ASEAN50 Indonesia, Explained
Thursday, 29 October 2026
Business

Tips for Choosing a Cargo Shipping Company

By Redaksi ASEAN50 3 min read
jasa pengiriman cargo
As we have often discussed, cargo shipping services move goods by land (land cargo), sea (sea cargo), and air (air cargo), for both domestic and international shipments. Land, sea, and air cargo each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Several factors also set the three apart, mainly shipping procedures, estimated delivery times, and rates. Not every cargo shipping company is committed to serving customers professionally. In other words, although there are many cargo companies in Indonesia today, only a few can meet customer needs professionally. To avoid getting caught by companies on the list of fraudulent cargo providers, here are some tips for choosing a cargo shipping company that you should keep in mind.

Make Sure the Company Is Legitimate

Reputable cargo companies have clear legal standing. Make sure your shipment is handled by a company that is legally registered by visiting its office in person. One way to confirm legitimacy is a clear office address. Also make sure the company has an official website. Official websites are easy to create, but visiting one can help you verify a company's professionalism. Customers usually leave positive testimonials in the comment section of a website when the shipping company works professionally.

Ensuring Cargo Safety and Security: Insurance

Cargo shipping is the distribution of goods, usually important items in large quantities. For that reason, make sure your cargo shipping provider offers insurance to protect your goods. Although insurance is generally optional, professional shipping companies always offer coverage for any type of goods being shipped. This offer shows that the company takes responsibility for the safety and security of goods until they reach their destination. Insurance usually comes with an additional charge. The amount depends on company policy, but on average it is 0.25% of the value of the goods.

Experience and a Strong Track Record

Experienced cargo companies usually have little trouble attracting new customers. They have a strong track record, such as cheaper shipping procedures, lower rates, on-time delivery, and other positive qualities. So what are the characteristics of an experienced shipping company? Although not a benchmark on its own, how long a company has been operating can indicate its experience. For companies showing steady progress, the longer they operate, the more experience they accumulate. This can be one of the criteria for choosing a reliable cargo shipping service. Experience can also be seen in how a company handles the important documents related to shipments. Note that land, sea, and air cargo each require different documents. A good company should make it easy for customers to handle the paperwork, including its requirements.

Business Partnerships with Major Companies

A cargo shipping company cannot run its operations alone. It needs strong partners to keep its business running. Professional, trustworthy cargo providers typically partner with major companies. For example, they may work with well-known transportation companies. For land cargo, some companies may be able to handle their fleet needs in-house. For sea and air cargo, however, they usually work with shipping lines and several airlines. Choosing a trustworthy cargo shipping service doesn't actually require you to go anywhere. SERA Logistik, a subsidiary of PT Astra International, is ready to provide top-quality service for shipping goods throughout Indonesia. Get the lowest prices for cargo shipping services for land, sea, and air cargo by checking the rate schedules at sera.astra.co.id.