Getting Started with a New LTL Trucking Company

Starting with a new LTL trucking company, there are definitely some key items you will want to keep in mind. The most important is that price should never be the only factor. Although depending on your commodity, it can be a good place to start. First you can try Global Forwarding's online rate quote tool and find a few prices you can live with. This way you can weed out any companies that are not within your range. If this is only one shipment you might need less information, but be sure to at least meet a representative from the company even if only a phone call. Many times, this can give you a gut feeling. Next you will want to check on transit times, how your cargo will be packed and what type of insurance is available. You will also want to find out how many different times will your cargo be transferred to another truck before it meets final destination. This can be a key factor since the more transfers your cargo has, the more chances for loss or damage. If you will be shipping regularly, you may want to take this all a step further. Meeting with sale representatives from a few different companies can definitely help. They will be able to go over the details of your shipments including the necessary documents and tracking your cargo. Once set, it is most important that you get everything in writing. There are some companies that will try to take advantage of you, especially if you are new to shipping, but if you do your homework and ask questions, you will be just fine.