Cheapest Freight Quote
Learn how to apply our eBay freight shipping calculator to your auction listing
Is the Cheapest Freight Quote Always the Best?
Trying to get the most shipping savings when sending and receiving freight makes a lot of sense. No individual or business wants to pay more for something than absolutely necessary. Knowing which types of quotes lead to the most shipping savings can help ensure you or your business stay within your designated spending budget.
While the cheapest freight quote is likely to be the most attractive at the moment, knowing a few more details will either validate that choice or let you know that the cheapest freight quote is not always the right choice.
How do you find those details? Here are a few factors you will want to take a look at.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
Awards and Endorsements
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 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
Factors That Affect Getting the Cheapest Freight Quote
Transit Time
For some quotes, the transit times can vary by two weeks or more. Why the big difference?
When quoted transit times are measured in weeks, it often is because the freight will be transported (at least partly) by train. Shipping by train can be the least expensive and most environmentally friendly way to ship, but it usually takes longer than shipping by truck. If you have the time to ship by train, it’s a great way to save money. Otherwise, stick with exclusively truck carriers.
Even with truck carriers, there will be differences in transit time estimates. Note the word “estimates.” Pickup and delivery estimates are not guaranteed. Also, transit times are measured in workdays, not consecutive days. Freight does not move on the weekend.
Here’s a real-world example. One carrier is estimating a two-day transit time. A different carrier estimates a three-day transit time with a less expensive quote, but the third day falls on a Saturday. The costlier quote anticipates delivery on the previous Friday, but the less expensive quote will be scheduled to be delivered on Monday.
Working with a third-party logistics company (3PL) and dedicated experts can help explain all of this so you can make an educated choice.
Do the Best Shipping Savings Come from a Dimensional-Weight Carrier?
While most carriers charge based on the standardized national freight class system, some have switched to a dimensional-weight-based system that considers how much space the shipment takes up on the truck.
With a dimensional-weight carrier, the shipment’s actual weight may not matter. The carrier will determine the weight of the package based on its dimensions. If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, the carrier will use the dimensional weight to calculate your bill.
If you choose a dimensional-weight carrier but use the actual weight, you could receive a costly billing adjustment after the delivered shipment. Like all billing adjustments, the carrier will generate this, not FreightCenter.
Once again, speak with an account manager to determine the type of carrier you’ve selected. It could be that the cheapest freight quote you received was from a carrier that will raise the price once they know that the dimensional weight is greater than the actual weight.
Special Requirements Can Cut Down Shipping Savings
Your shipment may require a refrigerated truck, a reefer trailer, or one with an air-cushion suspension. Not all carriers will have this equipment available, so you’ll need to make sure you select a carrier that uses the specialized equipment you require for your shipment.
In addition to these services, any extra add-ons or shipping accessorials will come at an increased price. For example, lift gates are helpful for shippers who do not have a traditional loading dock or loading equipment on hand. If you do not order one and the driver has to use it during pickup, you will be charged extra. Include accessorials and other add-ons during booking to avoid paying extra.
Also, most carriers will charge an overlength fee if you ship something over eight feet long. Again, when working with a shipping partner like FreightCenter, our experts will help walk you through the ins and outs of overlength or oversized shipping.
Terminal Distance from Pickup and/or Delivery Locations
Sometimes, the cheapest freight quote comes from a carrier whose nearest shipping terminal is far from the pickup or delivery location. In those cases, they may sub-contract that part of the shipment to a regional carrier rather than send one of their trucks to an area where they will make only one stop and return to the terminal with nothing to show for the trip.
You may be uncomfortable with having a second carrier handling one of the legs of your shipment, especially a long leg. Some carriers will indeed hire partners to do pickups and deliveries even for a short distance, but would you rather the partner carrier handle your cargo for 12 miles or 120 miles? Choosing a carrier that charges a little more but handles all but a small portion of the shipment might be preferable for you.
Find Your Shipping Savings By Working with an Expert
Your first look at your freight quote may show you 20 carriers or more that can handle your shipment. By working with a shipping partner like FreightCenter, you can receive the help you need to filter your options and whittle your choices down to two or three. The provider of the cheapest freight quote might be among those two or three finalists, but not necessarily. It is always important to weigh your options and consider the pros and cons of each available carrier.
We are always here to help you determine the most cost-effective way to ship your freight. Get started comparing freight rates with an instant freight quote, or call us at 800.716.7608.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your freight requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload.
The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.