Finding the Right Carrier | How to Identify a Reliable Partner that Fits Your Shipping Needs

(Franchise Buy) - By Holli. Updated Jul 12, 2017

SALT LAKE CITY (July 11, 2017) – With more than 30 years of experience, Unishippers Global Logistics, LLC is one of the largest third party logistics companies that can handle all shipping needs for its core customer – small and mid-sized businesses. As shipping experts, Unishippers focuses on helping customers find the right carriers at the right price for each shipment by providing thorough information and options.

“With any business, shipping can be expensive, time consuming, and inconsistent,” said Unishippers Executive Vice President, Tim Story. “Since we don’t have our own vehicles, one of the most fundamental aspects of our business is having reliable carrier partners that we can trust day in and day out to promptly deliver our customers’ shipments. We know it’s not an easy task to identify the right carrier at the right price. Since we take the time to do the necessary due diligence, we can save you from countless headaches and financial strains in the long run.”

While the number of carriers available to choose from seems infinite, businesses often don’t know what key components add up to a reliable carrier. To simplify this process, Unishippers has put together a beginner’s guide that outlines the steps to take when conducting carrier research.

• Step One: Start Online Research. Depending on your product size, shape and destination, it’s important to determine which carriers have the resources necessary to properly and safely move your goods. Some carriers specialize in specific types of shipping (B2B, residential, white-glove, low touch/low damage). Additionally, most transport industry focused publications have carrier listings available on their websites.

• Step Two: Look for Red Flags. Ask questions such as: Is the company compliant with federal rules and regulations? Businesses can access the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) database to see a carrier’s safety record. If they have a poor compliance history, proceed with caution or even reconsider employing their services. To ensure the carrier is properly licensed, visit www.ai.fmcsa.dot.gov.

• Step Three: Understand the Carrier’s Liability Limits. Freight shipments can be exposed to extreme conditions during transit, making them susceptible to damage. It’s important to understand the carrier’s liability limits and restrictions to help mitigate financial loss. Carriers may also offer excess value coverage, which will extend the liability for higher value goods, but can be rather costly. 

• Step Four: Check for Added Perks. Another key element is accessibility to the status of a shipment’s whereabouts. Consider what features carriers offer customers such as online tracking services, or portal access to compare estimated rates and service levels, etc.

• Step Five: Ask for References. Of course, all businesses want affordable options, no damages, no theft, and no delays; though, not all carriers are equal. It’s easy to find carrier reviews online, but keep in mind that customers are often more vocal about negative experiences. Therefore, the best way to find reliable shipping carriers is to ask the company for customer references. Trustworthy companies should be more than willing to share contact information of past and present customers.

Unishippers was built on the foundation that no two customers are alike, and therefore proactively works to meet their unique needs by creating individual solutions that ensure smart choices that save time and money. The company offers complete shipping and transportation solutions, including a dedicated account team for service, technology built for SMB customers and flexible credit, insurance and invoicing options. By leveraging its deep customer base, Unishippers secures stable discounts from its group of 30-plus carefully selected local, regional and national freight carrier partners that are then passed on to its customers.

About Unishippers Global Logistics

Unishippers Global Logistics (“Unishippers” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of third party logistics services to over 50,000 small and medium-sized businesses through a network of nearly 300 franchise locations and affiliate outlets. The Company offers small package and heavy freight services, including LTL, FTL and air freight through UPS®, Saia®, Estes®, YRC Freight and UPS Freight® and other major carriers to manage the pickup, transport and delivery of customers’ shipments. The franchisees leverage the scale of the combined network to offer customers attractive shipping rates and are committed to providing best in class service. Unishippers’ strategy has resulted in significant growth year after year, and the Company has been recognized as a top freight broker by Transport Topics and a top franchise by Entrepreneur, Franchise Times and the Inc. 5000. The Company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. For information on Unishippers, including price quotes, visit: www.unishippers.com.