ScotlandMeet has made a point of showing how to differentiate real Transport companies from cowboys with vans. This makes it much easier and safer for someone looking to hire an operator.
All of ScotlandMeet’s checks, including O-Licenses, Fleet Age, Insurance Policies & Driver vetting processes, are verified so quickly, you’ll probably not even have time to take a screenshot of that ridiculously cheap quote before it’s verified.
So don’t gamble—validate. Operator selection made informed.
Verified Credentials and Transparent Standards
With the eyes of industry experts scrutinizing their business model (think Which? Magazine but more towards transport), ScotlandMeet provides its customers with a transparent way of choosing transport operators – this means there are clear industry standards that all operators must meet and their credentials have been verified by ScotlandMeet.
The first step to becoming a “trustworthy” operator is obtaining an O-License as it is illegal to operate a commercial vehicle without one. No accredited operator operates a vehicle without an O-License and any transport company who cannot produce a valid copy of its O-License holds the potential to jeopardise your insurance collection if anything goes wrong. ScotlandMeet clearly posts its O-License number on all quotes, while any operator who is reluctant to do so presents the largest of red flags.
Fleet Quality and Vehicle Standards Matter
Years in the fleet reveal the stories many owners prefer to keep quiet. Fleet vehicles over 10 years of age show that although the vehicle technically starts, the “smell” is an indication of an operator who has enjoyed poor decision-making or outdated decisions. Insist on photographic evidence of operating vehicles, not a page filled with stock images that were stolen from the manufacturers’ websites. Newer vehicles offer modernised features such as wi-fi, functional air conditioning and reclining seats at greater than theoretical angles. The ScotlandMeet fleet average is currently 4 years of age; new enough to include USB ports; affordable to include most budget restrictions.
Professional Drivers and Proper Insurance Coverage
Professional drivers are distinguished from all the other type drivers by having verified driver’s checks, CPC certification and local geographic awareness. ScotlandMeet drivers are able to navigate UK roads with greater knowledge than your vehicle’s GPS system, and they do not use the motorways as their audition for Fast & Furious.
Be clear about the level of insurance coverage you need and obtain coverage that is adequate for your operations. Public liability, passenger, breakdown assistance and all areas in between should be fully covered, or simply do not use these budget operators. Budget operators cut costs in this area so much that they use it to create hexagons, leaving you without coverage when things go awry.
Responsiveness, Capacity and Trust
The time period that operators provide replies to customer inquiries relative to how many customers they are serving indicates the capacity to serve you. A company that provides a 48-hour response time to a customer means they are either extremely busy and cannot respond quickly or they are floundering – neither option makes you feel comfortable if you need immediate service due to a rapid change in your trip or needs.
Finding operators that meet your requirement is not rocket science; it is identifying what questions would reveal an inexperienced operator. ScotlandMeet?
They have mastered transparency in providing you a timely “This is Everything You’ll Need For Verification” package.