FreightQuoteMarketPlace Online Shipping Guide!

Shipping freight using an online service company can seem overwhelming, especially for the first time shipper! Here at FreightQuoteMarketPlace we've put together some information that will be helpful in making sure that your shipment goes smoothly from pickup to delivery.

The shipping process begins with a freight quote, so we'll start with the information you'll need to provide in order to get a truly accurate freight quote. Obviously you will need to provide the correct zip codes for pickup and for delivery. Another piece of important information is if the pickup and/or delivery locations are commercial or residential. Residential locations whether pickup or delivery are more trouble for carriers so they charge an extra fee for their trouble. We always have people ask "my business is at my house, is that considered commercial?" Answer is no, although you may do business at your home if it is not a "commercially zoned area" you will be charged a residential pickup or delivery fee. You will also want to let your provider know if you have the ability to load and/or unload the truck. Many places are equipped with fork lifts or loading docks, but many are not. If you do need assistance the trucking company will have to use special equipment such as a truck with a liftgate. Use of special equipment, such as a truck with a lift gate, will be subject to extra charges as well. Another to consider is accessabilty, most trucking companies use 48 or 53 ft trucks and if your location will not accomadate they will need to use "special equipment" such as a box truck or van. This is also subject to an extra fee. Letting your provider know these things up front is critical in getting an accurate freight quote. Nobody likes to get hit with extra charges after their shipment is complete!

You will also need to give an accurate description of what you're shipping. Just saying "parts" or "auto parts" is not going to be enough. Always specifically describe what you are shipping so there will be no confusion. The correct weight is also a critical part of an accurate freight quote. We understand that many times people don't have any way to weigh what they are shipping and can only provide an estimate. But be advised the trucking companies do have scales and if they believe the weight listed on the documents is incorrect they will weigh your shipment and you will be responsible for paying the actual weight of your shipment. (this happens all the time) If you have no way to weigh your shipment try and look on the manufacturers website to find out, but sometimes an estimate is what we have to go with. But understand a weight estimate makes your freight quote an estimate so you may be responsible for extra charges. In the event you are charged for extra weight you will be given a copy of the "weight certificate" showing that the scales are certified, where it was weighed, and who weighed it. Dimensions can also be very important so always provide that imformation as well. Bottom line, the more accurate the information you provide about what you're shipping and where it's shipping from and to, the more accurate your freight quote will be.

Packaging is one of the most important things to consider when shipping freight. Consider good packaging your best form of insurance against damage. Many times a carrier will not pickup an item that is improperly packaged. As for not packaging at all, freight carriers will not ship unpackaged items under any circumstances. Everthing needs to be at the very minimum secured to a pallet, but we recommend covering your freight with heavy cardboard or crating whenever possible. If you don't have a pallet you can usually find one at a local home inprovement store, grocery store, etc. strapping supplies can also be purchased locally as well.

If your shipment is "time critical" always make sure to let your provider know in advance! If that fact is made known after the shipment has been picked up the process of getting it expidited is almost impossible. You may have to pay a little bit more for guaranteed service but if it's important let someone know when you ask for a quote to eliminate any confusion. If you request and pay for expidited service and the carrier doesnt get there on time your shipment will be free. Standard service times are not guaranteed and only include business days. For example, if you are told the standard transit time is 5 days, this means business days and does not include the day of pickup.

We always provide our customer with the correct shipping documents needed in order to ship your freight. But we suggest you always review the documents for accuracy before the pickup has been made. Once your freight has been picked up the trucking company will issue a tracking numner (PRO number), as soon as we receive this information it will be emailed to you along with instructions on where and how to track your shipment.

If you are in need of a freight quote simply fill out our quote request form or give us a call 888-351-3653 we'll be glad to help you!