Choosing a transport company should not be based on price alone. The cheapest price can hide delay, damaged goods or a violating load stopped at the scales. Here are eight practical questions to ask any heavy transport company before you agree with it.
1. What type of fleet do you have, and what condition is it in?
Ask about the types of trucks and trailers available and whether they suit your goods, and about the condition of the fleet and its maintenance programme.
2. Do you have experience with my type of shipment?
Transporting grain and feed differs from moving equipment or packaged goods. A specialized company knows the needs of your goods in coverage, cleanliness and loading.
3. Do you stick to legal weights?
A company that ignores permitted weights may expose your shipment to stops and fines. Ask clearly and make sure of the answer.
4. How do you prepare the truck before loading?
Especially with food and feed, you have the right to ask about truck bed cleaning procedures and whether there are records that document them. Contamination of goods can happen in transit when cleaning procedures are weak.
5. How will you communicate with me during the trip?
Agree in advance on the means of communication, who follows your shipment and when you get updates.
6. Who bears responsibility for damage or loss?
Ask for the terms of liability and insurance to be clear and written before execution starts, not after a problem occurs.
7. What are the set dates for loading and delivery?
A vague date means possible delay. Ask for a clear schedule and a commitment to coordinate with you on any change.
8. What exactly does the price include?
Ask about any possible additional fees such as waiting time, unloading or loading, so you are not surprised by costs that were not in your calculation.
These questions are general and apply to any transport company, and you are welcome to put them to us as well. Transparency and full coordination with the customer are values we keep on every trip.
Need to transport your shipment?
Tell us the type of goods, quantity, loading location and delivery destination, and the Al-Ezz team will contact you to confirm the right truck and price.