Logistics carriers should be considered important when you are in business as they can make or break your business. Imagine this: you have ordered heavy industrial equipment for use in your manufacturing process and you need it transported to your company from another country; how will it happen A logistics carrier will transport your machinery during shipment.
This blog explores logistics carriers and their roles and importance in shipping heavy equipment. It also provides simple steps to determine if a logistics carrier is legitimate.
Logistic carriers: what they do
A logistics carrier refers to a person or company with the legal right to transport goods from one place to another. These carriers offer multimodal shipping services to ensure that goods are delivered to the right destination faster, safer and more cost-effectively using the most efficient route. This means they can use air, sea and land to transport goods, depending on the delivery location. However, it is essential to note that although logistics carriers use several modes of transportation, a company may only need to use some modes. For example, companies that transport goods locally may prefer to ship by road.
Depending on your company’s supply chain needs, companies can use two types of logistics carriers, each with unique advantages. This includes:
common carrier
These licensed private or public logistics companies transport goods for an individual entity or company. In other words, they offer shipping services to the general public, making them more accessible to anyone who wants to work with them.
Contracted carrier
Contract logistics carriers are transportation providers that ship goods for certain shippers or companies within a certain period based on contracts. They contract with a company to provide trucking on an agreed schedule but with room for flexible arrangements.
Choosing a common or contracted carrier depends on shipment volume, company structure, and frequency. For example, a company that ships high-volume goods may opt for a chartered carrier. On the other hand, those who wish to ship a smaller volume of goods from time to time can find a cost-effective common carrier.
Why are logistic carriers important for shipping equipment?
Choosing the right logistics carrier is crucial when shipping equipment to ensure a smooth shipping process. In addition to ensuring that equipment reaches its destination on time and safely, logistics carriers have the expertise and experience to handle the challenges that come with handling heavy and oversized machinery.
Another vital aspect of logistics carriers is their specialized equipment and handling techniques to ship heavy equipment from one place to another. In addition, logistics carriers maintain effective communication and transparency, which are essential when transporting equipment. Businesses can get real-time updates on the status of their shipments and quickly resolve any questions that may arise.
In addition, logistics carriers have a top-quality fleet that plays a crucial role in handling and transporting equipment of different types, sizes and weights. They also keep up with the latest trends and technology to ensure that their infrastructure is robust for a smoother transportation process.
How to determine if a logistics carrier is legitimate
Shipping goods can be time-consuming and expensive, so you need to work with a reliable logistics carrier that you can trust to deliver your shipments quickly. Whether you work with a freight broker or hire a 3PL, you should take the time and do your due diligence to ensure you are working with a legitimate logistics carrier.
Here are the steps to help you choose a legitimate carrier:
- Do extensive research online to determine if they have the resources and capabilities to transport your products.
- Verify carrier credentials and confirm compliance with federal rules and regulations. You can browse the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database to check the carrier’s operating authority and safety record. Also, check if they are properly licensed.
- Confirm the carrier’s insurance coverage and understand the liability limits of their coverage to avoid financial loss in the event of an eventuality.
- Check reviews, testimonials and online ratings from previous customers to understand the carrier’s reputation.
- Assess the carrier’s experience and expertise in handling your type of cargo.
When it comes to shipping goods, logistics carriers play a vital role in ensuring that goods are transported safely and in a timely manner using the most convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation. Before choosing a legitimate logistics carrier to work with, it is essential to understand your company’s shipping needs to help you know the type of carrier to work with. An experienced and reputable equipment shipping company like Heavy Haulers will handle the shipping of goods.
