How to Choose a Container Trucking Company in the Portland–Vancouver Area

The trucker you choose for a container move affects whether your freight arrives on time and whether you get hit with extra charges. Before you book, ask these seven questions.

1. Do you specialize in containers?

Container drayage needs a chassis, terminal access and experience with terminal procedures. A general freight carrier may not have any of that.

2. Are you registered with FMCSA?

Any interstate motor carrier must have a U.S. DOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can look it up on FMCSA's public SAFER website. Ours is 1611765.

3. Do you serve my delivery area?

A carrier that knows the I-5 corridor, its traffic, passes and weather, plans better trips. We serve Oregon and Washington only.

4. Is the price clear?

Ask whether the quote is one way or round trip, and what could change it. We publish our standard round-trip rates.

5. Who do I talk to on the day?

With a large fleet, you may talk to a dispatcher who talks to a driver. With an owner-operator, the person you call is the person driving.

6. How fast can you pick up?

Free time at the terminal is limited. Ask how far ahead the carrier needs to know. See demurrage and per diem explained.

7. What do you need from me?

A good carrier asks for the container number, terminal, delivery address, weight and appointment times up front. That's a sign they plan carefully.