How to choose a reliable carrier

Handing a load to a carrier you do not know is the riskiest moment in a business relationship. Not every attractive price comes from a good carrier. This article lists the reasonable checks you can make before you send. For fraud warning signs, see also avoiding freight fraud.

1. Ask for documents

A serious carrier will not hesitate to show its documents. Ask for them and read them:

• Road haulage authorisation (the operator licence of the relevant country; a Community licence in the EU, the relevant authorisation certificate in Turkey).
• Tax registration and company name.
• Trade or business registration.
• A CMR liability insurance policy and its validity period; see carrier liability under the CMR.
• Where needed, special documents: ADR, reefer, additional permits.

Check that the company name matches the name to be invoiced, and that the plate and driver details are consistent. A mismatch is often the clearest warning.

2. Ask for references

Ask for one or two references from firms the carrier has worked with, and actually call them. The questions are simple: did the truck arrive on time, were documents in order, how was communication when something went wrong, were there any payment issues? History such as two-sided ratings on a platform is another source of reference.

3. Watch the communication

Even before the job starts, communication style says a lot:

• Does it answer questions clearly and on time?
• Does it have a company email and a fixed phone, or does it write only from a messaging app?
• Does it share vehicle and driver details in advance?
• Does it avoid putting the offer and terms in writing?

Keeping the conversation in one place, with date and time, helps if a dispute comes later.

4. A small first load

For a first job with a new carrier, choose a small, low-value load. That lets you test timing, document discipline, driver communication and post-delivery behaviour at low risk. If the first jobs go well, increase load size gradually. Do not give a valuable or sensitive load to a carrier you have never worked with as the first job.

5. Put the order details in writing

Even after the checks, the terms should be written down:

1. Loading and delivery date and time windows.
2. Freight, currency and payment term; see freight payment terms.
3. Waiting terms: the waiting time charges guide.
4. Vehicle and body type, plate, driver.
5. Documents required at delivery (signed CMR, delivery photo).

6. Once the truck is moving

At loading, confirm plate and driver, take loading photos and fill in the CMR completely. Keep communication with the driver open while the load is on the road. If damage or shortage appears at delivery, follow the reservation guide.

On Order And Load

There is no individual membership on the platform; companies are checked against their haulage authorisation, tax registration and business certificate before they can post or bid. After a job, ratings open only when both companies have rated, so there is no revenge rating. That is an additional record to look at when choosing a carrier, but it does not replace your own checks. For terms, see the Glossary.