Industry buying guides
How to choose a transport and logistics supplier
Updated
Bottom line
Choose a transport or logistics supplier that holds the licences your service needs, carries goods-in-transit insurance for the value you ship, has the fleet capacity for your volumes, and commits to delivery times in writing.
Match the licence to the service
Passenger transport, including shuttles, needs an operating licence; check that it covers the service you are buying.
Check insurance against your load value
Ask for the goods-in-transit insurance schedule and make sure the cover limit is at least the value of your largest load.
Confirm capacity and coverage
Ask how many vehicles of the right type are available on your dates and which towns and provinces are covered.
Agree service levels
Put collection and delivery times, proof-of-delivery and tracking in the agreement, along with what happens when a delivery is late or damaged.
Free templates for this guide
- Weighted supplier evaluation scorecard (CSV)
Compare up to three suppliers across eight weighted criteria. Opens in Excel or Google Sheets with formulas ready.
- Supplier verification checklist (CSV)
16 checks across CIPC, SARS, B-BBEE, banking, insurance, POPIA and conflicts of interest, with where to confirm each one.
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Frequently asked questions
What is goods-in-transit insurance?
Cover for loss of or damage to your goods while they are being transported. Check the limit per load and the exclusions.