Freight Shipping Basics for Better Quote Decisions
Learn what to prepare, which service fits your shipment, and what to compare before you book.
FreightCenter helps you enter shipment details, compare available rates, book online, or get help from a freight expert.
Freight Shipping Guides to Use Before You Book
LTL Shipping Checklist How to Ship Freight Freight Calculator Freight Class Calculator
Freight Shipping Guides to Use Before You Book
LTL Shipping Checklist 4 Advantages of Full Truckload Freight ShippingFreight Shipping Basics come down to knowing your shipment, preparing it correctly, choosing the right service, and giving the carrier accurate information before you book. FreightCenter gives you a place to compare freight options for the shipment in front of you while building a more repeatable process for future shipments.
You don’t need to become a freight expert before requesting a rate. You do need reliable measurements, the right pickup and delivery details, and a clear understanding of what your shipment requires.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
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- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Freight Shipping Basics Matter Before You Book
A freight quote is only as useful as the information behind it. FreightCenter helps you put the important details together, compare available options, and get expert help when something about the shipment, equipment, or location isn’t clear.
Benefits:
- Compare rate options in one place: Enter your shipment information once and review available freight options instead of gathering separate quotes manually.
- Catch important service requirements before booking: Identify needs such as liftgate service, residential service, limited-access locations, inside service, or appointment delivery while building the quote.
- Get expert help with harder shipping decisions: FreightCenter freight experts can help when you’re unsure about service selection, classification, equipment, or special pickup requirements.
- Make repeat shipping less repetitive: A FreightCenter account can help you save quotes and reuse shipping information instead of starting from scratch each time.
- Earn rewards on eligible shipments: Customers enrolled in FreightCenter Shipping Rewards may earn points on eligible completed and fully paid LTL shipments under current program terms.
What Are Freight Accessorials?
Accessorials are add-ons to your booking that ensure ease of shipment. If your shipping location or destination lacks the proper equipment, such as a liftgate, or if they are starting or ending at a limited-access pickup location, you can add it to your quote form for an additional fee. Billing adjustments occur if such accessorials are missing on the order.
Learn more about different kinds of accessorials here:
Liftgate
A lift gate is a hydraulic platform attached to the rear of a delivery truck or trailer that lowers and raises heavy cargo between the ground and the truck bed. The lift gate safely raises and lowers the freight.
Residential delivery
A residential delivery typically almost always requires accessorials. Things that may be needed to successfully receive a freight delivery at a residential address include lift-gate service.
Limited-access delivery
Limited-access pickup or delivery applies to shipments and locations with limited access, such as schools, construction sites, military bases, or mini storage units.
Inside pickup or delivery
Inside pickup or delivery involves a driver moving cargo past the standard pickup or drop-off point.
Appointment delivery
Appointment delivery refers to a shipment that requires a set date and time window.
White-glove service
White-glove service refers to the need to wear white gloves to protect the freight during transport. This service is often used for fragile items.
Identifying the different types of accessorials you will need before booking helps improve quote accuracy.
Why Accessorials Should Be Added Before Booking
Identifying accessorials or required services during quoting helps:
- Produce a more accurate freight rate
- Ensure the carrier has appropriate equipment
- Reduce surprise billing adjustments
- Avoid failed pickup or delivery attempts
Proper Freight Packaging Matters
When it comes to packaging your freight for shipping, there are several options. Packaging your freight properly can help reduce damage, shifting, crushing, handling problems, and shipment delays. Let’s explore the different ways you can package your freight below
Palletizing or crating
Palletizing or crating involves the process of stacking boxes or freight on top of pallets. Doing so helps to keep your product organized and minimizes the damage to fragile items and heavy freight. Inadequate packaging may affect whether the carrier is liable and will help determine if a damage claim is accepted or paid. If you pallet or crate your shipment, give us a better opportunity to ensure it arrives safely.
Stretch wrapping
Stretch wrapping is another way to protect original freight from damage. However, it should be noted that one wrap around with stretch wrap isn’t enough to keep your frieght safe. The next step would be to wrap your freight multiple times
Strapping
Strapping is the process of binding items or boxes to a pallet. This helps ensure the freight isn’t going anywhere and that once it is strapped, it is secure and can’t shift or get damaged during shipment.
Corner protection
Corner protection for freight ensures that your cargo makes it safely to its destination with minimal to no damage. To protect corners, you can use corner boards, foam, cushioning, protective wrap, and crating when necessary.
Blocking and bracing
Blocking and bracing involves placing physical barriers, such as boards, before a shipment occurs. Also, bracing involves the process of using things to absorb the kinetic energy of lifting, tipping, or sliding.
Clear labels
Having clear labels is also important so that the shipment goes to the right place. This is your opportunity to include necessary instructions such as “fragile.” Also, just as important, make sure your old shipment details or outdated labels are removed.
Photograph the Shipment Before Pickup
Recommend documenting:
- Freight condition
- Packaging
- Securement
- Labels
- Finished pallet or crate
Photographing the shipment is very important; this is to cover your bases. Make sure that all of the shipment you are setting up has proof of not being damaged before transit. Therefore, if something is damaged during transit, you have proof that it was fully intact before being loaded on the truck.
What Affects Freight Shipping Costs?
| Cost Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Weight | Heavier freight can increase pricing. |
| Dimensions | Larger freight uses more trailer space. |
| Distance | Longer routes generally cost more. |
| Freight service | LTL, truckload, and specialized freight services are priced differently. |
| Accessorials | Added services may increase the freight rate. |
| Equipment | Specialized trailers or equipment may affect shipping costs. |
| Timing | Expedited freight generally costs more than standard service. |
Once you understand the basics, the next step is matching your prepared shipment to the service that fits its space, handling, and timing requirements. Explore these FreightCenter shipping options before you book.
LTL lets freight that doesn't require an entire trailer move through a shared transportation network. FreightCenter lets businesses enter shipment details and compare available LTL options.
Truckload provides dedicated trailer capacity for one shipper and can fit larger shipments or moves that shouldn't share trailer space.
Expedited service is designed for shipments whose required delivery schedule can't be met with standard service. FreightCenter helps compare available options using the shipment's route, size, ready time, and deadline.
Specialized service supports shipments that require additional planning because of unusual dimensions, handling, equipment, site access, or delivery requirements.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
What Affects a Freight Shipping Rate?
Freight rates depend on the physical shipment, the route, the service selected, and the work required at pickup and delivery. Accurate information helps the quote reflect the shipment the carrier will actually be asked to move.
- Shipment dimensions: Length, width, and height affect how much trailer space the packaged freight requires. Measure after pallets, crates, and protective materials have been added.
- Shipment weight: Heavier freight can affect pricing, equipment requirements, and available shipping options. Use the total packaged weight rather than the product weight alone.
- Origin and destination: The distance between pickup and delivery locations affects the rate, and the type of location can also change service requirements.
- Freight class when applicable: Freight class is one of the details used when rating many LTL shipments. Incorrect classification information can lead to reclassification or billing adjustments.
- Pickup and delivery requirements: Liftgates, residential service, limited-access service, inside service, appointments, and similar requirements may add work or equipment to the shipment.
- Equipment or service type: LTL, truckload, expedited, and specialized services are priced differently because they use trailer capacity and transportation resources differently.
- Timing: A shipment that requires expedited service will be priced differently from one that can move using standard service.
- Final packaging: Pallets, crates, securement, and protective material can change both dimensions and weight, which means the prepared shipment should be used when requesting a rate.
- Shipping frequency: Repeat shipping can make your internal process more consistent, but each new quote should still use the current shipment details, date, route, and service requirements. FreightCenter accounts can reduce repeated administrative work for future bookings.
Enter your prepared shipment details into FreightCenter to compare available rates for your next move.
Freight Shipping FAQs
Q. What Freight Shipping Basics should a first-time business shipper know?
Start with accurate shipment details, proper packaging, the right freight service, and the requirements at both locations. Measure and weigh the final packaged shipment, identify what you’re shipping, confirm the pickup and delivery locations, and disclose any additional services before comparing rates.
Q. How do I get a freight quote from FreightCenter?
Enter your shipment information into FreightCenter’s online quote tool. You’ll need details such as the origin, destination, dimensions, weight, and other shipment requirements so available freight rates can be compared.
Q. What information do I need before requesting a freight quote?
Prepare the pickup and delivery locations, packaged dimensions, total packaged weight, handling-unit count, item description, dates, and required services. Freight class should also be provided when it applies to an LTL shipment. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association explains how freight class is determined using the NMFC system. Using final packaged measurements and accurate classification information can help reduce quoting and billing issues.
Q. Can I compare freight rates before booking?
Yes, FreightCenter lets you compare available freight rate options before choosing a shipment. Review the pricing together with the estimated schedule and the service requirements that matter to your business, rather than selecting an option based on price alone.
Q. How do I book a shipment after comparing rates?
Choose the available option that matches your shipment and follow the booking process. Before confirming, review the shipment details, pickup and delivery information, and any required additional services so the booking reflects the freight you’re actually shipping.
Q. How do I know whether to use LTL or truckload shipping?
Use LTL when your freight doesn’t require an entire trailer, and consider truckload when dedicated trailer capacity better fits the shipment. Size and space are important, but handling, schedule, and how you want the shipment to move should also be considered.
Q. What are freight accessorials, and why should I include them in my quote?
Freight accessorials are additional pickup or delivery services required beyond standard transportation. Examples include liftgate service, residential service, limited-access locations, inside service, and appointment delivery. Adding them during quoting helps the rate and equipment plan reflect the actual shipment.
Q. Why can inaccurate shipment details affect my final freight cost?
Carriers price the shipment based on the information provided about what they’re being asked to move. Incorrect measurements, weight, freight class, or missing service requirements can result in billing adjustments, reclassification, equipment issues, or pickup problems.
Q. How can repeat business shippers reduce repetitive booking work?
Create a consistent shipment record and use a FreightCenter account to reuse information that doesn’t change. Saving frequently used addresses, product information, contacts, and quotes can reduce repeated entry, while final shipment details should still be confirmed before each booking.
Q. Can FreightCenter help if I don't know which freight service or equipment I need?
Yes, FreightCenter freight experts can help review shipment requirements when the correct service or equipment isn’t clear. Accurate dimensions, weight, loading method, pickup access, delivery conditions, and timing give the expert useful information for reviewing your options.
Q. Can business shippers earn FreightCenter Shipping Rewards?
Eligible customers can earn FreightCenter Shipping Rewards points on qualifying LTL shipments under the program’s current terms. The program currently applies to eligible completed and fully paid LTL shipments, and rewards points are redeemed for merchandise rather than being used as shipping credits.
3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Freight Shipping Basics
Final Packaging Can Change the Quote
The size and weight used for quoting should reflect the shipment after palletizing, crating, wrapping, and other preparation. Adding protective materials after requesting the rate can change the measurements the carrier receives.
The Delivery Location Can Change the Service You Need
A standard-sized shipment can still require additional service when the pickup or delivery location lacks a dock, has restricted access, or requires an appointment. Those details should be included before you compare rates.
The Lowest Listed Rate May Not Be the Best Fit
A freight option should fit the shipment's schedule, equipment, handling, and pickup or delivery conditions as well as the budget. Comparing only the lowest listed price can leave important operating requirements out of the decision.
