Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Considerations When Selecting A Marine Transport Carrier

By Michelle Watson


In some situations, it is inevitable to travel on water. You could be moving cargo from an island, one port to another or just traveling for leisure. Whatever the distance, reason for being on water or the type of goods on board, marine transport safety must be considered. There are crucial areas that need attention to safeguard your life and goods being transported.

Pay for quality services. Decent water transportation is expensive to develop and maintain. The company needs to procure the best vessels and hire highly qualified personnel. This is only possible when the prices are reasonable. If they fall below the market price, the company is likely to have compromised on certain areas. This will cost you dearly and may even lead to loss of lives and property.

It is mandatory for companies to show their licenses. A licensed company shows commitment to provision of quality services having met the conditions set by regulators. A valid license indicates that the condition of the vessel has been checked, personnel are qualified and emergency or safety is guaranteed. Establish whether the operator knows the route you intend to use. Trial and error on water is a recipe for disaster.

Water transporters should readily provide details about their safety record and insurance. When transporting goods, you need an assurance that the company is insured. Ask about the insurance limits to avoid endangering your business. Go a step further and call the insurance company to confirm this information. It gives you an assurance that in case of a mishap, compensation will not cause a tussle.

Do not underestimate the need for experience transporting over water. Moving goods over water is always a delicate affair. It takes a minute for water to rush overboard and damage everything or a vessel to topple and throw all your wares in water. This would end your dream of running a successful business. Experience gives them the know-how to handle different items, safety situations, routes, etc. You will be at peace whenever your goods are being transported.

While the safety and maintenance of a vessel are important, the operators have a significant role to play. This is why their training, certification and accreditation should be of concern to you. Check whether they are adequately trained to handle the caliber of vessel you have booked. Proper training and experience provides a guarantee that your goods will be safe every step of the way.

Your cargo determines the kind of vessel you use. Sea transporters specialize in different goods because each category requires unique handling. As much as possible, work with a specialist in transporting the type of goods you want handled. Amateurs are risky to work with because they lack understanding of minor details of handling cargo yet, these details determine whether they get to your preferred destination or not.

Using the right contractor ensures that your cargo safely lands to your chosen port. The caliber of personnel, nature of vessel and profile of the company will either guarantee confidence or leave you in doubt. You also get peace of mind in the knowledge that your cargo is in safe hands. Be ready to pay or invest in quality services.




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