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When your supply chain is on the line, choosing the wrong courier can cost far more than a delivery fee.

For manufacturers, your logistics partner should be an extension of your operation, not just a carrier with a van.

Here's a practical, no fluff checklist for selecting a courier who can handle the pressure, complexity and criticality of modern manufacturing logistics.

1. Do They Understand Your Industry?

Manufacturing isn't parcels and packages, it's time sensitive parts, fragile goods and high value cargo. If your courier doesn't understand that, keep looking.

2. Can They Handle Urgency Without Chaos?

Next day might work for e-commerce. But what happens when you need a same day rescue, an AOG part delivered tonight, or a failed delivery rerouted before production stops?

Look for providers who offer on call service, direct access to dispatch and a proven ability to move fast.

3. Are You Just a Number in Their System?

Big networks often promise a lot, but when things go wrong, good luck getting through to someone who cares.

Choose partners where you're on a first name basis with your account manager and where actual humans own your shipments from start to finish.

4. Do They Own or Control Their Network?

Reliability depends on control. Ask how many drivers or vehicles they manage directly and what they outsource. The more hands in the chain, the more chances for error.

5. What's Their Track Record With Critical Loads?

Don't just ask “Can you do it?” Ask:

• “Have you done it under pressure?”
• “What happened when something went wrong?”
• “Do you have references from other manufacturers?”
  Real world experience in crisis handling is what separates a good courier from a strategic partner.

When production, customers and reputations are on the line, you need more than a delivery service. You need a logistics partner who's calm in chaos, clear in communication and committed to results.

That's exactly what we do at Critical Shipments.


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