1) Select a company based on service, not rates.

Moving your precious cargo is one case where cheaper is not necessarily better. Service and experience should rate at the top of your priority list when choosing a carrier. Any company can cut rates – along with service – to get your business. What you want is a company with a long-standing reputation for providing excellent service at a fair price – which translates to mean the best price for your particular move. Best doesn’t always equal lowest! A best price will include all the services necessary to ensure that your cargo arrives at its destination in pristine condition, on-time and on budget. Finally, make sure that the service includes regular status updates, real-time notifications on milestone events like transfers and final delivery, and validation of all charges prior to expedited invoicing.

2) Ask for references.

Any transportation company worth their salt will have a list of references handy. Ask for references in your industry and/or those who have faced a move similar to yours. The reference(s) should be current and excited to share their opinions on the transportation company in question.

3) Sit back and listen to a war story.

Ask your potential transportation company to share a story of a particularly challenging, difficult or interesting move similar to what you are asking of them. Any company that has been in the business for awhile will have one or two fascinating tales of how they conquered all odds for the sake of their customer. Listen for creative problem-solving, a take-charge attitude, sound initiative and an interest in the best will of the customer. If they can pull off a miracle for someone else, there’s a better chance they’ll be able to do the same for you.

4) Look for a company whose interest in your job extends beyond basic transportation.

You’re looking for a partner, not a mover! Does the company provide extra services you might – or might not – need? Think consulting (How do I crate up my cargo for maximum protection? Do I need environmentally controlled transport? What’s the best way to move it?), project management, crating and warehousing (Can you keep my cargo safe for me if I can’t take it back right away?) Does the company have access to ground, air or ocean options? Did you know that with the luxury of more lead time, distribution might be the best way to move your cargo? Can they place a human being with your cargo every step of the way if that’s what you want? Can they provide a VIP mobile command center on-site? A good transportation provider will be able to make suggestions that extend beyond the move itself and help you decide on the best solution for you.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? Tell us what you’d like to move.