Choosing the right carrier can be crucial for the success of a small or medium-sized businesses (SME).
Learn these 5 main steps that will help you make the right decision.
1. Define your requirements
Type of products: Determine whether the transported goods require special transportation conditions
(e.g., controlled temperature, ADR, oversized loads).
Delivery deadlines: Are strict delivery times required? Determine the possible time windows
and delay tolerances.
Operating area: Define the countries in which you will need transportation services – international transport is based on international regulations (CMR convention).
2. Verify carriers
References: Check if the potential carrier has positive feedback from other customers or business partners (e.g. on Google, Trustpilot or on their website).
Certificates: Check if the company has the required certificates – the most important ones are the license for road transport of goods (including international), cargo insurance, authorization for the transport of dangerous goods, and optionally, an ISO 9001 certificate.
Order history: If you have worked with the company before, examine how the company managed previous orders, especially in more challenging or atypical situations
3. Check Safety Procedures
Risk assessment: Find out how the carrier analyzes potential risks (e.g., accidents, theft) and what their preventive procedures are – ask if they can provide them in writing.
Insurance: Make sure the carrier has adequate cargo insurance that covers any damage,
loss of goods, or delays.
Emergency plan: Check if the company has procedures for responding to emergency situations,
such as vehicle breakdowns, delays, or driver availability issues
4. Include Proper Terms in the Contract
Deadlines: Include specific loading and unloading dates and times in the order, as well as any contractual penalties for delays.
Costs: Agree in advance on all potential additional charges (e.g., for transshipment, additional services) –
the final freight price should be „all-in.”
Liability limit: If the value of the goods exceeds 14€ per kilogram, you should declare this value in the consignment note or use additional cargo insurance.
5. Monitor Cooperation
Track shipments: Use cargo tracking systems (e.g., GPS) and regular shipment status updates to
continuously monitor the transportation process.
KPIs: Set key performance indicators (KPIs) such as delivery punctuality, the number of damaged
loads, or response time to claims to measure the carrier’s service quality.
Communication: Maintain regular contact with the carrier, sharing information and any potential feedback
or suggestions for improving cooperation
Reviews and evaluation: Conduct regular cooperation reviews and carrier evaluations, considering the previously established KPIs, to identify areas requiring improvement or adjustment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right carrier for SMEs is not easy, but following the five key steps with specific tips can help make the right decision. Remember to define your requirements, verify carriers, check safety procedures, include proper terms in the contract, and monitor cooperation.
By taking these actions, you can significantly increase your chances of finding a carrier that meets your expectations, and ensures safe and efficient transportation of goods.
