No matter what materials your business needs to be hauled, you will require a transport company that can get your items from point A to point B on time, safely, and reliably. This is your business, so it’s important to thoroughly vet the company you choose and know what to expect from their hauling services. Below, learn how to figure out if you’ve found the right team that you can trust for the job.

What to Look for in a Transport Company

1. Capability

Different industries will have unique needs, so find a company that has the capability to handle your specific load. For example, a home appliance and furniture company might need very different services from a food supplier. Heavy-duty hauling requires specialized freight equipment, permits, and a properly trained driver.

If your freight is palletized, they will need a fork truck or other equipment that is capable of loading the pallets. If you don’t have enough freight to fill a complete load, ensure they are willing to accept partial loads. You don’t want to get stuck paying for freight that you aren’t shipping. Tell them the nature of the load and how far you will need the shipment transported. They should be able to tell you exactly how they intend to get it the job done. 

2. Long-Standing Professionalism

A reliable company is one that has been in business for a long time with a great online and word-of-mouth reputation. Ask how long they have been in business and whether they are professionally licensed, bonded, and insured.

These carriers are required by the U.S. Department of Transportation to have a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability coverage, and they can prove this by showing you a DOT operation authority number and proof of insurance. That experience and credibility can show that they know how to handle your job without hiccups.

3. Proper Safety Measures

The company should meet all of the safety compliance measures of the industry, such as securing permits for heavy-duty loads, training drivers, maintaining the fleet, and securing the load. Ask them how they will ensure your load reaches its destination safely in following the U.S. DOT’s transportation safety regulations. They should be willing and able to outline those measures for you. For example, if they will be transporting your frozen or refrigerated food, they should tell you how they maintain a safe temperature and check the temperature throughout the trip. All the goods should be properly tethered to the truck’s interior without damaging the components. 

For more than 70 years, Clinch Mountain Transport Inc. has been the trusted transport company serving Thorn Hill, TN, and the eastern United States. This licensed, bonded, and insured hauling company has a large staff of skilled drivers, a cutting-edge fleet, and a dedication to customer service. Learn more about their services online and call (865) 767-3610 to discuss your haul.