Choosing the Right Transport Partner
A reliable transport & logistics partner will help you with their expertise to streamline your business. It will cope with your business expansion, and reduce risks and costs with their best solutions involving freight management (transportation), warehousing, and distribution.
Choosing the best suitable logistics company is not easy as you will come across a number of logistics business with different offerings that might not be suitable for all your logistical needs. There are many factors you should take into consideration before deciding the right partner. We put together this list of tips to help on your quest to better choose your logistics partner. Bee Trans can help with any questions you may have. Call us 24/7/365. 1-800-946-7801 or send us an email. If we are unable to meet your needs we will be happy to recommend you to one of our competitors or logistics partners we work with.
1. Understand your current supply chain and logistics needs.
First and foremost you have to understand your business needs and your expected logistics service . To ensure the effectiveness , you have to understand your current supply chain logistics needs, transportation lines, freight costs etc.
Logistics is one of the most crucial factors in the quality of any supply chain. Logistics creates and increases the value businesses offer by improving merchandise, and ensuring the availability of products. Adding value to customers does not only refer to quality or quantity. It also refers to availability. Well executed logistics contributes to the overall positive customer experience.
2. Area of Expertise
There are various types of logistics providers including transportation, warehousing, distribution. Try to match your needs with the service and expertise of the logistics provider.
For example if you need a transportation-based logistics provider, understand their capabilities, including the truckload distribution, access to dedicated trucking assets, drop trailers, technology they use to offer visibility, tracking, management etc. Get to know the solutions for your short-term and long-term business needs.
3. Credibility
Credibility is crucial if you want to build a long-term logistics partnership. To find a credible logistics partner, you should investigate whether the company enjoys a good or bad reputation among its customers, suppliers, business partners or if they are inclined to honor their business commitment with integrity or not.
4. Sustainability
The sustainability of the logistics provider matters to your business. As a result, it’s imperative for you to work with a company with proven success and sustainability. The stable logistics partner will be able to cope with all possible emergencies and urgent needs.
Try to identify a sustainable partner that continues to invest in facilities, equipment, and human resources for optimal logistics solutions.
5. The network
The right logistics partner will offer you a strategic approach to deal with your business distribution needs with optimal efficiency. Your logistics partner should offer strategic solutions to meet your business expansions.
6. Customer service
A logistics service partner should have excellent customer service, quick responsiveness, fluid communications, effective solutions to urgent issues, and be available 24/7 to address issues or needs that may arise after regular business hours.
Most if not all businesses will claim to have excellent customer service. Ask for references, especially customers from similar industry and needs, and have their customers confirm their claims.
7. Technology
Generally, logistics companies should equip themselves with the latest technology to provide efficient and transparent service to the clients. Bee Trans utilizes technologies like warehouse automation, cloud computing, web-based freight quoting, booking and tracking systems, etc. These technologies help provide error-free and consistent service with quick reports and efficient distribution and freight management system.
Our “Shipper Dashboard” will reduce your shipping cost and increase efficiency.
8. Price
Is the pricing transparent? Are there any hidden charges? Get to know what they will charge you before you accept them as your logistics service partner.
Double check if a provider offers a relatively lower than the market rates. Remember, cheaper is not always better. A good logistics partner might be slightly more expensive but it might provide great service and save you money by making sure that there is no interruptions or delays in your supply chain. Get to know all elements leading to a lower price, delays in supply chain can be costly.
9. Efficiency
How fast your orders will be processed? How long will it take to ship your orders to your customers? Efficiency matters to your business and your customers satisfaction.
Transportation routes and logistics company multi-mode ca[abilities play a key role when it comes to the order delivery. Efficient communication also affects efficiency.
10. Freight Management
How does the logistics provider manage the freight? How does it react to the fluctuating market needs? Normally, a good logistics partner will be capable to respond quickly to the changing market needs. It would likely offer a quick and effective solution to the customers specific situation. They can coordinate based on customer demands. They may even provide customized service and tools to their clients based on their business requirements.
Also, a good logistics provider should be aware of when they have to drive up or drive down costs in line with the economic circumstances and business changes. They will plan for seasonal and regular market changes.