Choosing the Right Trucking Company
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Trucking Company
Full Truckload
From coast to coast, we provide seamless full truckload solutions for your most critical freight.
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LTL Shipping
Advanced routing and real-time tracking ensure your LTL shipment is always right where it needs to be.
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Sprinter Van
Our late-model equipment is maintained to the highest safety standards to prevent delays.
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Flatbed Trucking
We provide flatbed trucking for all your flatbed shipping needs.
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Full Truckload
Besides LTL and expedited shipments, we offer full truckload shipping solutions.
Receive A Shipping QuoteThe Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Trucking Company
Choosing the right trucking company is a high-stakes decision. Whether you are shipping LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) locally or Full Truckload (FTL) across the country, your transport partner directly impacts your bottom line and customer satisfaction. This guide breaks down the essential factors for selecting a carrier that ensures safety, speed, and reliability.
1. Reputation and Proven Experience
In the logistics world, reputation is earned over thousands of miles. A company’s history tells you how they handle the unexpected—from mechanical failures to tight delivery windows.
- Check Online Reviews: Look beyond the star rating on Google and Yelp. Read how they respond to delays or cargo issues.
- Verify Industry Standing: How long have they been operating? A carrier with years of experience navigating the West Coast or Midwest corridors is less likely to be surprised by regional challenges.
2. Range of Services and Fleet Condition
Not every carrier is equipped for every load. Your partner should offer a versatile fleet that matches your specific cargo needs.
Types of Services
- Hot Shot Trucking: For time-critical, smaller loads.
- Flatbed & Step-Deck: For oversized machinery.
- Refrigerated: For perishable goods.
Fleet Maintenance
A well-maintained fleet is a sign of a safe company. Ask about their maintenance schedules and the average age of their trucks. Modern trucks are less prone to breakdowns and offer better fuel efficiency.
3. Technological Advancements
The best trucking companies leverage technology to provide transparency. If you can’t see where your freight is, you can’t manage your business.
Look for carriers offering Real-Time GPS Tracking, automated ELD compliance, and digital BOL (Bill of Lading) management. These features provide peace of mind and help you stay on top of your shipment's progress.
4. Verification: Licensing and Insurance
Safety is the top priority. Never work with a carrier that cannot produce current credentials. Licensing and insurance are your ultimate safety nets.
- DOT Number: Verify their status through the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
- Cargo Insurance: Ensure their policy limits cover the full value of your specific goods.
5. Sustainability and Long-Term Value
Sustainability: Leading companies now use route optimization software to reduce carbon footprints and fuel costs. This efficiency often translates to better rates for you.
Partnership: Building a long-term relationship with a carrier like Action Transportation allows the driver and dispatcher to understand your specific loading docks, delivery times, and preferences.
What Our Clients Say
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"We got so much out of our logistics consultation with Jason! Every moment was filled with useful insights on optimizing our LTL shipments. Jason was very astute, catching subtle details in our routing that saved us thousands."
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"Jason is an absolutely fantastic logistics partner. He immediately put together a SIMPLE and effective plan for our sprinter van fleet. Our expedited freight is moving smoother than ever, and our delivery windows are finally being met."
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"Jason has the heart of a teacher and a passion for helping people understand the complexities of Full Truckload logistics. His expertise in flatbeds and specialty trailers is second to none... he makes the industry so easy to navigate."
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"I first called Jason because I thought I was going to lose a major vendor due to shipping failures. Thankfully, he overhauled our hotshot strategy and I am forever grateful to have our supply chain running like a well-oiled machine."
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"We rely on Jason for all our heavy-haul specialty trailer needs. That should be testimony enough as to what we think of his service. He is a 1st class logistics pro who is skilled at anticipating road challenges and correcting them instantly."
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"Jason is phenomenal. Certainly the only logistics specialist I recommend for complex flatbed or hotshot loads. Don't waste your time trying the other brokers in this area."