No matter what kind of business you run, you are likely to need help in transporting items, materials, equipment or goods from A to B. Whether that’s a delivery to fulfil a client’s order, a load that you will then use as part of a building project, or even a personal item like a boat or a static caravan, you want to know your cargo is in safe hands. After all, any damage could harm your reputation with clients and therefore your business as a whole – or result in a financial loss you weren’t anticipating.
The key is to find the right haulage company in the first place. Here, we consider some basic aspects to check before you contract with any company for goods delivery or pick-up.
Reputation Matters
The first thing you should do is check out the reputation the company you’re thinking of hiring has in its local area. Word of mouth from someone you know who’s used the company in the past is perhaps the most solid recommendation you can have. But if you don’t have that, take a look on trade websites and independent review sites. are more willing than ever these days to give their opinion on companies’ services. If you can’t find any, ask the company itself for references. They should be eager to do so, and you shouldn’t hesitate to follow these up – ask whether the service was prompt, delivered on time and to the agreed standards, for instance.
Check Their Understanding of Your Requirements
The company you’re thinking of hiring should be keen to find out as much as possible about the job you have on. They should check your deadline carefully and tell you how they intend to meet it. Do or will they work evenings and weekends if there’s an urgent deadline to be met? Do they understand the nature of the load you need hauling and have they got the right equipment and machinery to carry the work out safely?
Are They Fully Equipped to Take on the Job?
You may have specialist requirements. Some loads are abnormally large, some awkwardly shaped, for instance. The haulage company must have the skills, accreditations and experience to handle such outsize loads. They may also need to offer crane hire or HIAB hire, to get your load safely on and off the vehicle at either end of the journey. And do you need container storage? Not all haulage companies offer this.
Will They Quote for the Work So You Can Consider Your Options?
Request a quote – good companies will provide that for free. Never just go for the cheapest one without assuring yourself that the company isn’t cutting corners. If the quote is delivered promptly, and itemises all the relevant aspects of the job, and the company seems knowledgeable, experienced and has been in operation for a fair while, then you’re more likely to experience a quality service.
At Days Transport, we handle UK wide haulage. Moreover, we also deliver crane and HIAB hire, as well as having fly jib, low loader and artics and curtain sided vehicles for use in our day to day work. Moreover, we offer container sales and container storage in Bournemouth, wider Dorset and beyond. Call today to ask about our services.