Transportation Company Background Check
It is very important to know who you are working with when choosing a ground transportation provider. There are several key factors to keep in mind when researching transportation companies. Before you start your research, make sure that you have all of your requirements listed in order to match companies. Knowing this information will help you to narrow down exactly what services and vehicles you need.
Before You Call
- Date of transportation service
- Total amount of hours needed
- Addresses of pick up and drop off locations
- If stops are needed during service and those locations
- Number of passengers during service
Once you have the information needed, you can start researching transportation companies. Visiting transportation company websites is one way to find out more about the company and their services. The company should have photos and descriptions of their fleet listed, so you can take a look at what they offer. Also, take note of any reviews or testimonials and their social media presence.
After viewing their website it is best to call the company to get vehicle pricing, availability and find out what forms you need to fill out. Also go with your instincts when you call. Do you feel confident and comfortable with the person you are working with? Getting an answering machine may be a bad sign-that could mean that you will not be able to reach someone in the event of a problem/emergency/change with your service. While researching transportation companies it is important to look for signs that they are a reputable company.
Legal Documentation Needed
- License plates for all vehicles and current DOT stickers
- Employee background checks, drug testing and etiquette training
- Federal, state, city and airport certifications
- Proper insurance for all vehicles
- Industry association memberships, such as the National Limousine Association
Some companies will list this information on their website and have the certifications displayed in their offices. You can also call and question the company about these certifications and licenses. Transportation companies should also give information for these documents freely and not try to avoid the subject. This information might also be posted on the company’s blog highlighting their achievements and awards.
Office Appointments
Another way to research the company further is to visit their office to view their vehicles. You should call companies before visiting their lot to look at vehicles. This will help the company to make sure that the vehicle you want to look at is on the lot and not out on a run. If companies hesitate for you to come to their office and do not provide a reason, this should raise a warning flag. Reputable companies want you to look at their fleets and are eager to show off their vehicles during their office hours.
Also, if you look up a company’s address using a program like Google Earth, you should be able to see a parking lot with vehicles, if not this is another sign that this may not be a reputable company. Some non-reputable companies will buy an address, just so they have a physical mailing address, but there will not be any vehicles at the lot.
When looking at their vehicles you should check the upkeep and condition of the vehicle. See if the vehicle has a clean exterior and look for major rust spots, dents or paint chips. On the interior of the vehicle, look at the condition of the seats and floor, overall cleanliness and working interior lighting. The company representative should be able to show off a clean up to date, well-conditioned vehicle.
Check Your References
Keeping these things in mind, you should look into several transportation companies during your research. You can narrow the list down by making phone calls and visiting their office. Remember to check their references with other companies or vendors with to find out their preferred transportation company. One of the best things you can do to assure great service is ask the company you are considering for references of clients that use them. Asking people you know or work with who they have used in the past is a great way to get a referral to a good company.
Posted on February 11th, 2015 in Business Travel, Corporate Travel & Advice, Useful Tips.