Large vs. Small Trucking Companies: The Best Choice For Your Freight

Shipping is a tough business, with a lot to consider. Choosing the best trucking company for your freight can be difficult. There are many options available, and each one comes with its unique set of advantages and challenges. The decision to choose a trucking company shouldn’t be taken lightly. Large versus small trucking companies are different in key ways, so it is important that you consider the features of each type of company, before making a final decision.

There are many reasons why businesses may choose to use large carriers, such as UPS, DHL or FedEx. Large companies are more familiar to many, and this may offer a sense of security. However, large and small trucking companies both offer their own value to freight shipping. The decision to choose a trucking company shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Choosing a large trucking company, for instance, may allow for more shipping to get done quickly and cost-efficiently. On the other hand, choosing a small trucking company allows for more control over shipments and does help keep costs down. When shipping freight, the type of trucking company you choose can make a huge difference in your business, so consider the advantages of both large and small trucking companies in your decision-making.

Advantages Of Large Trucking Companies

Reliability 

Large trucking companies have an already established reputation and client base, which increases their resources and reliability. They are able to allocate more resources to driver training and programs, allowing for more enhanced safety practices. They have a strong business model and are able to fulfill client needs even in the case of issues arising, as they have the resources and training to deal with any potential challenges. 

Experience

Larger trucking companies have often taken a long time to establish their routes and services, which adds to their experience. More people are involved in a large company, which ensures more skills and assets for the company to use to expand their expertise. They are often companies experienced enough to handle different types of scenarios and freight, since they have worked with a large client base.

Provides Options

Larger trucking companies often can provide cost efficiency for high volume clients, as they have the funds and fleet to handle different types of demands. These companies also provide a variety of services to clients, including meeting different transportation needs such as cross-border, dry van or open deck. They will usually have multiple locations across the country and a wide network of drivers. These kinds of assets allow lager trucking companies to cover more areas and provide more options to clients.

Advantages Of Small Trucking Companies

More Attentive To Your Needs

Smaller trucking companies provide services which are more personalized to their client, as they usually take on a limited number of clients at a time, allowing for more personalized attention to one shipper or client at a time. Unlike major companies where there are many clients, and each order is just one of many accounts at once, for smaller trucking companies, the clients receive more attention as they have a limited capacity.

Pricing

Since smaller trucking companies have many costs and competition to contend with, their prices usually tend to be more reasonable or priced more competitively. As a result, shippers or clients can get a better deal, since smaller trucking companies need to maintain a regular client base, especially in a competitive market. Smaller companies also have less overhead costs than larger companies, which allows them more flexibility in pricing.

Flexibility 

Smaller trucking companies usually have the ability to meet unique needs of their clients, such as transporting goods to less common locations or areas. Drivers also usually have more of a say in smaller companies, which allows them to improve or work on any safety or efficiency based needs. Larger companies often have defined processes, schedules and routes they regularly run, so certain areas may not make sense to the company, while smaller companies have more flexibility, if they choose to develop a client network for these specific areas.

Usually smaller trucking companies will situate their assets within specific areas where they know they can find a client network, usually an underserviced area, which can work to their advantage. Many do offer discounts or deals for long term clients, which is an advantage of the personalized types of services offered.

If you are in the process of researching trucking companies to work with, you will benefit in using the Zipments Trucking Company Database, providing information on all active trucking companies across U.S. and Canada. 

What To Consider When Choosing A Trucking Company

The first step to choosing the right trucking company to use for shipping, is to determine the freight needs and what may work for your business. It is important to consider what needs you will not compromise on. For instance, smaller trucking companies may be slower to adapt to new technologies, as they do not have the funds or resources to invest in this area, which means getting up to date tracking and transport equipment may be an issue at times.  Larger companies have the funds to invest in all the latest software, which means that they can provide technologies that other smaller competitors cant. However, in order to choose the right trucking company for your freight, consider some key qualities which may help inform your choice.

Customer Service

Communication is essential when it comes to shipping freight, so you will want to go for the company which provides transparency and peace of mind. You want the company you work with to offer you a chance to keep track of your freight, and update you on the status of your shipment regularly. There should be somebody to call in case you have questions or issues arise, especially considering that freight can face delays often, and it’s important to remain informed.

Costs

Freight prices vary due to a number of factors, as it is not only load size but also market conditions and demand which play a part. You want to choose a trucking company which offers a competitive and fair rate, especially if you run a smaller business. Research rates during the season you may be shipping in, as they fluctuate often, and then look for a company which offers you the best rate for your freight. Do not be afraid to negotiate or shop around, as you can still get quality for a fair price.

Freight Capabilities

It is important to seek out a trucking company which can support the type of freight and the size of your load, in order to ship effectively. Some companies will only be able to provide LTL (less-than-truckload) services while others are FTL (full-truckload). You should research to ensure that the company you are choosing provides the services you need, and can handle your shipment. It may also be beneficial to consider a company which provides both FTL and LTL, as in the future your freight needs may change, and you may not want the hassle of switching trucking companies.

Reputation

Trucking is a difficult business, so it often takes time to gain experience and learn how to safely transport goods to their location. Freight could potentially get damaged, lost or encounter delays over the course of the trip, which is why being selective with your trucking company is important. You will ideally want a company which has experience, as this will allow for a better service overall.

Any setbacks or issues which can arise with freight have likely been encountered by companies who are already established in some capacity, so they will know how to handle your shipment. However, just because a company has been around for a long time does not mean they are good. You need to look around for reviews or word of mouth recommendations, when choosing a company to work with. Consider the driver training or hiring practices for the company, to ensure safety and quality are a standard that your chosen trucking company abides by.

The right trucking company can help with your freight moving needs, and become an integral part of your overall business success. While both large and small companies have their advantages, it is important to consider your own needs. Make sure to choose a company that fits your company's needs, budget and business model.