With the variety of materials being shipped throughout the country every day, you’re bound to run into a problem or two along the way. Knowing how to solve these problems ensures a more efficient shipping process, and more importantly, a healthier bottom line. Here are some tips for freight shipping – commonly asked questions and problems that many shippers and 3PL providers experience on a daily basis.
Tips for Freight Shipping:
Avoiding Adjustments:
Adjustments often happen when freight carriers provide information to the shipper that is not accurate with the actual shipment details.
There is a multitude of different kinds of adjustments, including:
- Oversize fees – Any shipment that is found to be more than 12 feet in length and not reported as such can mean costly fines to the shipper. Being forthright with the correct freight dimensions early on can help you avoid this fee altogether, and while you may pay a slightly higher rate, it is nothing compared to the fees you will face if caught with an oversized load.
- Residential fees – A residential fee comes into play anytime the final destination for delivery is not a business. Making sure the final destination is clearly marked on the bill of lading will ensure that you steer clear of this fee.
- Re-classification – Incorrectly marking the freight class is another careless error that can cost you a lot of money. Make sure you check the NMFC website to make sure your freight class labels are accurate.
Packaging Fragile Items:
It goes without saying, but ensuring that all fragile cargo arrives to its final destination undamaged is of the utmost importance. It’s best to contact the carrier directly for their recommended packing instructions since it may vary from carrier to carrier.
Freight Weight and Dimensions:
If you’re looking for more in-depth information on freight classes and shipping dimensions, read our post titled “What Determines LTL Freight Class.” In it, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of all eighteen U.S. freight classes, as well as the height, weight, and volume limits on these classes.
Oversized Items:
Some loads are too large to fit on a standard shipping pallet. Luckily, many shipping companies and 3PL providers offer customized packages for shipping oversized loads. Look for a provider with experience and high levels of customer satisfaction. This will be a good measurement as to how well they handle shipping oversized freight.
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