What makes us different? Why us? Why work with us?

These questions are frequently found on websites and brochures from all types of companies. They are the key to the decision about whether or not to work with any supplier.

In most cases, the answers are sadly lacking. ‘We offer great service’ is a common one. Isn’t that a given? Would I work with a company that didn’t provide great service?

The answers should be based on fact. Facts that clearly differentiate the service from competitors, and allow the prospective customer to decide for themselves whether the service is great.

Here are our 5 Key Factors that we believe make a specialist transportation company’s service genuinely special.

1. Delivery to Department

Your specialist transportation provider should take your equipment directly to the exact department where it will be used. You don’t want your expensive and delicate equipment left with a goods inwards department or standing on a loading bay.

Knowing that your surgical microscope will be delivered safe and direct to theatre, or that your ophthalmic instrument will be taken direct to the Eye Outpatients Department is a huge bonus.

2. Unpack and packaging removal

Real transportation specialists will have personnel with the skills and training to carefully pack, unpack and assemble instruments and equipment they are carrying. When delivering to a specialist hospital ward or department, they won’t want to be left with pallets, crates or packing materials to dispose of or store.

All unwanted packaging materials should be cleared away and removed from site, leaving the area clear, tidy and uncluttered.

3. Specially equipped vehicles

Assuming that goods carried by specialist transportation companies are likely to be sensitive or fragile, it’s important that you find a company with properly equipped vehicles. Specialist vehicles should be fully equipped with straps and blankets and ideally gave a tail lift.

For security, vehicles should also be fully alarmed and tracked 24 hours a day. Knowing where drivers are at all times and how fast they are travelling can be a vital element in time-sensitive situations.

4. Track record and experience

Specialist transportation companies will have a track record of working with named clients that manufacture or use the types of delicate instruments that require careful movement.

Look for evidence of testimonials or case studies – or if these aren’t available just types or names of clients that the transport provider has worked for. When it comes to signing on the dotted line, you’ll always be able to check out references.

5. Attention to detail

As the saying goes, the devil can be in the detail, and little tell-tale signs can always ring alarm bells. Listen to the way your phone calls are handled, see how long it takes to get a quote and whether messages are replied to quickly.

How does the website appear? Does it look like your specialist transportation provider really wants to do business with you? If not, best leave well alone.