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Sykes Transport

Useful Tips On How To Choose a Specialised Transportation Company

Do you need to move controlled waste, dangerous goods, large pieces of equipment or a range of different things ordinary transport options are just not going to muster? If this is the case, you’re going to need a specialised transportation company.

If you’re a Western Australian company with specialised needs, what are you supposed to look for in a transportation company? Well, this blog is going to help you answer that question by providing you with some general tips.

FOCUS ON SERVICE, NOT RATES

If you’re thinking about a specialised transportation company, then your cargo is probably precious. Therefore, you want a carrier that has experience, rather than whoever offers the best price.

Transportation companies want your business. They are even prepared to cut rates (and to give a lower level of service in order to make it economically viable) just to get your business.

While a good price is attractive to anyone, a transportation carrier with a long standing reputation for excellent service is going to be better for your business in the long run, because your cargo will arrive on time, on budget and in pristine condition.

Another way to ascertain a high level of service is to find out whether they are ISO accredited – like we are.

ASK FOR A REFERENCE

Contracting a specialised transportation company (especially on a long term basis) is an investment. Like any investment, you will want to do a little research to make sure it’s going to work out. A great way to do that is to ask for references.

A list of references (or testimonials) of clients who have had a positive experience is a good sign that the carrier is worth their salt.

ASK FOR EXAMPLES OF A CHALLENGES THEY HAVE FACED

The mark of a quality transportation company is an ability to solve problems. Not every move is easy. Sometimes it requires a bit of lateral thinking to conquer the odds. Ask them to share a story where they have had a difficult move and how they overcame it.

LOOK FOR SOMEONE WHO EXCEEDS CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS

A lot of companies will provide a basic transportation service. However, if you’re hiring a specialised transportation company, you really want them to go above and beyond, ensuring you get the best service possible.

A great transportation company knows exactly what they are doing. They have dealt with clients with similar needs to yours, and can use their skills and experience to come up with viable solutions for your transportation needs.

CHAIN OF RESPONSIBILITY

In April 2015, amendments were made to the WA Road Traffic Act that affected how transportation companies do business. Essentially, it’s been put into place to ensure that these companies are doing everything right in order to:

• Improve road safety
• Reduce infrastructure damage
• Improve deterrence and enforcement;
• Promote a level playing field for industry; and
• Improve business efficiency and compliance

You will want to contract a transportation company that adheres to this new legislation in the way Skype’s Transportation has. They have introduced Chain of Responsibility policies and procedures to address the principles of the amendments.

These solutions can make the transportation process much more efficient, and be quite beneficial to your business. All you need to do is ask them one simple question – what’s the best way to move my cargo? They should be able to give you some great suggestions.

By following these tips, you will be on track to choosing a transportation service that is going to be right for your specialised needs.