Special Requirements When Shipping Freight

Special requirements refer to any non-standard needs that go beyond typical freight shipping. This can include special handling, regulatory compliance, delivery restrictions, equipment needs, or documentation. Examples include hazardous materials (hazmat), temperature-sensitive goods, high-value items, oversized or overweight cargo, fragile freight, or shipments requiring white glove or inside delivery. Recognizing these requirements early helps prevent delays, fines, or damage during transit.

Identifying special freight requirements depends on several factors: the nature of the goods, the pickup and delivery locations, weight and dimensions, sensitivity, and applicable regulations. If your freight is unusually large, fragile, perishable, dangerous, or needs extra services like liftgate or limited-access delivery, it likely has special requirements. FreightCenter’s shipping specialists can evaluate your shipment details and flag any special requirements before you book — so nothing gets overlooked.

Accessorials are optional services that go beyond standard dock-to-dock delivery. For shipments with special requirements, common accessorials include:

• Liftgate pickup/delivery (for locations without loading docks)
• Inside or white glove delivery
• Residential or limited access delivery
• Appointment scheduling
• Trade show or convention center delivery
• Hazardous materials handling
• Reweigh or reclassification support

FreightCenter allows you to select needed accessorials during the quote or booking process to ensure you’re fully covered.

No, not all carriers are qualified or equipped to handle freight with special requirements. For instance, hazmat shipments require carriers with special certifications and training. Similarly, not all carriers offer temperature-controlled trailers or can accommodate oversized loads. FreightCenter partners with a large network of vetted carriers — and we match your shipment with the ones best suited to your specific needs, whether that’s flatbed transport, reefer trucks, or white glove service.

You can request a quote for temperature-controlled freight online, but because of the strict requirements involved — such as specific temperature ranges, pickup and delivery timing, and specialized equipment — most bookings are finalized with help from a freight expert. FreightCenter makes this process seamless. Our team can coordinate everything from selecting the right reefer equipment to monitoring time-sensitive deliveries for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, or other sensitive cargo.

Failing to disclose special requirements when booking can lead to major issues:

• Your freight may be refused at pickup
• The carrier could charge extra fees (or reclassify your shipment)
• Delivery may be delayed or rescheduled

In some cases, improperly handled freight could be damaged, destroyed, or even cause safety hazards. FreightCenter helps you avoid these problems by guiding you through the booking process and prompting you to include all relevant details upfront.

Yes, special requirements often come with additional costs. Accessorial services, specialized equipment, permits, insurance, or handling fees may apply depending on what’s needed. While these costs can vary by carrier and shipment type, FreightCenter ensures transparency by showing detailed breakdowns during the quoting process. You can compare rates from multiple carriers and choose the service level that matches your budget and needs.

Hazardous materials can be shipped nationwide, but only through carriers certified to handle hazmat freight. Regulations vary by state, and specific labeling, documentation, and packaging must be followed. Not all carriers or terminals are equipped to accept hazmat, so planning ahead is crucial. FreightCenter works with DOT-certified hazmat carriers and helps coordinate every step — from documentation to permits — to make sure your shipment is compliant and secure.

For fragile freight, protective packaging is essential. Use industrial-grade materials like:

• Custom wooden crates or double-walled boxes
• Shock-absorbing foam or padding
• Shrink-wrap and pallet straps to secure items
• “Fragile” and “This Side Up” labels clearly displayed

If your freight is high-value or extremely delicate (such as electronics, glass, or artwork), white glove service is often the safest choice. FreightCenter can help arrange packaging consultations and specialty services to reduce the risk of in-transit damage.

Yes, heavy equipment like excavators, generators, or manufacturing machinery can be shipped internationally — but the process is more complex. It requires export documentation, permits, insurance, and the right type of transport (flatbed, RGN, or containerized). You’ll also need to coordinate with customs agencies and confirm the equipment complies with local import laws. FreightCenter simplifies international heavy equipment shipping by handling logistics, documentation, and carrier selection for you.

Yes. Oversized freight (usually anything exceeding 8.5 feet wide or 13.5 feet tall) typically requires special permits. Permitting rules vary by state, and some may require pilot cars or restricted travel hours. FreightCenter works with carriers that handle over-dimensional freight and coordinates the necessary permits and route planning — so you don’t have to navigate the red tape on your own.

Absolutely. Most standard freight shipments include a basic liability coverage, but it may not reflect the true value of your goods. If you’re shipping high-value items — such as electronics, artwork, or medical equipment — purchasing additional cargo insurance is strongly recommended. FreightCenter offers third-party freight insurance during booking, so you can protect your investment with peace of mind.

Liftgate service can be requested during the quoting or booking process. It’s commonly required when the pickup or delivery location doesn’t have a loading dock or forklift. FreightCenter lets you add liftgate service with a simple checkbox during your quote. Our team can also advise whether it’s needed based on your shipment details and location type.

Trade show and event shipping comes with strict timing, limited access windows, and venue-specific regulations. Freight often needs to be delivered to a specific booth at a precise time, not just a loading dock. FreightCenter offers specialized trade show logistics support, including advanced scheduling, on-site contact communication, return shipping, and temporary storage options. We help ensure your materials arrive exactly when and where they’re needed.

FreightCenter provides end-to-end logistics support for shippers dealing with special requirements. We start by understanding your freight and its unique needs, then match you with carriers that specialize in handling it, whether that means hazmat-certified drivers, temperature-controlled trailers, or flatbeds for oversized machinery. We offer accessorial services, documentation help, real-time tracking, and optional insurance. Our team acts as an extension of your shipping department, making complex shipments easy, safe, and cost-effective.