The Brampton News - http://www.thebramptonnews.com
Hiring a Logistics Company
http://www.thebramptonnews.com/articles/1109/1/Hiring-a-Logistics-Company/Page1.html
Carol D'Alessandro
Carol D'Alessandro is VP, Business Development of Logistics Associates.  Logistics Associates offers time and cost effective air, ground or ocean based shipping solutions for: Trade Shows, Exhibitions, Concerts/Stage Shows, Conventions and Conferences. If you have a logistics question, call Carol at 905-861-9600 or visit http://www.logisticsassoc.com/ 
By Carol D'Alessandro
Published on 11/24/2006
 
Brampton - Does your logistics story stress you out?  The key to hiring the right logistics company to transport your trade show booth is to know the right questions to ask when speaking with the company.

Brampton - Does your logistics story stress you out?  If so, consider the following before hiring a logistics company to transport your trade show booth:

  • Does the logistics company have knowledge and experience in moving freight to and from trade shows?

  • Does the logistics company have a keen understanding of the unique needs related to the trade show industry?

  • What about their image within the industry?  What do existing customers say about the logistics company?  How do they rate their customer service?

  • Number of years in business?

  • Number of years of experience of logistics specialist assigned to your file? Skills, expertise, knowledge, domestic? or transborder? international?

  • Do they offer emergency expedite? – white glove treatment.

  • When you phone is it a call centre or do you get to speak directly to one of the experts?

  • Do they have the level of service that will improve your relationship with your client as well as your bottom line?

  • If shipment is going across the border do you have a customs broker; inquire if there are any special and regulations to cross border with your type of shipment?

  • Before contacting a logistics company, know the specific details of your shipment; sizes, dimensions, weights, (or alternatively do you need a half a truck or full truck) pick-up address, plus postal code or zip, destination address, date shipment ready for pick-up, date shipment needs to arrive at destination.

At Logistics Associates our mission is all about you and where your show needs to be.With extensive contacts within the trade show industry, we have a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by exhibitors.We do more than move cargo from point A to point B.Logistics Associates can relieve you of the stress on the move in and move out.Experience what our customers already know: our logistics specialists' integrity, broad experience and attention to detail combine to provide you with a stress-free shipping experience. We deliver your booth to the Venue during the designated window of time.At completion of the show we ensure the freight is picked up before it is forced off the floor because like Time and Tide; Trade Shows and Audiences wait for no one.

Whether or not you choose Logistics Associates, I hope these questions will help you make the right decision.