even if something were to go wrong or come up. You want to partner with a carrier who is ready to have a conversation, easy to get ahold of, and willing to talk. That will ensure your shipment is brought from point A to point B reliably.
How Do They Answer Your Questions?
If you ask a carrier a question, what are you met with? A “read” email? A vague answer? An automated response that makes a lick of sense? Or are you met with a coherent, welcome answer by your carrier who is ready to discuss the topic and get to a resolution? As a shipper, there are going to be questions throughout the freight process and even within the process of picking a carrier. You have the right to “interview” for the right person to take your shipment.
If you find a carrier who is open to answering questions and working together, you are likely to find a carrier who will be reliable now and in the future. That’s the best you can ask for.
Has Another Shipper Utilized Their Skills in The Past?
Reliability within a carrier can also be found through the reviews and words of other shippers and brokers who have used their services. A great way to find reliable carriers is through a referral network. A carrier referral network can help cut through the noise and provide you with a strong list of reliable carriers that can handle your shipment with the care and attention you are looking for.
Just like before you buy an expensive item online, you should utilize reviews and word of mouth to know what you are about to get yourself into. It can show you the good, the bad, and the ugly about who you hope to work with.
Do They Want To Keep Your Services As Much As You’d Want to Keep Theirs?
There are some circumstances when you may just need a one-time shipment with no strings attached, but what about the moment when you have a handful of shipments and no reliable carriers in your address book?
If you are looking for a reliable carrier, one that you can lean on, keep going back to, and grow a relationship with, as they will remember your freight needs and expectations so you don’t have to teach them to someone new every time, you want to find a carrier who will match your expectations. Some carriers like a one-and-done situation, while others want an address book of jobs. Reliability starts with an address book. Find a carrier wanting to fill theirs. When you both have the same motivations, reliability is garnered.
Don’t Be Afraid to Connect With a Pre-Made Carrier Network (Like Ours)
At Nationwide Equipment Transportation, we have a vetted carrier network of over 1,000 amazing carriers across the country. Our shippers and partners can utilize that network as they please, as this can be a very easy and quick way to connect with reliable carriers and cut through the carrier noise that comes with a load board.
If you want to find good, trusted, reliable carriers, don’t be afraid to look for a pre-cultivated carrier network with someone like Nationwide Equipment Transportation. We can help connect you with a carrier perfect for the needs of your freight. It can be that easy.
Don’t get lost in carrier noise. Find a reliable carrier with these techniques. If you have questions or wish to get connected with our vetted carrier network, contact the team at Nationwide Equipment Transportation.