When you need to choose a transportation company to haul your product, you are entrusting that company to take your goods safely and on-time to the right destination at a reasonable price.
However, when your product is perishable and temperature-sensitive, you add an additional level of complexity.
You must be assured that the company you hire has the proper equipment to keep your product in a temperature-controlled environment, and that equipment won't break down and ruin your delivery.
When you choose a refrigerated trucking company, there are four important qualities to look for: • Experience • Equipment • Size • Price Experience First, look at the company's experience.
How long have they been in business? How long have they been offering refrigerated transportation services? Are they familiar and compliant with FDA regulations for transporting perishable foods? Though a newer company may be able to haul your product, a more experienced company will have a long record of success and excellent customer satisfaction, a strong indicator of how well they can handle your job.
By placing your perishable goods in the hands of company with experience, you can feel secure that your goods will reach their destination safely and on time.
Equipment Check out the company's equipment.
Do they have older or newer equipment? A company with newer, more technologically advanced equipment is less susceptible to breakdowns.
The refrigeration technology is likely more sophisticated and able to offer better environmental controls over older equipment.
Also, if a company has newer equipment, verify whether the truck drivers are properly trained to operate that equipment.
Having new equipment is not worth much if the driver is not sufficiently trained to operate it.
Size You might be attracted to the more personalized service a smaller company can offer.
However, when you need a temperature-controlled hauler, you want to be assured that the company has the capability to meet your needs.
Ask how many hubs it has.
Ask if it can easily get your goods to the part of the country you product needs to go.
If it does not haul to where you need, ask if it offers a brokerage so that it can obtain a truck to make your delivery to the required destination.
If it does offer a brokerage, make sure that the carriers it contracts with offer high-quality, modern equipment.
Price Last to consider is price.
The old adage, "What you pay for is what you get" is often true.
The company that offers the cheapest price might not be able to handle your job.
Also, verify whether the company has any hidden costs, such as hitch and unhitch costs, multiple stop expenses, or overnight waiting fees.
The cheapest company might end up being more costly to you in the long run.
Though price is an important factor, do not allow it to be the only factor.
Simply put, you want a company with a proven record of customer satisfaction, modern equipment, and an infrastructure to handle your temperature-sensitive load.
A little research and questioning can save you money and ensure your perishables arrive at their final destination in the time required and in excellent condition.