A flatbed truck is large, just like many of the other vehicles that many shipping companies use to transport goods. However, it has a design that makes it beneficial in certain ways. For instance, this truck has a flat body and no sides or roof surrounding the truck bed. To prevent a load from shifting or falling, it’s carefully secured using straps, chains, and similar equipment materials.

Key Benefits of Using Flatbed Transportation Carriers

Flatbed trucks are different from enclosed trucks. While that might seem like an odd way to have freight moved from one location to another, it serves important and special needs. The following are some of the reasons to select the best source among flatbed transportation companies operating in your area.

Extra Storage Space for Freight

Perhaps the biggest advantage of going with flatbed trucking services is that this vehicle offers significantly more space for freight. Without sides or a roof, it doesn’t have the same restrictions as enclosed trucks do. As a result, a flatbed trailer has more load capacity.

For farm equipment, construction machinery, airplane parts, windmill components, and other large and odd-shaped cargo, it’s best to select one of the best flatbed transportation carriers. Remember, top carriers secure loads, so you don’t have to worry about your cargo getting damaged or destroyed during transport.

Streamlined Loading and Unloading

Another benefit of using one of the most trusted flatbed transportation companies is that it can save you both time and money. Again, due to the design of a flatbed trailer, it takes workers less time and effort to load and unload cargo.

For one thing, that speeds up the loading process on both ends. After all, workers can put things on the truck and take them off from the sides, back, and even the top via a crane or lift. As a result, the top-rated flatbed transportation carriers usually don’t have issues with late deliveries. Also, faster loading and unloading saves the shipper money, with the savings getting passed down to you. So, it’s a win-win solution.

Allow Us to Help With Your Company’s Transportation Needs

As a leader among flatbed transportation companies, MGA International Logistics can help with your freight shipments. We maintain a fleet of high-quality trucks to serve any need.

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Transporting your items relies on many different factors, many of which are uncertain. For example, fuel prices, transportation obstacles, and even the best route can all change. Being able to respond to these changes is vital to help your company deliver goods on time. This can ultimately help your company present a better image to your customers. The network of transportation can vary greatly, which can make it difficult to find the right logistics strategy.

You might be wondering how you can add business value by ensuring goods are delivered on time. Working with the best cargo shipping companies can help ensure that your goods reach your customers in a timely manner.

Optimizing Costs

While trucking companies in Illinois may involve an initial cost, you will often find that they can give you a better value overall. Logistics companies have managers and planners who are experienced in the many variables that can change during the transport of goods. These managers and planners can help optimize the available resources to ensure that your company’s goods will be delivered efficiently.

Even though the variables in transportation are constantly changing, an experienced international logistics company has learned from the past what the patterns look like. It has the expertise to sort and analyze previous transportation data. This means that this logistics company is well- equipped to help you reduce costs and optimize your resources. A logistics company of good standing can point out areas of waste and how you can reduce costs. This can help your company to avoid any bottlenecks in your process.

Better Customer Service

One of the main benefits that cargo shipping companies can offer you is helping you better serve your customers. Being able to provide the right products at the right time is huge for building your company name and brand. This can ease better customer relations and increase your company’s base of clients. The right logistics solution can encourage your customers to work with you in the future.

Choose One of the Top Trucking Companies in Illinois

Here at MGA International Logistics, we take pride in offering the best logistics services. You can count on us to help you plan your route from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can benefit your business.

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You want to avoid hiring a company that uses inexperienced drivers, has a run-down fleet, or even worse, does not have the proper license or insurance. Unfortunately, these are all things some customers have faced. Among the various things you need to check off your list, the following are the most crucial.

• Selection – Come up with a list of flatbed trucking companies with stellar ratings. For this, you want to check customer reviews and feedback posted on industry-related websites, verify certificates of operation, and so on. A company with a positive reputation speaks volumes as to what you can expect. From that list, narrow the possibilities to two or three of the best-rated companies.
• Licensing and Insurance – You should have current licensing and proper insurance at or near the top of the checklist. Even if every business on your short list of flatbed trucking companies claims to have both, always request proof. A legitimate company will have no problem accommodating your request.
• Fleet – The journey is only as good as the truck used. The best flatbed freight trucking companies have a superior quality fleet. Not only are the trucks new, but a team of experts also maintains these vehicles. As a result, you never have to worry about a break down that would delay your shipment.
• Tarping – Depending on the goods you need to ship, they may require protection. For instance, if you need a load of drywall delivered to a construction site, rain would destroy everything. Without a cover, the elements pose a potential risk to the cargo.
• Security – The method used to secure loads should also be on your checklist. Before you lock into a contract with just any one of the many flatbed trucking companies, find out if they use straps or chains. Preferably, choose a company that uses both. However, if you find a company you feel confident hiring but it only uses chains to keep loads secure during transport, make sure there is no risk of damage to your cargo.
• Drivers – Some people interested in hiring a flatbed company feel embarrassed to ask questions about the drivers. As the customer, this is both your right and responsibility. The goal is to select a company that not only performs a thorough background check to ensure the drivers have the necessary experience and license, but also no criminal history.

Your Most Trusted Source

When it comes to flatbed freight trucking companies, MGA International Logistics is your most trusted source. Contact us to learn how we can provide you with excellent service.

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1. Research – Before you take a job to drive a flatbed trailer, spend adequate time studying things like cost, rates, safety, potential trucking companies, and so on. With this kind of information, you will find it easier to get your career started in the right direction.
2. Budgeting – Even as a driver as opposed to a business owner, you need to establish a working budget. Trucking is a unique field, and therefore, budgeting is often a challenge. However, while on the road, this will help you keep your finances in order.
3. Mentors – Fortunately, whether interested in working for large or small trucking companies, you can always find someone to mentor you. If possible, identify with someone with years of driving experience hauling flatbeds, learning from that person’s experiences.
4. Smart Planning – When first starting to drive for a trucking business, you want to take every run that comes your way. However, you should focus on quality over quantity.
5. Safety – Safety is the most important aspect of driving a truck. Even if you have hauled flatbeds for years, it never hurts to take a safety refresher course. While exciting, the trucking industry is potentially dangerous.
6. Maintain a Home Life – While success comes from hard work, never lose sight of your home life. Initially, you will spend a lot of time focusing on business, but you should keep work and your personal life balanced.
7. Training – Look for a trucking company that offers ongoing training. Not only will you be more confident on the road, but your family will feel at ease.
8. Trucking Solutions – Although tempting to drive every truck in the fleet, start out with flatbeds. Over time, you can request to drive other trucks such as lowboys.
9. Goals – Set both short and long-term goals that will help you stay focused and make sound decisions.

Hiring the Best Trucking Services

Whether you want to drive for one of the best trucking companies in existence or you need to hire a driver, MGA International Logistics is perfect. We offer years of experience and expertise in many areas of trucking. To learn more, call or visit our website.

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1. What is your company’s history in the trucking industry? – The challenge is that along with several leading flatbed companies that have been in business for years, there are some so-called “fly by night” companies, those that take your money, do a standard or subpar job, and then disappear. For superior service at a competitive price, you should hire a company with several years of experience.
2. Does your company provide tarping? – As a flatbed, this truck has no cover. That means the load gets transported without any real protection. If you need supplies or other goods transported, but the potential for inclement weather persists, you should ask if the company provides tarping. As an example, you would need tarping for a load of drywall delivered to a construction site on a rainy day. Otherwise, the rain would severely damage, if not destroy the load.
3. Does your company use chains, straps, or both? – To ensure your load is 100 percent secure, any flatbed company of interest should use chains, straps, or both. If the company only uses chains, be sure to ask what measures it takes to prevent damage to your load, such as nicks, tears, and scratches.
4. Does the driver for my shipping needs have a criminal record? – While you might feel somewhat uncomfortable asking this question, it is important. You would be surprised at the number of flatbed companies that utilize drivers with past DUI convictions. Fortunately, the best flatbed trucking companies conduct an extensive background check on drivers to avoid any problems.
5. Is your company properly licensed and insured? – One of the best ways to protect your load is by hiring a company that maintains proper licensing and insurance. Even if the companies of interest answer this question, you need to see proof. To go a step further, contact the appropriate agency and insurance company to verify the information presented.

MGA International ranks among the top respected companies for flatbed trucking services. We invite you to call us or visit our website to learn more about our company and the services that we offer.

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Hot Shot Services

With hot shot trucking companies, drivers use their personal vehicles, such as vans and trucks, to move goods. This service has risen in popularity due to its ability to expedite shipments, which is ideal for delivering time-sensitive freight. For people who do not own the necessary vehicles yet are interested in becoming a hot shot driver, some trucking companies have a lease option.

Flatbed Services

Following are some examples of why flatbed services are so beneficial.

• Versatility – For larger and heavier freight, hot shot drivers are not equipped to handle the job. When using a flatbed, freight gets loaded from its sides, rear, and tip. This versatility makes the loading and unloading process easier, and it takes less time to complete the work.

• Adequate Space – Even for hot shot drivers that rely on large vans, these vehicles do not provide enough room for larger freight. With a flatbed, transporting larger-sized equipment or cargo is never a problem.

• Specialized Equipment – Along with standard flatbeds, specialized flatbed trailers are available, including extendable step decks, drop decks, and removable goosenecks. When transporting heavy equipment or prefabricated construction materials, the flatbed truck company has the necessary equipment.

• Secured Cargo – Freight moved via a flatbed trailer is more secure. Since these loads are exposed, experts use chains, traps, and coil racks for flatbed trailers to prevent the cargo from shifting during transport. The secured freight will arrive at its destination unscathed.

• Dimensional Flexibility – Flatbed trucks offer incredible dimensional flexibility for virtually any size or shape load.

• Enhanced Convenience – Flatbeds are also more convenient. Unlike hot shot drivers that use manual labor to get loads into and out of trucks and vans, loads on a flatbed are moved carefully and safely using a winch or crane.

• Continuous Space – Flatbed trucks are just that, trailers with a continuously flat surface. As a result, they can accommodate items that hot shot drivers cannot transport.

At MGA International, we offer a host of trucking solutions, including flatbed transportation. You can visit our website to learn about all of your services or contact a representative by phone.

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Do’s for Hiring a Freight Shipping Company

• Always conduct your own extensive research. As mentioned, this makes it possible for you to compare critical aspects for each company of interest. Without research, you could easily overlook important things, ultimately costing you a lot of money, not to mention putting you at risk for losing valued customers and experiencing a damaged reputation.

• Always get everything in writing. This includes an estimate or quote, as well as the formal contract. This simple action is probably one of the most critical things that you can take prior to hiring a transportation company. As part of this, take the time to compare the two documents to ensure that all of the information lines up. If something seems amiss or you need clarification, it is better to resolve issues ahead of time.

• Always identify forward-thinking companies. Those that provide employees with ongoing education and training will provide better services.

• Always choose a company that has both experience and expertise specific to your type of transportation needs. This dramatically reduces incidents of goods being mishandled, damaged, destroyed, or even lost.

Don’ts for Choosing a Freight Shipping Company

• Never assume that the recommendations for flatbed companies in Toronto provided to you are exactly what they seem. Although a recommendation does increase your chance of identifying an outstanding company, research the recommended company thoroughly before making a decision.

• Never take claims provided by flatbed companies in Toronto at face value. Although most companies are hardworking and honest, sadly, there are a few questionable companies in operation. Before finalising any deal, spend time verifying the company has the proper licensing, insurance coverage, and so on.

The customers at MGA International are always the number one priority. We always deliver what we promise in a professional and efficient manner. For information on the different transportation services that we offer, please visit our website. If you are ready to get started, contact us by phone to speak to a team expert.

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By looking at what different companies offer, as well as their history, customer feedback, pricing, guarantee, and more, you will have a much easier time choosing the best trucking company. In your quest to identify top Canadian trucking companies, be sure to focus on more than just pricing.

Although pricing is an important factor, it is certainly not the only one. As you look at various truck hauling companies, you need to determine whether they only handle full loads or are willing to haul partial loads as well as local versus long-distance hauls.

Unfortunately, some companies will make whatever claim is required to get the job. However, extensive research will help separate those questionable truck hauling companies from the companies that deliver exactly what they promise.

The caliber of service a company provides is also a huge consideration. For you to ultimately find the best trucking company, it is essential for you to know just how well each of the companies on your short list performs. As part of this, find out the percentage of on-time deliveries. In many cases, not only will a late shipment cost a company significant money, it can result in a lost customer, as well as a damaged reputation.

Typically, top Canadian trucking companies will have been in the industry for several years. They will also have an excellent record of on-time deliveries, as well as few incidents of damaged, broken, or lost goods. You will also discover that the overall success rate is higher among shipping companies that provide their employees with ongoing education and training. This allows employees to stay on top of current trends specific to the transportation of different types of goods.

Rather than take a chance on just any company, you can always rely on MGA International. Our company has the experience, expertise, equipment, and dedicated employees necessary to get the job done right every time. We would love the opportunity to help with your upcoming shipment by providing you with seamless service from start to finish. Contact us today to speak with a team expert.

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