What is a Logistics Carrier?

Logistics carriers should be considered significant when you are in business, for they can break or make your business. Picture this: You have ordered heavy industrial equipment to use in your manufacturing process and need it transported to your company from another country; how will it happen? A logistics carrier will be responsible for transporting your machinery during shipping.

This blog explores logistics carriers and their roles and importance to heavy equipment shipping. It also provides simple steps for determining whether a logistics carrier is legitimate.

Logistics Carriers: What They Do

A logistics carrier refers to a person or company legally entitled to transport freight from one location to another. These carriers provide multi-modal shipping services to ensure goods are delivered to the correct destination faster, safely, and cost-effectively using the most efficient route. This means they can use air, sea, and land to transport goods, depending on the delivery location. However, it is essential to note that while logistics carriers utilize various transportation modes, a business may only need to use some modes. For instance, businesses transporting goods locally may prefer over-the-road shipping.

Depending on your business’ supply chain needs, companies can use two types of logistics carriers, each with unique benefits. These include:

Common carrier

These licensed private or public logistics companies transport goods for an individual entity or business. In other words, they offer shipping services to the general public, making them more accessible to anyone willing to work with them.

Contract carrier

Contract logistics carriers are transport providers that ship goods for certain shippers or businesses within a set period based on contracts. They contract with a company to offer truck transportation upon an agreed time but with room for flexible agreements.

Choosing a common or contract carrier depends on shipping volume, company structure, and frequency. For instance, a company shipping high-volume freight may opt for a contract carrier. In contrast, one looking to ship a smaller freight volume occasionally may find a common carrier cost-effective.

Why Are Logistics Carriers Important to Equipment Shipping?

Picking a suitable logistics carrier is crucial when shipping equipment to ensure a hitch-free shipping process. Besides ensuring equipment reaches its destination on time and safely, logistics carriers possess the expertise and experience to handle the challenges involved in handling heavy and oversized machinery.

Another vital aspect of logistics carriers is their specialized equipment and handling techniques for shipping heavy equipment from one location to another. Also, logistics carriers maintain effective communication and transparency, essential when hauling equipment. Companies can get real-time updates on the status of their shipments and promptly address any concerns that may arise.

In addition, logistics carriers have a top-quality fleet that plays a crucial role in handling and transporting equipment of different types, sizes, and weights. They also stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technology to ensure their infrastructure is robust for a smoother transportation process.

How to Determine if a Logistics Carrier is Legitimate

Freight shipping can be time-consuming and expensive, so you need to work with a reliable logistics carrier you can trust to deliver your shipments promptly. Whether you work with a freight broker or contract a 3PL, you should take time and do due diligence to ensure you work with a legitimate logistics carrier.

Here are steps to help you choose a legitimate carrier:

• Conduct thorough online research to determine if they have the resources and capabilities to haul your goods.
• Verify the carrier’s credentials and confirm compliance with federal rules and regulations. You can browse the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database to check the carrier’s operating authority and safety record. Also, check if they are appropriately licensed.
• Confirm the carrier’s insurance coverage and understand their coverage liability limits to help avoid financial losses in case of eventuality.
• Check for online reviews, testimonials, and ratings from previous customers to understand the carrier’s reputation.
• Assess the carrier’s expertise and experience in handling your type of freight.

Regarding shipping goods, logistics carriers play a vital role by ensuring the freight is transported safely and timely using the most convenient and cost-effective mode of transport. Before choosing a legitimate logistics carrier to work with, it’s essential to understand your business’ shipping needs to help know the type of carrier to work with. An experienced and reputable equipment shipping company like Heavy Haulers will take the burden of shipping freight off your shoulders.