Running your own business can come with its fair share of problems, including logistics and freight services.
Finding a good logistics partner is difficult, especially with so many shipping companies on the rise.
As of June 2021, the total volume of freight tasks transported in Australia was 800 billion metric-ton km.
So, if you wish to find a compatible logistics partner, these are some of the things you must consider!
1. One with reliable customer service
When it comes to a good partner, customer service is of utmost priority. However, no matter how advanced the world has become, it’s true that software and machines simply cannot replace the human touch.
So get in touch with a logistics partner that prioritizes customer feedback and makes sure that your grievances are heard too.
If your shipments are time-sensitive or some items need to be handled with extra care, the logistics company should consider all of that by ensuring that your preferences are always put first.
2. One with a good reputation
There are many logistics companies out there, and all of them claim to be the “best” in their field. But how will you choose who’s right for you?
The important thing to consider here is reputation. Check Google or ask people around you which freight company is the best.
Look out for online reviews that share whether they get your parcels delivered right on time and in mint condition. Then, research whether it’s affordable and uses smart technology to serve you better.
If you are based in Australia and can’t take so much hassle, you may seek Freight People – a reputable freight broker company that works with leading logistics companies. They’ll take care of your freight needs and ease your burdens.
3. One that provides a wide range of services
Sure, all freight services are involved in shipping and delivering parcels, but even within this, different companies provide different special services.
For example, one company might deliver your goods in an unbelievably short time, but they’ll charge a lot of money.
Another partner may charge you a lot less money but deliver your products in cheap plastic bags.
So you must pick a logistics company catering to all your basic requirements. Then, check if the services provided by that company have limited consignments or not.
4. One that maintains strong relationships
Another important area to consider while choosing your logistics partner is checking its existing relationships with steamship lines, forwarders, and port officials.
If the company promises to deliver your goods super fast but doesn’t have a strong network with their route services, you won’t be satisfied.
And ultimately, you might even have to get stuck in an endless loop of delivery delays and unnecessary cargo fares.
For a 3PL (third-party logistics), a good network of preferred partners always proves its stellar customer service. So check its existing network before zeroing in on the company.
5. One with a worldwide presence
You might not have an enormous business currently, but you might just have future plans for business expansion, right?
For that, partner up with a logistics company that can deliver your shipments not just within the city or country but all over the world.
A logistics company with a strong presence in the global market can prove to be really useful since it will give you real-time updates about shipping and transport in different parts of the world.
Moreover, if the service is good, you’ll gain a lot of clients globally.
6. One that ensures proper security
As a business owner, you have every right to know how your logistics partner will deliver your products. But, unfortunately, safety becomes a big issue here since many freight companies don’t wish to reveal their security systems to the company.
Even if the logistics services you’ve chosen don’t tell you every bit of their security system, ask them about the basic layout.
Ask them how they plan to deliver your cargo from your warehouse to the customer’s doorstep, especially if it involves shipping to a different city or country. See if they use high-tech software to ensure optimum security.
Over to you…
These are all some of the basic pointers to remember before choosing a reliable logistics and supply company.
Many people tend to choose low rates over safety and security but don’t make that mistake. Instead, go for a company that delivers your goods properly, within time, and at affordable rates.
