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VHI Has What Carriers Are Looking For
VHI has several key people that have worked in the motor carrier industry. In order to help understand the needs of our carriers, we ask what are the things motor carriers most look for in their trading partners. Here is that response, and then, OURS!
What Motor Carriers Look For In Shippers/Brokers:
1-Honesty.
VHI has embraced Bible principles in conducting its affairs. Being honest to our carriers, our shippers and to each other is a center piece of our values.
2-Ability to load their trucks on a consistent basis to a designated area.
VHI has several key sales and marketing people and sales agents designed to find freight that fits the needs of our carriers. We especially like to look for regular lanes to match with predictable capacity. We have been successful in finding freight for our carriers.
3-Ease of product for transport, loading, crating, etc.
We try to find the right freight that is handled easily. We believe however that there are circumstances and occasions that reflect on not bad freight, but bad pricing.
4-Defined payment terms that are met.
VHI has, since 1977 batched all good carrier invoices for pay on the 10th, 20th, and 30th of the month. We are proud of our record and promise to manage our business in a conservative and frugal manner.
5-Ease to work with. i.e. good and available and knowledgeable personnel.
We believe in our people. We try to hire and retain the best. Further, we try to provide proper coaching and pay structures to encourage them to learn, grow and communicate at a high level.
6-Clear communication of expectations, in writing.
Since the advent of the P.C., VHI has created, edited and published industry forms, policy manuals, rate confirmation sheets and many memorandums of understanding. Our library is huge, all done to facilitate good communications and set clear understandings.
7-Financial strength.
VHI has a history of motor carriers referring customers to us because they cannot wait the 3 or 4 months for payment, or because of credit risks. Obviously these carriers like our model.
8-Well diversified.
VHI has established departments for multiple modes of transportation. We have agents in several key locations. We also are now looking for additional brokerage companies to purchase to give us a larger footprint.
9-Long Term contract renewals.
VHI has many carriers that we have done business with for over 3 decades. We like to put things in place and have them serve our needs for a long time. We are not short term focused.
10-Fair contracts.
Both our motor carrier contract and our shipper contract are modeled after the TIA templates. We know that TIA got shipper, carrier and broker committees to agree on language that all could accept. It seems reasonable to use this approach.
Are we perfect? No, do we want to be the best we can? YES! If, for any reason you feel we have violated any item above, or failed you in any way, please call us and give us a chance to make it right!
Best,
The entire VHITransport Team