Shipping containers are sturdy metal boxes used to store goods. Doubtless, you have seen them stacked neatly in shipyards amidst the buzz of cranes and against the backdrop of the sky. While cranes and ASRS in the container terminals are handy for internal organisation and relocation, some crates are just on a pit stop to their final destination. This is where freight services come into the picture. Moving shipping containers within the city, state, or even country is no longer exhausting, nerve-wracking or complicated, thanks to truck fleets and cargo rail transport.
Here are some questions you should ask about container transportation services before entering an agreement.
#1 Do You Utilise Roadways and Railways?
Sometimes, the client is only concerned about the cargo reaching the final destination, not how it gets there. Depending on the weight of the container, the route, and the time-sensitivity of the delivery, you can expect the freight services to use a mix of roadways and railways. Hybrid routes are especially popular when it comes to interstate transportation. Suppose a container needs to go from Sydney to Brisbane. In that case, a truck will collect the crate from the warehouse or shipyard and drive it to the railway station in Sydney. When the freight train arrives in Brisbane, another truck will collect the container and complete the delivery. Mixed transport is good for the environment because rails decrease carbon pollution sixteen-fold and use 90% less energy than road transport.
#2 What is the Size of Your Fleet, and Where are Your Depots?
The fleet’s size will show the company’s efficiency because managing an extensive fleet takes immense strategic planning and coordination. Also, a bigger fleet might have diverse truck models with tail-lifts or side-loaders. They can also fulfil more deliveries than a company with fewer trucks. The number and location of their depots will tell you whether your cargo is safe and help you estimate the delivery time. Get a look at the trucks and understand their features. Look up the depots on Google Maps and check for reviews and unfiltered pictures.
#3 What are Your Prices?
Getting a no-obligation quote is important, especially if you’re new to the wonderful world of logistics. The rates will depend on the mileage, the quantity and nature of the goods in the container, and delivery timeframes. Check with more than one freight service provider, but don’t stop at the figures. Ask them to break down their rates to understand what elements you are paying for. You can then decide for yourself whether the price is reasonable or excessive.
#4 What Does Your Insurance Policy Cover?
Regardless of how successful or careful a company is, unfortunate damages do happen from time to time. The company will insure in the event of the following damages:
- Impact: This includes visible damage to the goods caused by external impact on the shipping container.
- Fire and Water: Burning and damage by water ingress fall under this insurance category.
- Vehicle Accidents: You can claim this insurance if the truck overturns.
- Stolen Goods: If someone steals the goods from your container while it is in the custody of the freight transport company, you can file an insurance claim under this category. The same applies even if the goods go missing without explicit proof of having been stolen.
Moving shipping containers requires care and strategic planning. Choose a company with good staff, a sizeable fleet, favourable reviews, and competitive pricing. Whether you are transporting commercial goods, sports gear, or concert equipment, you can leave the conveyance aspect in capable hands, crates, and trucks.
