A good logistics company is similar to having a surgeon perform delicate surgery on you. It is not a question of calling up your friend and asking him for recommendations.
You need to know about some crucial factors that can help you choose the right global logistics company for doing business with them. A professional logistics company can make the difference between success, winning, or losing in your business.
This guide can be helpful for you to choose the right global logistics company.
Tips for Choosing the Right Global Logistics Company
The following are some factors to consider when choosing an international logistics company:
1. Review Logistics Company Profiles
When choosing a global logistics company, you need to check out the company’s profile. Logistics companies are not all the same, so studying their profiles can easily help you choose the best one. See if they have good ratings and many years in business.
For instance, if you choose a company like Mercury Business Services, you can check their website and read their NPS scores and customer reviews.
Also, you can Google the company name and find reviews about them. Checking their social media pages will also give you an idea about the company.
2. Ask for References
It is always a good idea to ask for references from companies that have worked with the logistics company. References can help you get an idea about the quality of services offered by the logistics company.
You can either speak to the customers or check out their websites to see what they say about the company.
3. Compare Service Levels Offered
Different global logistics companies offer different levels of service. It is vital to choose the one that provides the best service for your needs.
You need to consider the following factors while comparing service levels:
- The type of services offered
- The range of services offered
- Timeliness of service
- Ease of doing business with the company
That way, you can compare the services offered by different companies and choose the best one.
4. Is there a contract?
Before signing the contract with a logistics company, you need to do your research well. Perform a trial shipment with the logistics company and see if their services are good enough for you to start doing business with them regularly. It will also help you understand how they operate and what services they offer.
Some shipping companies have long, complicated contracts while others require no contract at all. If they’re making you sign a long legal document, think about what that means for the future of your relationship. A company that makes things simple with no contract will probably be much more responsive to your needs since you’re not ‘locked-in’ to work with them, they need to earn your business every day.
5. Get an Estimate of the Total Cost Involved
Before choosing a logistics company, it is crucial to estimate the total cost involved. This will help you stay within your budget and choose the right company.
The total cost includes:
- Service charges
- Insurance premiums
- Customs duties
- Other applicable taxes
You should also ask about the hidden costs you may incur. That will help you get the actual cost of services.
6. Check if They are Licensed to Work in Your Country
You need to ask if the global logistics company has a license to work in your country. If you have doubts, it is better to check with your local authorities to ensure that they have all the necessary permits for offering services.
A licensed logistics company is vital because it means that they are authorized to work in your country. This is important because you don’t want to deal with a company that is not authorized to offer services in your country.
Choosing the right global logistics company can be a daunting task, but it is possible to find a company that can meet all your business needs if you have the right information. You will need to evaluate the company’s services, charges, and location before deciding.
