Even if you have tons of experience, having a checklist for hiring and working with a trucking company can still come in handy.
It allows you to make sure you’ve asked the right questions, or done the right things, to make sure you’re working with nothing but the best.
To help you do exactly that, and keep your projects running smoothly, take a look at the checklist we’ve put together for you below.
1. Be Aware Of Any Limitations Upfront
Some construction projects and road jobs are a lot bigger than others. You know your needs better than anyone else.
Once you’ve found a company you may want to hire, it’s critical you make sure they have the equipment and drivers available to handle your project both safely and timely.
At Disney Trucking, we have a fleet of more than 1,000 haulers to handle any size need.
2. Ensure They Can Handle Unexpected Requests
We’ve seen it happen many times in our 40 years of operation in Florida: Life can and will happen.
Maybe a part of the job doesn’t go smoothly and things need to be fixed or redone completely. Other times, someone’s estimates may have fallen short.
In either scenario, extra materials are needed.
When that happens, you want to make sure you won’t be sitting around forever waiting for extra aggregates to be sourced and transported.
When you work with Disney, you benefit from our local connections.
Not only can we quickly source your aggregate needs, we’re also available 24/7 to haul everything throughout the state of Florida.
3. Verify The Trucking Company’s Fleet Is Maintained And Insured
The best trucking companies know that safety and vehicle maintenance belongs at the top of the list.
When demand is high and timelines are tight, you don’t want to work with a trucking company that cuts corners.
At Disney Trucking, for example, all of our equipment is inspected before and after each shift.
It’s also not out of line to ask if a company is insured. They should be more than happy to verify that for you.
4. Ask For References / Read Reviews
Who has the trucking company worked with in the past? Are they willing to provide references?
Most companies will have reviews publicly available in search engines, on their site, or both.
If there are none posted online (ex. Google reviews, Yelp, etc.) it’s not the end of the world.
Sometime’s, a company has just established its presence online.
Anyone can say they’re the best trucking company in Florida. Ask them to back up their claims.
5. Do You Have The Right Aggregate(s) For The Job?
Some aggregates are more appropriate than others, depending on your construction or road job’s location. Florida is no exception.
Plus, aggregates can vary slightly by name depending on who and where you are asking.
With year-round heat, frequent rain, and the constant risk of severe weather, always make sure you’re sourcing the right aggregates for the job.
Need help? No problem!
We’ve been hauling and sourcing aggregates in Florida for over 40 years and three generations, and are happy to answer any questions you have.
We can also help you secure the best rates for all of your aggregate needs.
6. Know The Trucking Company’s Availability BEFORE Hiring
Smaller companies may not have the capacity to fit into your project’s timeline.
Always be aware of whether the size of your job, the turnaround time needed, and the trucking company’s location versus your job site all align.
At Disney Trucking, we fit your timeline, not the other way around. We’re available 24/7 to meet any deadline.
7. Make Sure Your Budget And Credit Are Established
This probably goes without saying, but it’s worth mentioning. When applicable, check with the trucking company as soon as possible about filling out an application for credit.
Having a budget and line of credit established upfront will save everyone a ton of headaches and help your project go smoothly.
8. Have A Main Point Of Contact That Will Get Things Done
You never know when it will come in handy. At the start of working with a trucking company, ask who the best person to contact if something comes up is.
Depending on your project and needs, this could be a dispatcher or office staff.
At the very least, make sure the company’s main contact info is saved and also passed around to your foreman or anyone else in the field who may need it.
9. Do They Have Safety Protocols, Including For Your Job Site?
Let’s face it – this industry moves fast. But that shouldn’t come at the expense of safety.
And even as guests on your job site, a trucking company that doesn’t care about the rules could lead to hefty fines.
At the very least, it puts everyone nearby at risk.
Here at Disney Trucking, our drivers wear the proper PPE at all times. We also have monthly mandatory meetings to make sure everyone follows safety procedures during each shift.
In fact, we’re proud to say that we maintain one of the highest safety ratings with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
10. Is The Trucking Company Easy To Deal With?
This one can be hard to know upfront. Anyone can be friendly over the phone, and you likely won’t be speaking to the driver you’ll encounter later on.
Still, how a company deals with clients (YOU) is just as important as any safety rating or how impressive their fleet and track record are.
Running into rude drivers or dispatchers can create conflict and distractions that impact morale and productivity.
We at Disney Trucking know this, and take pride in the fact that our drivers are friendly and approachable.
When we’re hired for our aggregate sourcing and transport services, we act as an extension of your team.
Contact Us Today About Aggregate Sourcing And Hauling Anywhere In Florida
By now, hopefully, you see that Disney Trucking meets all of the criteria above.
If you’re looking for a trucking company in Florida to work with, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact us today.
We’re here to help and can take on any size job you have a need for!
