FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

UNITECARGO is America's premier free directory of verified US logistics providers. We connect shippers with freight forwarders, carriers, and cargo service providers across all transportation modes. Our platform supports domestic logistics by making it easier to find and connect with reliable American logistics companies.

Our verification process includes: (1) DOT registration and licensing checks, (2) Physical facility verification, (3) Industry certification validation, (4) Safety rating confirmation, (5) Insurance coverage verification, and (6) Compliance with transportation regulations. Each provider must pass all verification steps before listing.

Yes, UNITECARGO is completely free for both logistics providers and shippers. There are no membership fees, listing fees, or commission charges. We maintain the platform through limited, relevant advertising and strategic industry partnerships that align with our mission to support American logistics.

We cover all logistics sectors including: freight forwarding, trucking & transportation, warehousing & distribution, ocean freight, air cargo, rail freight, specialized logistics (cold chain, pharmaceutical, automotive), and supply chain management services.

No, UNITECARGO is purely a directory service. We connect you with logistics providers, but all negotiations, quotes, and shipping arrangements are handled directly between you and the provider. This keeps costs low and relationships direct.

Getting listed is simple: (1) Create a free account and complete your company profile, (2) Submit verification documents (DOT authority, insurance certificates, etc.), (3) Our team will review and verify your information within 5-7 business days, (4) Once approved, your listing goes live immediately. The entire process is free and takes about 1-2 weeks.

Absolutely! Our advanced search allows filtering by: transportation modes, certifications (C-TPAT, ISO 28000, IATA, etc.), equipment types, service areas, company size, and specialized capabilities. You can also search by keywords or browse by service categories.

No, we welcome logistics providers of all sizes! From small owner-operator trucking companies to large 3PL providers, we believe every American logistics company brings value. Our directory includes small carriers (1-10 trucks), regional providers (11-100), and large enterprises (100+).

Each verified logistics provider listing includes direct contact information: phone numbers, email addresses, and website links. You can contact them directly - no middleman or platform fees. We also provide guidance on best practices for shipper-carrier communications.

American logistics providers offer: superior customer service, regulatory compliance expertise, reliable transit times, advanced tracking systems, English-speaking support, supply chain visibility, domestic market knowledge, and the ability to handle time-sensitive shipments. Many shippers find the total value competitive when factoring in reliability and service quality.

Our directory is continuously updated. New logistics providers are added weekly after verification, existing listings are reviewed quarterly, and providers can update their profiles anytime. We also remove inactive or non-compliant companies to maintain directory quality.

Yes! While we only list US-based logistics providers, international companies are welcome to use our directory to find American logistics partners. Many global companies use UNITECARGO to establish US distribution networks, find domestic carriers, or meet supply chain requirements.

Growing your trucking business requires: (1) Maintaining an updated, detailed UNITECARGO profile showcasing your equipment and services, (2) Highlighting specialized capabilities and reliable service record, (3) Building relationships with shippers and brokers, (4) Maintaining excellent safety ratings, (5) Investing in modern equipment and tracking technology, and (6) Focusing on specific lanes or cargo types. Many successful carriers report 20-30% growth after improving their online presence.

Finding new shipping clients involves multiple strategies: Leverage free directories like UNITECARGO to increase visibility, optimize your website for logistics-specific searches, participate in trade shows and industry events, join logistics associations, build relationships with exporters and importers, respond quickly to RFQs with competitive quotes, and maintain active LinkedIn presence. Consistency in these efforts typically yields 3-5 quality leads per month.

Sustainable growth comes from: (1) Focusing on a profitable niche or lane rather than trying to serve everyone, (2) Investing in driver retention and training, (3) Implementing technology to improve efficiency and tracking, (4) Building long-term relationships with key customers, (5) Gradually expanding service offerings based on customer demand, (6) Maintaining strong cash flow management, and (7) Ensuring regulatory compliance and safety standards. Most successful small logistics companies grow 10-15% annually using these principles.

Small logistics providers can compete by emphasizing unique advantages: Offer faster transit times and more flexible scheduling, provide personalized customer service and direct communication, specialize in challenging or time-sensitive shipments larger providers avoid, build close relationships allowing better understanding of customer needs, eliminate overhead costs through efficient operations, and focus on total value rather than just price. Many shippers prefer working with smaller providers for critical shipments where reliability and service matter more than volume pricing.

Key certifications that drive business include: C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership) opens doors with importers/exporters, ISO 28000 (Supply Chain Security) for security-conscious shippers, IATA Dangerous Goods certification for hazmat shipping, TSA Certified Cargo Screening for air freight, SmartWay certification for environmentally conscious shippers, and specialized certifications like GDP (Good Distribution Practice) for pharmaceuticals. Start with C-TPAT as it's widely recognized and provides access to expedited customs processing.

Effective logistics marketing includes: Creating a professional website with clear service offerings and equipment lists, using high-quality photos of your facilities and fleet, maintaining an accurate UNITECARGO profile, sharing case studies demonstrating problem-solving abilities, networking at logistics and trade events, asking for customer testimonials and references, using LinkedIn to connect with supply chain managers, and responding to all inquiries within 4 hours. Focus on reliability and service quality - let your track record speak for itself.

High-growth sectors for small logistics providers include: E-commerce fulfillment (rapid delivery expectations), cold chain logistics (food and pharmaceuticals), automotive parts distribution (just-in-time delivery), specialized cargo (oversized, fragile, or high-value), last-mile delivery services, and cross-border trade facilitation. These markets often need flexible providers for specialized handling and quick turnaround times, playing to small provider strengths.

Improve conversion rates by: Responding to RFQs within 2 hours (speed is critical in logistics), providing detailed quotes showing understanding of requirements, including realistic transit times with buffer, offering multiple service options (economy/standard/expedited), following up within 24 hours of sending quotes, asking why when quotes are rejected to improve future bids, building relationships before quoting when possible, and maintaining competitive but profitable pricing. Top performers achieve 30-40% conversion rates by focusing on service fit rather than volume.

The best approach balances specialization with smart diversification: Develop deep expertise in 1-2 core lanes or cargo types (builds reputation and allows premium pricing), while maintaining 20-30% of business in other areas (reduces risk). Avoid having any single customer exceed 40% of revenue. Lane specialization helps you win business through expertise, while diversification protects against market downturns. Many successful carriers become known experts in specific routes while maintaining flexibility for other opportunities.