Selecting the right logistics company begins with clarity on your shipping profile and service scope. Define whether you need domestic transport, cross-border movements, or a fully managed end-to-end solution. Assess real coverage on the lanes you care about, not just a general map, and insist on references from similar industries. Price should be transparent, with fuel indices, surcharges, and accessorials clearly documented upfront.
Technology is non-negotiable: your partner should offer a modern TMS/WMS, API or EDI integrations, self-service portals, and live shipment tracking. Ensure service commitments are codified in SLAs with measurable KPIs such as on-time delivery, incident response, and claims resolution times. Verify certifications and compliance, including quality and environmental standards, as well as liability coverage appropriate to your cargo.
Look beyond price—evaluate technology, service scope, compliance, and clearly defined KPIs.
Ask for case studies that demonstrate savings, lead-time gains, or damage-rate reductions in contexts like e-commerce, FMCG, or temperature-controlled goods. Evaluate risk management: backup routes, contingency capacity, and customs competence for smooth border passages. Communication quality is a critical differentiator—look for a dedicated account manager, clear escalation paths, and 24/7 support for critical freight. Sustainability practices and shipment-level CO₂ reporting increasingly matter to brand and regulatory expectations. The best partner will align with your culture, share your performance goals, and commit to continuous improvement backed by data.
