Choosing a freight carrier is a strategic decision.
A poor choice costs you dearly: delivery delays, damaged goods, unforeseen surcharges, dissatisfied customers.
Here are the 6 criteria that make the difference between a run-of-the-mill provider and a trusted partner.
1. Real Geographic Coverage : Not Just the Catalogue Version
Every carrier will tell you they cover France and Europe.
The real question is: with what resources? A provider relying on a network of unqualified subcontractors does not offer the same guarantees as an operator with its own sites and its own teams on the ground.
Astr’in operates numerous sites spread across the entire French territory, from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to the Côte d’Azur, the Loire Valley and Occitania. Each site is run by local teams who know their territory.
What to check: the number of owned sites (versus partner agencies), coverage of the areas where you deliver most frequently, and the capacity to cover European destinations with dedicated contacts.
Astr’in’s account managers respond in French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish and Romanian, and are based in our French offices.
We work with partners in every country, with dedicated traction units for international markets and full customs expertise.
2. Certifications: A Mark of Seriousness, Not a Marketing Argument
A carrier’s certifications are an objective reflection of its commitments. They cannot be bought : they are earned through rigorous audits by external bodies, renewed on a regular basis.
- ISO 9001 : Quality management: guarantees formalised processes for customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. Astr’in certified since 2001.
- ISO 14001 : Environmental certification: attests to an active approach to reducing environmental impact.
- MASE : Health, Safety and Environment: guarantees that the provider cares for its teams and your goods under controlled safety conditions.
- OEA (Authorised Economic Operator): issued by French customs authorities; certifies a high level of security in the logistics chain. Essential for international flows.
- ADR certifications: mandatory for any carrier of hazardous materials.
- EcoVadis CSR: Astr’in’s CSR commitment is certified and audited by EcoVadis.
3. Own Fleet and Resources
Astr’in operates an owned fleet of nearly 190 vehicles: light commercial vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, curtain-siders, refrigerated trucks, flatbed or tail-lift vehicles, and vehicles dedicated to low-emission transport (CNG and B100).
This owned fleet provides greater responsiveness in emergencies. For needs exceeding the owned fleet, Astr’in relies on a network of referenced and audited partner carriers.
An additional differentiating asset: vehicle hire with drivers under your own livery : your truck, your brand, operated by a transport professional.
4. Responsiveness and Real-Time Tracking
Astr’in provides clients with a dedicated web portal for checking delivery status, monitoring files and downloading proof of delivery (POD). In-house IT developers can set up bespoke EDI connections, ensuring genuine data security. You will always have a dedicated account manager, backed by a team that knows your requirements.
5. Environmental Commitment: From Communication to Action
Decarbonising the supply chain is no longer optional.
Your principals demand it, regulation will progressively enforce it (Scope 3 GHG accounting), and your own CSR commitments depend on it.
Astr’in committed to a voluntary CO₂ reduction programme as early as 2012.
One third of the fleet runs on alternative energy: B100 (100% biological fuel from French rapeseed) and CNG (compressed natural gas).
Astr’in also participates in the ADEME EVcom programme
6. Financial Strength and Sector Experience
Astr’in has been operating for over 20 years, with a turnover of €150 million and 630 employees across 30 sites. The group has built its reputation in demanding sectors: household appliances, hazardous goods, renewable energy, mass retail, paramedical, e-commerce.
