The process of transporting freight can first seem difficult, particularly for novice or small-business shippers. Although we’d all like to think that transporting freight could be as straightforward as putting a message in a bottle, the truth is that there are a number of rules and procedures in place to make sure that valuable freight gets delivered to its destination safely.

So what exactly is freight shipping? We’ve compiled 10 of the most often freight shipping questions to assist you get started and to help you better understand the shipping process from beginning to end. Let’s look at it.

Q: What can I transport with freight shipping, and what options do I have?

A: 3PL companies normally offer the services to manage all types of freight, no matter how much of it there is or where it is going. Truckload (TL), less than truckload (LTL), expedited LTL, and intermodal are common choices for moving freight.

Q: How are freight shipping rates determined?

A: The type of freight being shipped, the mode of transportation, the weight, the distance, and other variables all affect how much it costs to carry freight. Here is a brief explanation of how these prices are calculated based on the chosen shipping method:

LTL – LTL charges are heavily influenced by the kind of freight. For extra services and actions like delivery appointments and liftgate services, additional costs are frequently charged.
Truckload – The standard method for calculating truckload rates is a price per mile, which may or may not include the fuel premium. For items like detention and driving assistance, additional fees could be assessed.
Flatbed -. The kind of equipment, mileage, and total weight of the shipment all factor into flatbed charges. More fees may be charged and extra transit time may be required if there is large freight onboard.

Q: What is a categorization for freight?

A: The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) developed the freight classification system to offer a uniform freight pricing structure for all classes of shippable goods.

The 18 freight classes, denoted by numbers between 50 and 500, are used to classify commodities. Your freight’s classification is based on its weight, size, density, ease of handling, value, and liability (probability of freight damage or theft). Usually, the freight transportation cost per pound decreases as the class number rises.

Q: What does NMFC stand for?

A: Each shippable goods is given a special number by the NMFTA. The NMFC number for wood polished tile, for instance, is 182355. The NMFC number is used by shippers and carriers to link a product to a freight class, which is then used to figure out how much to charge for shipping.

Not sure of your position? To determine the freight class and make appropriate plans, be sure to utilize our freight class calculator.

Q: What is a 3PL?

A: Third-party logistics, or 3PL, are its initials. 3PL businesses aim to handle every step of the freight shipment process, like Freightquote by C.H. Robinson. These businesses offer the required services and professional assistance from the moment a shipper gets an estimate for their shipment all the way until delivery.

Q: Can I estimate the size and weight of my freight?

A: It is never a good idea to estimate freight weight or dimensions. In particular for LTL shipping, when these carriers rely on precise measurements to calculate how much freight can fit on one truck, it’s imperative to measure the length, breadth, and height to the nearest inch. Inaccurate or approximated measurements can necessitate a pricey carrier adjustment and additional freight charges.

Similar to freight dimensions, weight also needs to be precise. The specified weight is frequently used by freight carriers to calculate how much freight can fit in each truck. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has established truck weight limitations, and inaccurate weights will probably also result in price changes.

Q: What is a BOL?

A: BOL stands for bill of lading in the freight shipping sector. This document serves as a receipt for freight services or a contract between the freight shipper and the carrier that contains all the information required to properly process and invoice a cargo (date of shipment, number of units, freight classification, weight, etc.). When the carrier is picked up, the BOL is formed and given to him or her. A copy of the BOL is kept by the shipper for their own records.

ProConnect Integrated Logistics – Your Warehousing & Freight Forwarding Partner

A third-party logistics firm can help shippers mitigate a variety of risks throughout the supply chain by outsourcing certain logistics functions. By partnering with a 3PL, a shipper can free up time to concentrate on his or her core competencies without suffering from the ever-shifting logistics landscape.

If you are looking for a partner to take care of all your logistics hassles, talk to us.