Your choice of refrigerated logistics services provider can make all the difference to your business. You will want to choose someone who knows how to handle temperature-sensitive materials, can meet your tight deadlines, and has the flexibility you need to keep costs down. However, it is important not just to look at who offers the cheapest prices but also at what they are offering in terms of service and expertise. Here is a list of some things that you should consider when choosing a refrigerated logistics partner:
Do they have the knowledge and expertise?
- What is the provider’s knowledge base?
- Are they a fully integrated logistics service provider or a broker, specializing in refrigerated transport in Melbourne only?
- Does the provider have experience working with your kind of product? If not, how do they plan to get it when the time comes for you to need it?
What is their track record?
When you are choosing a refrigerated logistics service provider, it is important to know what kind of history they have. Ask for references, case studies and testimonials from previous clients. You can also ask about their history with similar companies in your industry.
What do their accreditations say about them?
Accreditation is a sign of credibility, so it is important that the refrigerated logistics services provider you choose has some kind of accreditation. The two main types are ISO certification and BRC certification.
BRC Certification: The British Retail Consortium (BRC) sets standards for food safety in the UK, so this is one of the most reputable accreditations around. It covers everything from refrigerated transport to waste disposal to stock management, which means that if a logistics company is accredited by BRC then they are likely doing everything right when it comes to food safety and sustainability.
ISO Certification: ISO stands for “International Organization for Standardization,” which was created in 1947 as an international forum where different countries can agree on standards across industries like manufacturing and logistics. There are multiple ISO standards available in every sector including transportation services, packaging materials production, and more—the only problem is figuring out which one you need!
Are they proactive and responsive?
You should be looking for a logistics provider who is proactive and responsive. These are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean different things. Proactive means that your company is doing everything it can to prevent a problem before it happens, while responsive refers to how quickly the company responds when issues arise.
Are they focused on customer care?
Customer care is important to everyone, but it especially matters to businesses that want repeat business or referrals from their customers. If you are not focused on treating customers well, you will not get much repeat business or word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients—so it is in your best interest to make sure that your logistics provider places high importance on providing excellent customer service.
Do they have the flexibility you are looking for?
Perhaps the most important aspect of choosing a refrigerated logistics service provider is their flexibility. Your particular needs will vary based on your business model and the nature of your products, so you want to make sure your provider can meet those requirements.
Let us take a look at some questions you should ask yourself when determining whether or not they have the flexibility you require:
- Can they provide the service that I need?
- Will they deliver on time?
- Do they have the right equipment in their fleet? If not, can they source it easily and quickly?
Are there any special requirements that could affect my shipment (e.g., temperature monitoring devices or additional security)?
