Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Trucking Company

We all know that moving can be a hassle. One of the more challenging aspects is getting your stuff from Point A to Point B. You need to consider many factors when choosing Trucking Companies San Diego, and we want to help you with this process by providing some helpful tips and tricks! Read on for our list of things you should consider and how they might affect your move:

Does the company have a dedicated driver and truck team, or are they subcontracted to another company?

If it’s the latter, you need to determine if Trucking Company San Diego has a good reputation. Ask around for feedback from people who have used them before and find out how long their average wait time is (if they give you one). Also, ensure that the trucking company gives you an accurate estimate of how many days it will take to move your things by air or sea. While it isn’t much you can do about changing the length of your trip, making sure your stuff doesn’t get held up en route by taking too long at customs (international) or being delayed due to weather conditions can save you time, effort and money. 

What type of vehicle does the company have?

You should find out if the company has a flatbed for your more oversized items (like furniture) or if they can accommodate bulky loading items onto pallets. It’s also important to know the length of the truck; make sure it is large enough to load your goods and still leave room for stacking, don’t forget that rental trucks are often smaller than regular trucks.

How much will it cost per mile?

You should also need to know how much the company charges per mile. The Better Business Bureau states that it is best to be cautious about companies that charge hourly.

How long have they been in business?

If a company has been around for decades and knows how to keep their customers happy, chances are you’ll be satisfied too! Also, check for insurance and bonding information through your state’s department of transportation or motor vehicle division website. You should also research the company on bbb.org and other websites before committing your goods to them.

Where is the nearest one located from my area?

If there isn’t a location near you, you might want to consider hiring a local driver or creating a relationship with a carrier who can pick you up directly.

Are their drivers professional, courteous, and knowledgeable?

You should ask for feedback from other clients or if you already have a company you want to work with, check the Better Business Bureau.

Is their equipment in good running order?

This is especially important if you’re going to be doing a whole load of freight. Trucks break down, and they can leave you stuck at a time that works best for them but not for your schedule. Ask the company what kind of maintenance practices they follow. If there isn’t an answer available, then it might be wise to look elsewhere because chances are they don’t care enough about your business to provide this information.

What type of communication tools do they use?

It’s essential that you feel comfortable communicating with each other, so find out what kinds of tools they use.

What is their over-the-road policy?

This may seem like a minor consideration, but if there are any problems, this will help alleviate some stress because you’ll have a better idea of how to deal with them. Do not sign anything until you feel comfortable with what’s being offered and that everything agreed upon has been confirmed in writing. Also, ask whether the driver will be driving alone or if there will be others on board – your insurance should cover everyone who is legitimately using the truck for business purposes, so make sure the amount matches your needs/expectations.

Knowing the permit requirements are also important. Many companies had grandfathered trucks because they existed before stricter rules about the number of hours a driver could be behind the wheel without taking a long break. Still, if you hire a newer company, you may want to stay away from motor carriers who have not taken steps to ensure their drivers comply with these restrictions.

Drivers come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure the one assigned to your shipment fits your needs. We hope this article has helped you better understand how to choose a trucking company.