5 Common Pitfalls of Freight Shipping Companies and How to Avoid Them

It’s not easy finding the right freight shipping company. You want a company that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of small businesses. You want to work with a company that you can trust. You want them to be an extension of your team. We get it.

Since we’ve been in the industry since 1998, we know a thing or two about what it means to be a reliable freight shipping provider. This is why we came up with the five most common issues small businesses face when dealing with freight shipping companies.

Before we dive in, let’s take a look at what freight companies actually do and what you can expect from them.

What do Freight Shipping Companies Do?

Freight shipping companies handle the logistics and transportation of freight or cargo from one location to another. Some of the best freight companies work with leading carriers and are able to negotiate competitive freight shipping rates for customers. Other companies offer self-service tools that allow you to manage the freight shipping process online.

5 Considerations When Choosing Your Freight Shipping Company

Understanding these common issues can help you not only avoid them, but also find a long-term partner for all of your freight shipping needs.

Here, we share five of the most common problems people face when working with freight companies.

1. A Limited Network of Carriers

   It’s important to work with a freight shipping provider that has a large network of carriers. A larger network means that carriers are competing for your business and not the other way around. With more carriers to choose from, you should enjoy lower freight shipping rates.

   As you consider the network, make sure the carriers are also vetted. For example, Freightquote by C.H. Robinson only works with high-quality, vetted carriers – over 78,000 of them. For this reason, we’re able to provide our small business customers with low rates.

2. Unreliable Services

   The best way to check if a freight company is reliable is to test their services. If they regularly deliver on prices as well as promised times, you know that you’re dealing with a reliable company. But if you often find fees you didn’t know about or shipments that are consistently late or never arrive, it’s time to find a different company.

3. No Licenses

   Freight shipping companies must be licensed in order to legally transport goods and cargo from place to place. At Freightquote, we’re proud to be a licensed transportation property broker. As one of the largest freight service providers, it’s important to us to be properly licensed and provide our customers with the best possible freight service experience.

4. Not Enough Experience or Expertise

   When it comes to shipping freight, experience matters. Founded in 1998, Freightquote has been a pioneer in the industry and continues to break records. By going with an experienced freight shipping company, you get access to more than just tools. You get expertise, which is the prized wisdom that will help save your business time and money.

5. Bad Reputation

   While everyone deserves a second chance, it’s hard to ignore a bad reputation. Make sure to research each and every company before you begin using their services.

   The best place to check a company’s reputation is the Better Business Bureau. For example, Freightquote has an A+ rating with the BBB. You can also read customer testimonials and case studies to learn specific ways companies benefited from using a certain freight service provider. 

As you shop around for freight service companies, remember that you’re looking for a company that offers a large network of carriers. You also want a company that is reliable, licensed, experienced and has a good reputation.

Shipping is simplified with Freightquote. And now, it’s even easier and more affordable to manage all your shipping needs in one location. Try Freightquote by C.H. Robinson for your next shipment.