When evaluating a fleet, a few key indicators can reveal how they operate behind the scenes, and whether they’d be a good fit for your shipping needs.
Some fleets excel at managing complex project needs and making on-time deliveries for demanding shippers. Others are best at quick dock-to-dock moves, trading service quality for cost savings. Not all fleets are created equal.
Quality Fleets Deliver Quality Service
There are no hard-and-fast rules on what makes a carrier “good” or “bad” – it all comes down to what the shipper needs, how they measure success, and where a carrier lines up on a spectrum of standards.
After years of running out own fleet and vetting carrier partners, Shaker’s team has seen what separates reliable carriers from risky ones. With carrier safety and compliance top-of-mind in the industry, it’s important to recognize the markers of a well-run fleet – starting with equipment.
Equipment Quality & Maintenance
Carriers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Shippers moving scrap metal might care less about a trailer’s condition than shippers moving valuable stage lighting equipment. But equipment quality goes beyond cleanliness, with implications for safety and on-time service.
Red Flag: Rusty Rigs
Poorly maintained trucks and trailers are more likely to break down and cause delays. Broken doors, missing reflective tape, and rust blooms are markers of a roughly handled rig. More serious mechanical issues are likely hidden beneath the surface.
Green Flag: Cared-for Carrier
Tractor trailers that perform well on-site are typically those that are well taken care of: they appear clean, are newer, and are up-to-date on required maintenance. Ask your transportation providers what their maintenance cadence looks like. Keep in mind, frequent maintenance doesn’t always mean more problems with trucks.
Preventative maintenance is the best way to address equipment failures before they happen, says Bill Quinn, VP of Fleet Transportation at Shaker.
“Our maintenance program is designed to exceed industry requirements because the minimum isn’t enough to meet our standards,” said Bill. “Reliable equipment has to be the foundation of reliable service for our customers.”
Shaker’s fleet follows an accelerated maintenance schedule using fleet management software and in-cab sensors. Regular tire rotations and trailer repairs protect customer freight and prevent incidents on the road.
Equipment is only part of the equation. The people behind the wheel play just as big a role in safety and service.
Driver Turnover & Culture
Driver turnover is an industry-wide challenge that impacts customer service and fleet safety. At some larger carriers, they turn over their entire driver pool over the course of a year, meaning very few of their team members on average have been with the carrier for more than 12 months. Shaker’s annual driver turnover is half the industry average and we tend to keep drivers on our staff long term due to our culture, benefits, equipment, and available routes.
Red Flag: High Turnover Rate
Pay attention when a fleet’s turnover rate is on the upper end of the industry average. Drivers leave companies when they feel pressured to do something illegal or unsafe. Shady operators often push drivers to run past their hours of service or operate trucks with known mechanical failures.
Drivers fed up with poor treatment and unsafe working conditions might leave without warning, causing a no-show truck. If the carrier can’t come up with another driver, shippers are left scrambling to cover their load.
Green Flag: Happy Drivers
Shippers can expect steady service from a safe provider with low driver turnover rates:
Fewer delays happen when drivers become experts on the lanes, facilities, and customers they frequently serve.
Problem-solving is faster when drivers build a rapport with dispatch and on-site contacts, streamlining communication at pickup and delivery sites.
Drivers are well-versed with safety and compliance procedures that protect themselves and the freight they’re hauling.
John Cammarene, Director of Safety and Compliance at Shaker, coaches drivers to provide safe, steady service.
“Our drivers begin every day with clear expectations around compliance, equipment readiness, and situational awareness,” said John. “They’re the ones right there with the truck who can identify an incident before it happens.”
Fostering an accountability culture in fleets encourages drivers to speak up, which makes everyone safer on the road and keeps transportation schedules rolling. Beyond the day-to-day operations, a fleet’s history can reveal more about its service and culture.
Operating History
Experience is the greatest teacher in any industry, and fleets that have operated for decades are more likely to have encountered and overcome challenging situations and know how to deal with common issues. Fleets that have operated for decades are experienced service providers, but a long operating history also adds some legitimacy to their operation.
Red flag: Shiny New Authority
When a fleet has been operating for less than six months, take a closer look. Modern logistics fraud often takes the shape of “chameleon carriers,” fleets that frequently drop and swap operating authorities to avoid getting shut down for safety and compliance violations. Without the proper vetting tools, it’s hard for shippers to confirm that a carrier with a new operating authority isn’t part of a chameleon or fraud network.
This doesn’t mean all new carriers are risky – shippers should just take special care when booking with a newer carrier. The best practice is to use a reputable 3PL that will vet carriers using the latest technology and industry best practices.
Green flag: A Well-Seasoned Partner
A well-established fleet can be a legitimate, experienced transportation partner. More years of operation indicate a healthy, loyal customer base that’s satisfied with the carrier’s service.
Longevity also means that a fleet has survived the up-and-down cycles of the volatile freight industry, has lawfully navigated regulatory requirements as they evolve, and has figured out how to work collaboratively and productively with shippers, consignees, brokers, and other links the supply chain.
Carrier Selection Made Easier with a 3PL Partner
It’s important to know what a quality fleet looks like, but for many shippers, thoroughly vetting every carrier isn’t practical alongside day-to-day operations.
Partnering with an experienced 3PL like Shaker Logistics takes that burden off your plate. We’ve built the processes, relationships, and technology to evaluate carriers based on your needs, helping you move freight with confidence and avoid costly surprises. Reach out to our team today to move ahead.