FAQ

So what is an NMFC number anyway?

This is a number that specifically identifies types of product you are shipping with an LTL carrier. The National Motor Freight Association presets these product classifications quarterly. Please always included the NMFC number on the Bill of Lading in order to avoid re-classification and accurately identify each product you ship. You can contact Carrierrate.com at 866-275-1407 to determine the NMFC number for your products.

What if my items are fragile?

When shipping personal or fragile items, it is always better to use a moving company (also known as Van Line Services). Freight carriers will move your personal items but they will only offer 10 cents per pound in insuring your freight. Van Lines specialize in moving personal items and will offer additional insurance to cover your item's value. We do not recommend using common carriers for shipping costly fragile items.

Do fees apply for residential service and how much is it usually?

Carriers usually define a business as a location that opens and closes to the general public at set times each day. You will most likely be  considered a residence if you are located in a residential zone, even if you open and close at set times. Schools, colleges, and churches located in residential zones will sometimes also incur residential fees.

If the driver is required to go inside (beyond the front door or loading dock) to pickup or deliver a load instead of remaining on the dock or in his truck, additional fees may be applied as well.

If the shipping origin or destination does not have a loading dock, manual loading or unloading is necessary. A liftgate is a mechanism at the back of the truck that can raise and lower a shipment from the ground to the truck. Additional fees apply for this service depending on the carrier of your choice.

Do you  guarantee your rates and if so for how long?

Frontline Group in association with Globaltranz has accounts set up with regional and national carriers based on our ability to give them a large volume of shipments. To ensure that you receive the Carrierrate.com rate that we have quoted, you must provide the driver with a copy of the Carrierrate.com BOL. This lets the carrier know to bill the shipment on the Carrierrate.com account at the discounts we have in place with them.

What happens if the carrier bills my company directly?

Simply call our customer service department at 866.275.1407 x135 and fax a copy of the bill you received. Our customer service team will be happy to take care of it and have the charges properly credited. This situation mostly occurs when the Carrierrate.com BOL is not used. Please make sure that the shipper gives the driver a copy of the automated Carrierrate.com on every shipment.

What is dimensional weight anyway?

Dimensional weight is a standard formula used throughout the air freight industry that considers a package's density when determining charges. Transportation charges are based on the gross weight of the shipment or the dimensional weight of the shipment; whichever is greater. Simply put, dimensional weight is when the weight of a package is substancially less than the actual size of the package. For example, a box filled with air.

When would I expect dimensional weight charges apply?

When the actual weight of a package is less than the calculated dimensional weight, carriers charge by the dimensional weight. This is the standard with air freight shipments.

When should I use a freight company?

When weight of your shipment is greater than 150 lbs., truck transportation is more economical than using a parcel service. Common carriers transport your item on a truck with additional small shipments so that the costs for transportation are shared. If your shipment weighs more than 8,000 lbs, you may need an partial or full truckload.(or have a Truckload shipment).

Standard procedure for common carriers involves a truck driver backing up to a dock to be loaded by the shipper, and driving the cargo to the receiving destination to be unloaded by the recieving entity. Any service that deviates from these standard proceedures may require additional fees.

Are freight transit times guaranteed?

Transit times are guaranteed only if noted as such on the carrier options list returned for your quote. All other transit times are reliable, but freight is usually not guaranteed unless specified. Transit times do not include the day of pickup.

What happens if my shipment isn't ready when the driver comes?

Most commonly, the driver is not going to wait. The driver will be dispatched for the following day, which delays your service. You will be assessed a fee if the carrier charges Carrierrate.com for the duplicated pickup.

If I do not have a scale can I estimate the weight of my shipment?

If an inaccurate weight or class is used and a shipment is reweighed or re-classed by the carrier, those costs may be passed on to you. Reweighing may also delay delivery which nobody likes.

What is your claims process?

Claims are handled directly between the shipper, consignee and the carrier. Carrierrate.com is not involved in the actual claims process and has no influence in the carrier's claim decision. Claims with the carrier must be filed within 90 days of delivery. The claimant should only file for loss or damage on the product which was shipped. ALWAYS be as concise as possible in noting specific damage on the delivery receipt. Our representatives can coach you on filing a claim and provide the proper forms. Carrierrate.com does offer a service to file your claim for you please ask a rep. about these services.

Who schedules the carrier after scheduling from  ww.carrierrate.com?

Please do not call the freight carrier or terminal - this create a second the pickup. When you schedule with carrierrate.com, we contact the carrier for you electronically.

What should I do with the Bill of Lading once I have printed it out?

Everyone involved should have a copy of the Bill of Lading (buyer, seller and carrier). It is crucial that the BOL be given to the truck driver when he makes the pickup. Keep one copy for your records.

What is the best way to package my shipments?

Please package, crate or stack on pallets securely to help prevent damage. Secure cartons to the pallet with pallet bands, shrink-wrap, stretch-wrap or breakaway adhesive. Improper packaging can void the carrier's liability for damage. Stack cartons squarely on the skid with no overhang. Be sure the top surface is flat. Labels should be placed on every piece or package.

Can I schedule a shipment and have it picked up on the same day?

Yes, but this service may not be guaranteed due to the trucks capacity. Please schedule shipments with a 4-hour window before your docks close so Carrierrate.com can get a driver dispatched out to your location within that same day. Please be aware that carriers normally make pickups in the afternoon and deliver in the morning.

 PACKING TECHNIQUES

Good packaging is very important to protect your goods while they are in transit. Remember that your packages may be on a truck with other items, and may be loaded or unloaded more than once. Certain basic guidelines are provided here to help you ensure that all of your possessions are packed to travel safely.

Use only sturdy boxes that can be shut complete.

Make sure that all boxes are firmly packed. Boxes should not rattle or bulge when correctly packed. There should be space between your object and the boxes walls.

Wrap individual items carefully in paper or cloth and be sure to provide sufficient cushioning to absorb shock.

Pack item in layers, with the heaviest things on the bottom and the lightest on the top.

Do not mix hard or heavy items with fragile items in the same container.

Seal all cartons tightly with plastic gummed tape (duct tape can peel off easily under the rigors of transit).

Label each carton in the event pieces get separated. You may also want to write the number of cartons that compose the shipment (e.g., Box 1 of 4).

STANDARD FREIGHT INDUSTRY TERMINOLOGY

Accessorial

Standard procedure for LTL shipping includes a truck driver backing up to a dock to be loaded by the consignor (shipper), and driving the cargo to the receiving destination to be unloaded by the consignee. Any service that is not considered will require additional fees and is referred to as an accessorial service. The following are all examples of accessorial services:

• Hazardous materials
• Inside delivery
• Liftgate service
• Fuel Surcharge
• Arrival notification
• Insurance
• COD
• Residential

Arrival Notification

A carrier notifies and schedules a delivery date and time with the recieving party for additional fees.

BOL or (Bill of Lading)

Mandatory paperwork providing the driver and the truck line with all the details they need to process the shipment and bill correctly.

Blind Shipment

Keeps the originating location and receiving destination unaware of each other. Provides two separate Bills of Lading that share common BOL & PRO numbers. Both BOLs show the carrier's terminal as the shipper and the receiver.

Class

A number that identifies the commdities size, value and difficulty of transporting each particular type of product. The class is needed to determine a price. You will need to know width, height, depth and weight for your shipment. The system estimates a class determined by the measurements you enter. Please contact a customer service representative during business hours to confirm class, as the automated class is only an estimate.

Expedited Shipments

Carrierrate.com and Frontline Group offer expedited delivery through various channels in order to reduce the number of transit days. Choose expedited as your equipment type when rating your shipment.

Flatbed Freight Shipments

A flatbed is a semi trailer with no sides and with the floor of the unit a standard height from the ground.

Handling unit

If there is more than one package and they are of differing type, size or weight they are considered multiple handling units.

Inside delivery services

The driver is required to go inside (beyond the front door or loading dock) to pickup or deliver a load instead of remaining on the dock or in his truck. Additional fees are assessed.

Liftgate service

When the shipping or receiving locations do not have a loading dock, manual loading or unloading may be necessary. A liftgate is a platform at the back of certain trucks that can raise and lower a shipment from the ground to the truck. Additional fees apply for this service.

LTL

LTL stands for Less Than Load. LTL shipment can ranges from 100 lbs. to 20,000 lbs. For larger loads, you may need Partial or TL (truckload) service.

NMFC Code

The National Motor Freight Classification number is a number indicator that  identifies each type of product that can be shipped by a carrier. It is always helpful to have the NMFC number on the Bill of Lading in order to avoid re-classification and accurately identify each product you ship.

PRO Number

A number assigned by the carrier to reference your shipment. It is used for tracking your shipment.

Redelivery/Reconsignment Fee

If trucking company can deliver your freight, the carrier will assess a fee. The fee is usually based on weight with a minimum charge.

(Reefer)

Is a refrigerated trailer with insulated walls and a self-powered refrigeration unit; most commonly used for transporting food.

Residential Delivery Fees

If you do not have a commercial location that actually opens and closes at set times each day within a commercially zoned area, you will be considered a residence and extra fees will apply for pickup and delivery.

Reweigh and Inspection Fee

If the carrier see the weight of your shipment is inaccurate, they will charge a fee to reweigh and re-class the shipment.  Be very careful of this because our carriers are getting more and more sophistocated.  Most even weigh your freight with forklift mounted digital scales

Third Party Shipments

The person who sets up the shipment, but is neither the originating nor the receiving destination. The third party makes the arrangements for the shipper and receiver.