When should I use a common carrier?
If your freight weighs more than 150 pounds, you should use a common carrier that will transport your freight along with other shipments to reduce your costs. If you utilize a common carrier, the standard procedure is that the carrier will pull up to a dock and the shipper (consignor) will have to load the freight; then the carrier will deliver it to the end destination where the recipient (consignee) will have to unload it. If any other services are involved, they may require additional fees. If you item weighs over 8,000 pounds, you will probably need an entire truck.

What is freight classification?
It is a classification that identifies the type of product that is shipped based on publications issued by either the Uniform Freight Classification (UFC) for railroad transport or the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) for motor carrier shipments. The classification system assigns ratings to various articles and provides bill of lading (BOL) descriptions and rules.

What is a NMFC number?
This is a numeric indicator that specifically identifies the type of product that is shipped by a motor carrier. The National Motor Freight Association (NMFC) presets these product classifications quarterly. It is always helpful to have the NMFC number on the bill of lading (BOL) in order to avoid re-classification and accurately identify each product you ship.

Can I estimate the weight or classification of my shipment?
We highly recommend that you determine the correct weight and classification of your freight ahead of time. Otherwise, it may result in additional charges from the carrier and can also cause delivery delays. We offer a free freight class look up tool on our website. But if you need assistance, please contact FreightNShipping at (877) 618-6058 and we will do all we can to provide you with the information you need.

Do I call the carrier after scheduling with freighnshipping.com?
It is not necessary for you to contact the carrier and it may even create complications in the entire freight shipping process.  When you schedule a shipment with FreightNShipping, we will contact the carrier electronically so that you don't have to waste anymore of your valuable time.

Can I schedule a shipment and have it picked up on the same day?
Though we do allow this, we cannot guarantee that the carrier will be able to provide this service in every case. To ensure we can meet this demand, we ask that you allow a four-hour window before your dock closing time so that we can dispatch a driver to your location within that same day. Fortunately, most carriers usually make pickups in the afternoons and deliveries in the morning.

How should I package my shipments?
You will need to securely package, crate, and/or stack your freight on pallets to prevent damage. All cartons need to be secured to the pallet with banding, shrink-wrap, stretch-wrap, or breakaway adhesive. Stack cartons squarely on the skid with no overhang and be sure that the top surface is flat. Labels must be placed on every piece or package within your shipment. Please understand that improper packaging may void the carrier's liability for damage. For more information, see our Packaging Shipments page.

What if my items are fragile or personal?
If you are shipping fragile freight or personal items, we highly recommend you use blanket wrap services (also know as van line services). Van lines specialize in moving fragile and personal items and will offer additional insurance to cover your item's true value. We recommend you do not use common carriers for these items. Though they can move fragile and  personal items, they will only offer 10 cents per pound for personal items if lost or damaged.

Do fees apply for residential service?

There will be an additional charge for transporting freight to or from any location that the carrier determines is not a business location. To be classified as a business location, you must be a business that opens and closes to the general public at set times on a daily basis. In addition, you may be classified as a residence if you are located in a residential zone, even if you open and close at set times. This includes schools, colleges, and churches. In addition, If a carrier driver is required to go inside (beyond the front door or loading dock) to pick up or deliver a load instead of remaining on the dock or in his truck, additional fees may apply.

What if my pick-up or drop-off location does not have a loading dock?
When the shipping or receiving address does not have a loading dock, manual loading or unloading then becomes necessary. This requires the carrier to use a lift-gate at the back of the truck to raise or lower a shipment between the ground and the truck. Additional fees will apply for this service.

What happens if my shipment isn't ready when the driver comes?
You must make sure to avoid this problem, since the driver usually will not wait for you to get your shipment ready. In addition, if the carrier charges FreightNShipping a duplicate pickup fee, you will have to pay this cost.

Are transit times guaranteed?
If the carrier's options list returned with your quote provides a guarantee, then that is valid; otherwise, transit times do not come with a guarantee. Also, transit times do not include the day of pickup.

Are your rates guaranteed?
We have worked closely with regional and national carriers to secure excellent rates due to our high volume of shipments we provide them with. So, in order to ensure these rates, you must provide the carrier with the FreightNShipping bill of lading (BOL) that enables them to bill the shipment at the negotiated discount rates.

What should I do with the Bill of Lading?
All parties involved in the freight shipping process should have a copy of the bill of lading (BOL), including you as the shipper (consignor), your recipient (consignee), and the carrier. It is imperative that the BOL be given to the truck driver when he makes the pickup. Due to the importance of this document, always keep at least one copy for your records.

How does the claims process work?
If the freight arrives in a damaged condition, the recipient (consignee) must always be as concise and detailed as possible in recording the damage on the delivery receipt. When filing a claim for loss or damage, you must file the claim with the actual carrier and it must be submitted within 90 days of delivery. You should only file a claim on the product that was shipped. All claims are resolved among you as the shipper (consignor), the recipient (consignee), and the carrier.

FreightNShipping is not involved in the actual claims process and cannot influence the carrier's claim decision. But our representatives can provide you with assistance and support by coaching you on how to file a claim and providing you with the proper forms.

Other questions.
If your question is not answered above, please use our Contact form to get in touch with us.