Compare Freight Shipping Rates
Compare carrier pricing, transit times, and service options to find the right fit for your shipment.
FreightCenter helps you get freight quotes, compare carriers, book shipments, and get expert help when you need it.
Helpful Resources for Comparing Freight Rates
Freight Calculator LTL Freight Shipping Truckload Freight Services FreightCenter Shipping Rewards
Getting freight shipping rates shouldn’t mean contacting carriers one at a time. With FreightCenter, you can compare available rates and shipping options in one place, then book the service that works for your budget and delivery requirements. From your first pallet shipment to regular business freight, FreightCenter gives you a practical way to handle today’s shipment and plan for the next one.
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
- 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
Why Get Freight Shipping Rates With FreightCenter?
FreightCenter brings carrier pricing, shipping options, and freight expertise together in one platform. Instead of making decisions with incomplete information, you can review available services and understand what you’re booking before committing to a shipment.
Benefits:
- Compare multiple carriers in one place. Review available rates, estimated transit times, and service options without requesting separate quotes from individual companies.
- Choose shipping services that fit your freight. Compare LTL and truckload options based on shipment size, equipment requirements, and delivery needs.
- Get help with shipping decisions. FreightCenter’s freight specialists can assist with carrier selection, service requirements, and shipments that need additional planning.
- Make repeat shipping easier. Use your FreightCenter account to access saved shipping details and shipment history, reducing the information your team needs to enter again.
- Get more value from eligible bookings. FreightCenter Shipping Rewards lets customers earn points on qualifying completed bookings toward merchandise rewards.
How to Get a Freight Shipping Quote
Getting a freight quote starts with knowing what you’re shipping and where it needs to go. FreightCenter lets you enter your shipment details, review available carrier options, and select a service that meets your shipping requirements.
Here’s how the process works:
- Enter your shipping locations. Provide your pickup and delivery ZIP codes to establish the shipping route.
- Describe your freight. Enter the number of pallets or other shipping units, packaged dimensions, total weight, and commodity information.
- Add your service requirements. Identify any additional pickup or delivery services, such as liftgate assistance or limited-access delivery.
- Review available rates. Sign in or create an account to compare carrier pricing, estimated transit times, and available services.
- Choose and book your shipment. Select a carrier, confirm your shipment details, and complete the booking process.
Compare Freight Rates Based on More Than Price
The lowest displayed rate isn’t necessarily the right choice for every shipment.
Before choosing a carrier, look at the full service being offered. A slightly different rate may come with a transit estimate or delivery arrangement that better fits your customer’s receiving schedule.
Pay attention to:
- Total quoted cost: Review the rate alongside any additional services your shipment needs.
- Estimated transit time: Compare delivery estimates against your actual deadline.
- Pickup requirements: Confirm the carrier’s service fits your shipping location and loading capabilities.
- Delivery conditions: Check whether the receiver requires a liftgate, appointment, or other additional service.
- Shipping method: Make sure the selected service accommodates your freight’s size, handling needs, and equipment requirements.
When two options look similar, a FreightCenter specialist can help you understand the differences before you book.
Compare LTL and Truckload Shipping Rates
The amount of freight you’re shipping often determines which transportation options make sense.
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Shipping
LTL is generally a good starting point when you’re shipping pallets or other freight that doesn’t require an entire trailer.
For example, a business shipping three pallets of packaged products to a retail distribution center may be able to use LTL service rather than reserving a full truck.
Because multiple shipments share trailer space, LTL pricing reflects the characteristics of your freight and the services required to move it.
Full Truckload Shipping
Truckload shipping is worth comparing when you have enough freight to require substantial trailer space or when your shipment needs a dedicated truck.
A manufacturer moving a large quantity of finished products between warehouses may prefer a dedicated trailer. This can also be useful for freight requiring specific equipment or loading arrangements.
A larger shipment doesn’t automatically mean truckload is the less expensive choice. Comparing available services helps you determine which option fits your shipment.
Get Freight Rates for Recurring Business Shipments
Shipping the same products every week creates an opportunity to make quoting and booking more consistent.
Manufacturers may regularly send finished products to distributors. E-commerce sellers might replenish fulfillment centers, while wholesalers arrange pallet shipments to retail customers.
For these shipments, keep your standard packaging dimensions, weights, pickup locations, and receiving requirements consistent and accessible.
FreightCenter accounts support saved shipping information and shipment records, helping you avoid rebuilding the details of every recurring shipment from scratch.
Earn Rewards When You Ship With FreightCenter
FreightCenter Shipping Rewards gives eligible customers another reason to keep their freight bookings in one place.
Our program awards points on qualifying completed LTL bookings that can be redeemed for merchandise.
Not every shipment needs the same type of transportation. FreightCenter offers several shipping services so you can evaluate your freight's size, equipment needs, and delivery schedule before choosing a rate.
Compare rates for palletized freight and smaller commercial shipments without paying for a dedicated trailer.
Explore dedicated truckload options for larger shipments, substantial trailer loads, and specific equipment needs.
Compare time-sensitive freight services when standard delivery schedules may not meet your business requirements.
Explore shipping options that combine rail and truck transportation for suitable freight routes and schedules.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
What Factors Affect Freight Shipping Rates?
Freight shipping rates depend on the shipment’s size, weight, route, service requirements, and available transportation options. Accurate shipment information helps carriers provide rates that reflect the freight you actually need to move.
Several factors can affect the final price:
- Shipment dimensions: Length, width, and height help determine how much space your packaged freight occupies. Large or unusually shaped items may require additional space or special equipment.
- Shipment weight: Heavier freight can affect carrier pricing and equipment requirements. Include pallets, crates, and other packaging materials when determining the total weight.
- Origin and destination: The pickup and delivery locations establish the shipping route. Distance, carrier service areas, and lane availability influence which rates are offered.
- Freight class: For LTL shipments, freight classification helps determine shipping costs. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) establishes the industry’s freight classification standards based on density, handling, stowability, and liability. Providing the correct freight class helps improve quote accuracy and reduce unexpected billing adjustments.
- Pickup and delivery location types: Commercial loading docks, residential addresses, and locations with restricted access can have different service requirements.
- Additional services: Liftgate service, limited-access delivery, and other requested services may add charges to the shipment.
- Pickup and delivery timing: Requested dates and delivery requirements influence service availability. Time-sensitive shipments may need expedited transportation.
- Shipping frequency: Regular shipping patterns may create opportunities to discuss customer-specific pricing with FreightCenter, depending on shipment volume and requirements.
- Equipment type: Dry vans, refrigerated trailers, flatbeds, and other equipment serve different shipment needs and can affect available rates.
- Carrier availability: Capacity and market conditions can influence pricing, especially for truckload shipments.
The best way to understand your shipping cost is to quote the actual shipment with its complete requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freight Shipping Rates
Q. How do I get freight shipping rates with FreightCenter?
You can get freight shipping rates by entering your shipment information into FreightCenter’s online quote tool.
Start with the pickup and delivery locations, then add your freight’s dimensions, weight, and shipping requirements. FreightCenter helps you compare available carrier options so you can select a service that meets your needs.
Q. What information do I need to get an accurate freight quote?
You need your pickup and delivery locations, shipment dimensions, total packaged weight, and a description of what you’re shipping.
Additional information, such as freight class for LTL shipments, pickup dates, and liftgate requirements, can affect the quote. Providing these details accurately helps reduce the chance of billing adjustments.
Q. Can I compare freight rates from multiple carriers?
Yes, FreightCenter lets you compare available freight rates from multiple carriers through one quoting process.
You can review pricing and estimated transit times without separately contacting each carrier. Compare the full service offered before selecting a rate.
Q. How can I find a lower freight shipping rate?
Start by comparing multiple carrier options and making sure your shipment information is accurate.
You can also review whether a different transportation method or a more flexible shipping schedule fits your needs. For larger recurring shipping programs, ask FreightCenter about available customer-specific pricing options.
Q. Can I book a freight shipment online after getting a quote?
Yes, FreightCenter supports online freight booking after you select an available shipping option.
Review the shipment information, confirm your pickup and delivery requirements, and follow the booking steps. The process also supports generating shipping paperwork, including a Bill of Lading.
