If you are looking for the best-in-class service when it comes to flatbed transportation carriers, it’s important to look around. You want your experience to be seamless, service-focused and completely trouble-free, so here are some top attributes of a quality carrier.
Experience
Obviously, the longer they’ve been around, the better the service tends to be. Experienced professionals of 10+ years know what they are doing and understand the market. However, make sure that their fleet isn’t as experienced as their business. Double-check to make sure their flatbeds are new or well-maintained.
CSA Complaint
If they are Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) complaint, you know they are going to be a good option. This major safety measurement and reporting initiative are monitored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Ratings range from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least serious infraction and 10 being the most severe. If they are compliant, they are committed to keeping the Nation’s roadways safer for everyone.
Fleet Size
When the carrier has a lot of trucks or alliances, they can probably handle whatever transportation you need. This increases their capability, being able to offer different flatbeds and specialized equipment and usually over a larger service area.
Communication
It helps if you know where your flatbed freight is at all times.Look for flatbed transportation carriers that are satellite equipped to provide shipment tracking at all hours of the day and night. This way you can call the account manager or track the shipment yourself via a safe Internet program.
Good Website
Do they have a website that explains their history and what they do? In this day and age, this is an important feature because it proves their legitimacy. It’s also helpful if there is a page that includes testimonials or customers.
Remember, before choosing flatbed transportation carriers, do your research. Make a short list of companies that you are interested in and then read reviews on every company. It also helps to check out their social media to make sure that they are professional and reputable. It doesn’t hurt to give them a call or meet in person either! Sometimes making that face-to-face contact can give you the confidence you need in the provider’s ability to deliver.
