When is it advisable to use a common carrier?
The size of the items that you are shipping will determine the best method for your company. Generally, items that are over 150 lbs will be shipped more economically via LTL trucking than shipping them by a parcel service. If you have less than a truckload, shipping companies will be able to transport other items as part of the same shipment. The cost of using a common carrier will be divided amongst all of the customers who are using the freight service.
If you have a full truckload or your items weigh more than 8,000 lbs you have what is considered to be a truckload shipment.

How are LTL trucking loads handled?
The standard procedure for an LTL trucking load is for the vehicle to be backed up to a dock that is owned by the customer. The items that make up the load are placed on the truck by the shipper and not the company that will be transporting the goods. The cargo is driven to its destination by the company and is then unloaded by the consignee (the person who is receiving the goods). If your shipment cannot be handled in this manner you need to be aware that there may be additional fees.

Can you guarantee transit times?
You will not have guaranteed transit times unless clearly specified on the carrier options list. Guaranteed transit times may be more expensive and, as such, need to be specifically mentioned when you request your quote. You need to be aware that the day the goods are picked up is not included in the transit times that you are given in your LTL freight quote.

What is dimensional weight?
This is a measurement of a package’s density and it is used in order to calculate what your charges will be. The cost is calculated by looking at a package’s dimensional weight as well as its gross weight. The greater of the two is used in order to determine transportation charges. If the weight of a package is inappropriately less than the size of the package, dimensional weight would apply.

What does dimensional weight do to my shipping charges?
If the calculated dimensional weight of a package is less than the actual weight, dimensional weight will not be a factor. If, however, the dimensional weight is more than the actual weight then dimensional weight charges will be added to your shipping costs.

Can you guarantee your rates?
We are able to guarantee our rates. LTLShipping.Com deals with both national and regional carriers. We base our pricing on the fact that we are able to give them a large shipping volume. LTLShipping.com will provide you with a bill of lading (BOL) that will ensure you receive the rate quoted to you by LTLShipping.com. It is vital that you give the LTLShipping.com BOL so that you are charged the rates that have been negotiated by LTLShipping.com.

Can you accommodate same day pickups?
While it is possible to have items picked up the same day that the shipment is booked it is not possible to guarantee that the service will be available. Our carriers’ capacity may not allow same-day pickups to take place. When booking, it is important that you allow a four hour window so that pickup can occur before your docks close for the day. Carriers will typically pick up items in the afternoon and deliver them in the morning.

Will the driver wait if my shipment is not ready?
Because several different customers may be involved in LTL trucking loads a driver will only have a set amount of time that can be spent loading your shipment. If your load is not ready when the driver arrives they will typically leave your load and continue on to dealing with the shipments of other customers. They will then be dispatched the following day. Unfortunately this can delay your service.
On occasion, carrier fees are charged for a duplicated pickup. In that case, the charges that have been levied against LTLShipping.Com will be passed on to you.

Can the weight of a shipment be estimated?
You should not estimate the weight of your shipment as this can affect the shipping charges and the class that the freight falls into. If a shipment needs to be reweighed or classified differently the costs of doing so will be passed on to the customer. It may also cause delivery to be delayed.

How does LTLShipping.Com handle claims?
LTLShipping.com is not involved in any claims that are brought by or against a shipper or a transit company. Claims must be handled directly between the shipper, the consignee and the carrier who is handling the load. LTLShipping.com cannot influence the decisions on any claims that may be raised. If you are bringing about a claim you must do so within 90 days of delivery. It is important to be as concise as possible when noting damage and recording it on the delivery receipt. You should only file a claim for losses or damages to products which have been shipped. The caring and experienced staff at LTLShipping.com will be happy to advise you on how to file a claim. We can also provide you with the forms that are needed to file your claims.

Do I need to contact anyone after scheduling my shipment with LTLShipping.com?
You do not need to contact anyone after scheduling your pick-up with LTLShipping.com. In fact, if you contact the terminal or the freight carrier you may find that the pickup has been duplicated. Our company contacts the carrier via electronic means and there is no need to for you to call the carrier regarding your load.

What do I do if a carrier presents me with a bill?
We would be more than happy to assist you if you are presented with a bill by your carrier. If you do, you should call the customer service department at (insert phone number here) and then fax a copy of your bill to our offices. Our customer service department is set up to handle these issues. We will ensure that you are not charged for the delivery and that the charges you do receive are properly credited. You may find that this will only happen when you neglect to use the LTLShipping.Com BOL. You need to make sure that the shipper has given their driver a copy of the automated LTLShipping.com BOL with each shipment that you are sending out.

How should shipments be packaged?
It is important that you package your load securely in order to minimize damage. You want to ensure that your shipping crate or other container has been packaged according to your load’s specific needs. If you do not package your load properly you may find that a carrier’s liability for damage may be voided. When loading cartons onto a skid, it is important that you position them squarely and so that there is no overhang. The top of any shipment should be flat. You need to affix a label to every piece or package that you are shipping. The section on packaging tips should give you more information.

What do I do if my items are fragile?
In the event that your items are fragile it is important that you use a blanket wrap service. Blanket wrap services are also known as van line services. If you are shipping personal items you need to be aware that insurance is only paid out at a rate of ten cents per pound. Van line services have additional insurance as they routinely handle fragile personal items. You should not ship costly fragile items via common carriers.

Are residential services able to take advantage of LTL shipping prices?
The definition of a business is a location which has set opening and closing times that govern when it will be available to the general public. You may be surprised to learn that a business that is located in a residential zone may actually be considered a residence even if it has set opening and closing times. There may be additional fees for residential properties.
There may be extra charges if a driver needs to go into a building in order to pick up the items to be shipped. Manual loading and unloading of goods can also result in additional charges being levied. There may also be additional fees if the lift gate is needed in order to place the order on a truck or to take it off when it arrives at its destination.

What is an NMFC number and how does it affect my shipping
An NMFC number is used in order to identify the products that are able to be shipped by an LTL shipping company.. Each type of item will have a specific NMFC attached to it. An NMFC number only applies in circumstances where an item can be shipped via LTL shipping methods. In order to get the correct NMFC number you only need to contact the LTLShipping.com staff and they will be happy to help you determine the proper NMFC number for the items that you are shipping so that it can be added to your Bill of Lading.

How should I handle my Bill of Lading
Multiple copies of a Bill of Lading are required. The buyer, the seller and the carrier should each have a copy. One copy of the Bill of Lading should be given to the driver on pickup of your items. One copy should be retained by your company in order to ensure that your records are complete.