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What is a NMFC number?
This is a numeric indicator that specifically identifies each type of product that can be shipped by a LTL carrier. The National Motor Freight Association presets these product classifications quarterly. 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. You can contact Freightz.com at 800-736-4633 to determine the NMFC number for your products.
Do fees apply for residential service?
The carrier defines a business as a location that opens and closes to the general public at set times each day. You may 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 may also incur residential fees. Freight and shipping costs are separate from residential fees. Talk to an Freightz.com specialist today about discounted freight rates.
What is a lift-gate and when would I need to order one?
When the shipping or receiving address does not have a loading dock, manual loading or unloading is necessary. A lift-gate is a mechanism at the back of the truck that can raise and lower a shipment from the ground to the truck. Additional shipping costs apply for this service depending on the carrier you choose.
Are your rates guaranteed? Freightz.com 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 Freightz.com rate that we have quoted, you must provide the driver with a copy of the freightz.com BOL. This lets the carrier know to bill the shipment on the Freightz.com account at the discounts we have negotiated. Contact a rep today for instant truckload rates.
What if my items are fragile?
When shipping personal or fragile items, it is best to use a moving company (also known as van line services).Freight carriers can move 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. Common carriers are NOT recommended for shipping costly fragile items.
Can I estimate the weight of my shipment?
LTL: If an inaccurate weight or class is used and a shipment is re-weighed or re-classed by the carrier, those costs will be passed on to you. Re-weighing may also delay delivery. FTL: As long as you have ordered a Full, Dedicated truck, estimating the weight is fine as long as the shipper can be certain that the load does not surpass the trucks maximum weight limit. (Usually 44,000 Lbs. for a Van and 48,000 Lbs. for a Flatbed)
What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight is a standard formula used throughout the 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 inappropriately less than the actual size of the package. For example, a box filled with inflated balloons.
When do dimensional weight charges apply?
When the actual weight of a package is less than the calculated dimensional weight, carriers charge by the dimensional weight.
Can I schedule a shipment and have it picked up on the same day?
Yes, but this service cannot be guaranteed due to our carriers' capacity. Please allow a 4-hour window before your docks close so Freightz.com can get a driver dispatched out to your location within that same day. Please note that carriers normally make pickups in the afternoon and deliver in the morning. Also note, same day pickup may not be possible due to a lack of availability in the area.
What happens if I receive a bill directly from a carrier?
Simply call our customer service department at 800-XXX-XXXX 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 usually occurs when the Freightz.com BOL is not used. To prevent problems in the future, please make sure that the shipper gives the driver a copy of the automated Freightz.com on every shipment.
When should I use a motor freight carrier?
Freight shippers shipping more 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 entire truck (or have a truckload shipment). Standard procedure for common carriers involves 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 isn't considered "standard procedure" may require additional shipping costs. Contact our specialists directly for discounted freight rates for substantial savings on truck load rates.
Are 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 not guaranteed. 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 will not wait. The driver will be dispatched for the following day, which delays your service. You will be assessed a fee if the carrier charges Freightz.com for the duplicated pickup. You may also be subjected to a Truck Order Not Used (TONU) for canceling the order 24 hours before pickup.
What is the claims process?
Claims are handled directly between the freight shipper, consignee and the carrier. Freightz.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.
Do I call the carrier after scheduling with Freightz.com?
Please do not call the freight carrier or terminal - this will duplicate the pickup. When you schedule with Freightz.com, we contact the carrier electronically.
Ok, I got your Bill of Lading, what should I do with it?
Our automated system sends out a copy of the Bill of Lading to all parties (buyer, seller, and carrier). You must supply the carrier with Freightz.com's Bill of Lading (BOL) and make sure you keep a copy for your records. Failure to do so will create a major headache for all parties involved. You may be billed by the carrier at full cost (much higher than Freightz.com), or your shipment may be sent COD (Cash on Delivery). This could create a bad relationship between you and your customer. Always keep one copy for your records.
How should I package my shipments?
Please package, crate or stack on pallets securely to prevent damage. Secure cartons to the pallet with banding, shrink-wrap, stretch-wrap or breakaway adhesive. Improper packaging may 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.
What if the shipment gets damaged or lost?
Any claim for loss or damage are handled directly between the shipper, consignee and the carrier. If Freightz.com has issued you a certificate of insurance, then it is easy, it can be done very quickly, online. If you got standard carrier coverage, claims with the carrier must be filed as soon as possible. The claim is only to file for loss or damage on the product which was shipped. Best practice is to inspect the shipment prior to signing off on it. It is nearly impossible to get reimbursed unless it has been noted on the Bill of Lading. Do not let the driver leave until you have inspected the freight.
Why should I use your services if I have a current Local Carrier?
Local carriers are great for shipping locally. The problem is when they try to handle shipments out of their local delivery area, prices tend to either go up sharply or they have to hand it off to another shipping company. Either way, the customer ends up spending too much money.
Packaging, what is the right way?
When you package, crate or stack on pallets remember to secure it, to prevent damage. Secure your product to the pallet with any of the following - banding, shrink-wrap or stretch-wrap. Improper packaging can void a carrier's liability for a damage claim, Labels must be placed on every piece or package.
