Requesting Quotes
How do I request a freight quote and what information is required?
To get a freight quote, provide origin and destination (with ZIP or city, and whether it’s a business or residence), shipment dimensions and weight, number of pallets or crates, and a description of the goods. Be accurate with weight and measurements, since carriers re-weigh and re-measure and discrepancies can change the price. Mention any special services you need, such as a liftgate for locations without a dock or inside delivery. After you supply these details, you can compare rates and then select a quote to book the shipment with your chosen carrier or service provider.
Is my freight quote binding, or will the price change later?
A quote is typically honored if the shipment details you provided are correct and the quote is within its validity period. Prices should not change after booking provided nothing about the shipment changes, such as weight, dimensions, locations, or timing. Most quotes expire after a short window due to changing carrier rates and fuel costs, so you may need a refreshed rate if you wait to book. Changes or discrepancies can alter cost, for example higher actual weight or size, or different pickup or delivery conditions like needing a liftgate or residential delivery. Standard quotes for international moves usually do not include customs duties, import taxes, or other government fees. Double-check all details when booking to help ensure the quoted price is the final price.
When should I start requesting freight quotes?
Start 5–10 business days before pickup for domestic LTL or FTL, 2–4 weeks before export for ocean, and 5–7 days before air. Add more lead time near peak seasons.
How can I request and compare multiple quotes easily?
Use a broker or a digital platform that returns multiple carrier options at once. Compare by total delivered cost, transit estimate, service level, accessorials, liability limits, and on-time performance.
How do I choose the best quote?
Balance price, reliability, and fit: correct equipment, pickup window, insurance/liability, transit time, claim ratio, and accessorials included. Cheapest is not best if it risks service failures.
Costs & Pricing
What factors determine the cost of a freight shipment?
Costs depend on shipment characteristics and required services. Key factors include:
- Weight and Size: Heavier shipments cost more. Oversized dimensions can push you into a higher price bracket or a different service. LTL rates are heavily influenced by density and freight classification.
- Distance and Route: Longer distances raise base cost. Common lanes and hub-to-hub routes may be cheaper than remote areas.
- Mode of Transport: LTL, full truckload, air, ocean, rail, and others each have distinct pricing. LTL uses freight classes based on density, handling, and liability. Full truckload rates are often flat or per-mile, while air and expedited services carry speed premiums.
- Additional Services: Accessorials such as liftgate, residential delivery, inside delivery or pickup, appointment scheduling, detention, driver assist, and fuel surcharges add cost.
- Season and Capacity: Market conditions affect pricing. Peak seasons, tight capacity, or high fuel prices can raise rates.
Are there additional fees or taxes I should expect beyond the freight rate?
Budget for accessorial charges such as fuel surcharges, residential or limited-access fees, liftgate, inside delivery, re-delivery, appointments, and storage if cargo is held. For international shipments, quotes generally exclude customs duties, taxes, and brokerage fees, which are paid separately by the importer of record. Ask which charges are included so you know what the line-haul covers and what is extra.
What is a freight class and why does it matter?
In U.S. LTL, freight class groups commodities by density, handling, and liability. Lower class numbers generally mean lower cost per pound. Incorrect class causes reclassification fees.
How are trucking rates calculated (LTL vs FTL)?
LTL uses weight, dimensions, class, lane, and accessorials from a carrier tariff. FTL is usually a per-mile or flat point-to-point rate adjusted for fuel, lane balance, and market capacity.
What is dimensional weight?
A pricing method that charges based on volume when cargo is light for its size. Dim weight = length × width × height ÷ divisor. If dim weight exceeds actual weight, the higher figure is billed.
How can I reduce shipping costs?
Increase density, standardize pallet sizes, consolidate orders, ship off-peak days, avoid unnecessary accessorials, use contract rates, and compare LTL vs partial truckload vs intermodal for each lane.
Can I consolidate shipments from multiple suppliers?
Yes. Use a consolidator or forwarder to receive, palletize, and combine goods into fewer shipments. This raises weight per shipment, improves density, and lowers per-unit cost.
How can I avoid peak-season delays or high costs?
Book earlier, build buffer stock, use flexible pickup dates, consider alternative ports or rail, and lock in contract capacity before peak periods.
Why do rates fluctuate over time?
Supply-demand cycles, fuel prices, weather disruptions, policy changes, and seasonal surges. Truck re-positioning and lane imbalances also move spot rates.