How to Figure Out the Cost of Freight Shipping
Discover how to accurately calculate the cost of freight shipping and keep expenses low for your small business. Learn about market factors, accurate weighing, and why partnering with a 3PL like FreightCenter can simplify the process.
There are a lot of factors that come into play when it comes to how to figure out the cost of freight shipping. Shippers across the country and the world wrestle with this question every day. It can be daunting, but finding out the correct way to factor the cost of your next shipment is significant to keeping costs as low as possible.
If you’re running a small business, understanding how freight costs are calculated and using them to your advantage makes a huge difference in determining your bottom line.
Freight Rates Constantly Fluctuate
Before you begin calculating the cost of freight shipping, you’ll first need to understand how freight costs are determined in the freight industry—a prominent market variable affecting freight rate changes in fuel price.
Supply and demand constantly shift throughout the year, impacting how efficiently carriers can fulfill their trailer capacity. These economic trends in specific markets are known as the four seasons of shipping and are a significant factor in how much carriers charge for shipping at different times of the year.
Keep in mind that rates are just like freight. They’re always on the move. Because these market variables constantly fluctuate, there are no “base rates” for shipments. Due to these freight rate variables, it is hard to call a shipping agent and get an accurate ballpark estimate.
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
Why Choose FreightCenter For Your Shipping Services?
We are an award-winning logistics company and an American veteran-owned business. Our services offer a unique combination of history, competitive pricing, and unmatched level of service. Over the years and miles, we have formed a dedicated and respected network of industry partners to help customers meet deadlines.
Our mission is to meet and exceed customer expectations in all that we do. We take care of freight shipping from pickup to delivery. Excellent customer service is our hallmark, and it goes a long way in building a relationship of trust. When customers select FreightCenter to handle their freight shipment, they trust us to do the job right.
Your Shipment Matters
To correctly figure out the cost of freight shipping, the market factors mentioned above need some additional context, so you can get the most accurate shipping estimate possible. This is where knowing how to fill out an LTL quote form comes in handy. Precise information you provide about a shipment is arguably the most crucial step when figuring out the cost of freight shipping. Inaccurate information on a freight quote often leads to unexpected billing adjustments on your invoice after a shipment is completed, some of which can be rather large.
Properly weighing your freight is vital. Many shippers give rough estimates or guess at what they think something weighs. However, they often turn out to be hundreds of pounds off and very annoyed with an expensive billing adjustment, and nobody wants an unexpected billing adjustment. Remember that carriers will always weigh, measure and inspect your freight shipment. Any discrepancies between your reports and the carrier’s reports will result in a billing adjustment after the completed shipment. It’s highly recommended to invest in a freight scale. It’ll pay for itself because the weight was wrong. After all, you will avoid paying added expenses on your freight invoice.
Accurately measuring the dimensions and density of your shipments is also key to what the freight carrier will charge for shipping. Weight, sizes, and density impact what freight classification will be attached to your freight. You can learn more about what freight class is and why it’s essential by checking out our Easy Guide to Freight Class, and you can easily calculate density with our freight class density calculator. Transit distance is also a common factor in determining freight costs across the shipping industry.
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.
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping involves transporting smaller shipments by consolidating them with other shipments in a single truck. This method allows businesses to save money by sharing transportation costs and maximizing the use of truck space.
Truckload freight, or FTL freight, refers to a transportation method where a truck is used to move a large volume of goods from one location to another. In truckload shipping, the entire truck is allocated to a single shipment, usually from one customer or consignor.
Expedited shipping is a service designed for freight that needs to be transported more quickly than standard shipments. Carriers give priority to expedited shipments, resulting in fewer stops and delays during transit. This service is ideal for shipments that must arrive at their destinations by a specific date or time.
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.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
FAQ For How to Figure Out The Cost of Freight Shipping
Q. What factors influence the cost of freight shipping?
The cost of freight shipping is influenced by several factors, such as weight, dimensions, distance, shipping method, freight class, and any other required services.
Q. How does the shipping distance impact cost?
The farther the distance, the higher the shipping cost because longer distances require more fuel, time, and resources.
Q. Can I get a shipping quote online?
Yes, FreightCenter offers online tools for getting a shipping quote. To get an accurate quote, you must input details on your shipment’s weight, dimensions, origin, destination, and any additional services.
Advantages of Shipping Freight With FreightCenter
Customer Service
FreightCenter offers reliable and responsive customer service, ensuring that any issues or concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently.
Flexibility
FreightCenter can adapt and scale their services to match the size and scope of the logistics needs of small or large businesses.
Complete Shipping Solutions
FreightCenter offers a wide range of shipping solutions for your needs such as LTL (Less-Than-Truckload), FTL (Full Truckload), and specialized freight services.
