Choosing a haulage company is a decision about risk. The right partner gets your goods to their destination complete, undamaged and on time; the wrong one can cost you stock, customers and reputation. These eight questions help separate a dependable haulage partner from a risky one — before your cargo leaves the yard.
1. Is the company properly established and accountable?
Start with the basics. Is the business registered? Does it have a physical office you can visit, a named contact responsible for your job and a consistent way of documenting work? A haulier who operates only through a mobile number, without written quotes or waybills, is difficult to hold accountable if something goes wrong.
Ask who you will deal with day to day, and who you should escalate to if there is a problem.
2. Do they understand your cargo?
Different goods need different handling. Building materials, fast-moving consumer goods, electronics, furniture, agricultural produce and machinery each have their own requirements for loading, securing, protection from weather and offloading. Describe your cargo in detail and listen to the questions the haulier asks in return. A good partner will ask about weight, dimensions, packaging, fragility and value — because those details determine how the job should be planned.
3. Is the vehicle suitable — and roadworthy?
The vehicle should match the load: the right capacity, body type and protection. Overloading a vehicle is unsafe, can damage goods and can lead to delays at enforcement points. Ask what type of vehicle will be assigned to your job, and whether its documents and roadworthiness are up to date. For valuable or time-sensitive consignments, it is reasonable to ask to see the vehicle before loading.
4. How do they manage drivers and safety?
Drivers are central to safe delivery. Ask how drivers are selected, how journeys are planned to avoid excessive driving hours, and what happens if a vehicle breaks down en route. Safety practices — securing loads, avoiding night travel on risky routes where appropriate, and clear rules on stops — protect both your cargo and the people moving it.
5. What insurance and liability arrangements apply?
Goods-in-transit insurance is widely available in Nigeria and covers loss of or damage to goods while they are being transported. Before loading, clarify who is responsible for arranging cover, what it covers, any exclusions, and how claims are made. If the haulier's liability is limited, consider arranging your own cover for high-value consignments. Get these arrangements in writing — not after an incident.
6. How will they communicate during transit?
Silence is one of the biggest frustrations in haulage. Agree in advance how and when you will receive updates — for example, at loading, at key points along the route and on arrival — and through which channel. A haulier who proactively tells you about delays, with a revised arrival estimate, is far more valuable than one who promises an unrealistic time and goes quiet.
7. Is the pricing clear and complete?
A low headline price can become expensive if extras appear later. Ask for a written quote that states exactly what is included: the vehicle and driver, fuel, loading and offloading, waiting time, any route-related costs and insurance. Clarify payment terms and what happens if the job is delayed or cancelled. Clear pricing is a sign of a well-run operation.
8. What happens when something goes wrong?
Even well-planned jobs encounter problems: road conditions, weather, vehicle faults or discrepancies at delivery. Ask how these are handled. Is there a process for reporting damage or shortages at delivery? How are disputes resolved? A haulier with a clear, documented process for exceptions will protect you far better than one who insists nothing ever goes wrong.
A quick comparison checklist
| Question | Good sign | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Accountability | Registered business, named contact, written quotes | Phone number only, no paperwork |
| Cargo understanding | Asks detailed questions about your goods | Quotes without asking anything |
| Vehicle | Matched to load, documents in order | "Any truck will do" |
| Insurance | Clear written arrangements | Vague assurances |
| Communication | Agreed update points | "We'll call you when it arrives" |
| Pricing | Itemised, all-inclusive quote | Low headline price, unclear extras |
| Exceptions | Documented process for damage or delay | No process |
Prepare your side too
The best haulage outcomes come from good preparation on both sides. Package goods appropriately, prepare accurate documentation, make sure someone is available at both ends to hand over and receive, and inspect goods on arrival before signing. Our guide to planning interstate freight deliveries walks through this in detail.
How SOLES can help
SOLES provides haulage services from Abuja as part of our Logistics division. Every job starts with your cargo details, a written plan and quote, supervised loading with waybills, status updates at agreed points and signed delivery confirmation. Your goods are handled as carefully as our own: safely, securely and on time.
Our team in Abuja can help you apply this guidance to your own situation. Send us an enquiry, call +234 703 672 9285 or message us on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab).
This article provides general information for guidance only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax or regulatory advice. Requirements, fees and procedures can change; always confirm current rules with the relevant authority and a qualified professional before acting.
