FAQs

Most transport services handle general freight including palletized goods, crated materials, and standard commercial shipments. Capacity and equipment vary by carrier, so confirming weight limits and handling capabilities before booking prevents delays and ensures proper equipment allocation for your specific load type.

Freight quotes require origin and destination locations, shipment dimensions, weight, and freight class. Providing accurate measurements prevents reclassification fees that occur when carriers verify dimensions at pickup. Most quotes are valid for 7-14 days depending on fuel price volatility and seasonal demand fluctuations.

LTL (less-than-truckload) combines multiple shippers' freight on one truck, making it cost-effective for shipments under 10,000 pounds. Full truckload dedicates the entire trailer to one shipper, reducing handling and transit time but requiring enough freight to justify the cost, typically 12+ pallets or 15,000+ pounds.

Transit time depends on distance, service level, and whether shipments move via LTL networks or dedicated routes. LTL shipments make terminal stops for sorting and consolidation, adding 1-3 days compared to direct truckload service. Weather, dock availability, and appointment scheduling also affect delivery windows.

Freight must be palletized or crated for LTL shipments unless arranged otherwise, with dimensions and weight confirmed before the carrier arrives. Bill of lading paperwork should list accurate freight class, piece count, and special handling requirements. Inaccessible loading docks or missing paperwork cause delays and may incur redelivery fees.

Freight class (50-500) determines shipping rates based on density, handling difficulty, liability, and stowability. Misclassifying freight leads to reclassification fees when carriers inspect shipments. Dense, low-risk items like steel bars get lower classes and rates, while fragile or bulky items like furniture get higher classes and costs.

Most carriers provide tracking through PRO numbers or bill of lading references, showing terminal scans and estimated delivery windows. Real-time GPS tracking is more common with dedicated truckload shipments. LTL tracking updates occur at each terminal scan, so gaps between updates are normal during linehaul moves between facilities.

Carriers assume liability under bill of lading terms, but claims require documentation within specific timeframes, often 9 months for concealed damage. Noting damage on delivery receipt and photographing freight immediately strengthens claims. Insufficient packaging is a common denial reason, so proper crating and labeling protect both product and claim validity.

Liftgate service uses hydraulic lifts to lower freight to ground level at locations without loading docks, common for residential or small business deliveries. This accessorial service adds cost and time, typically 15-30 minutes per stop. Requesting liftgate at booking prevents driver arrival without proper equipment, which delays delivery by days.

Accessorial fees cover services beyond standard dock-to-dock transport, including liftgate service, inside delivery, residential delivery, reweigh fees, and detention time when loading or unloading exceeds free time allowances. These charges appear after delivery and often surprise shippers who didn't specify service requirements during quoting, increasing final costs significantly.