Get Freight Quotes

The guide for freight quote tips.

Sending freight is often a tremendous task simply because there can be such a wide disparity in the freight charges between the various transport vendors. With all the different options available, the job of getting freight quotes from all the different companies can be time consuming and tedious. One thing that many companies are starting to do more often is to go with transport companies that offer instant online freight quotes.

Get Instant Quotes Online

It has never been easier to get quotes from several different vendors with the click of a button. Many of the web portals available will give you quotes for a variety of different carriers, which allows you to see a competitive comparison among the different companies. Many of the more advanced web portals will also allow you to add on other service such as inside deliveries, lift gates, and additional insurance. This lets you get an exact quote which includes any extras, which means no surprises on the final bill.

Most of the better freight quote portals will allow you to chat online with customer service representatives if you have any questions or concerns about what to include in your quote request. The best freight quote sites will allow you to book services through the website and generate all the paperwork you require. When searching for an online freight quote portal look for one that works with several different carriers to make sure you are getting the best possible rate.

Know The Terminology

If you are new to the process of requesting freighting quotes some of the terminology on these sites may be a little overwhelming for you. It is helpful to get learn a little bit about the terms used so that you know exactly what you are getting.

A bill of lading (BOL) is the documents needed to ship your cargo. It will include such information as addresses for the origin and destination, description of goods, and payment instructions. The proof of delivery is the receipt that is generated after the items are delivered.

A PRO number is a number that is assigned by the carrier which is used to track your shipment.

Freight these days will usually travel by truck, rail, sea, or air. The freight is often put into containers which are large metal boxes which look like a truck trailer body. These containers come in a variety of sizes and can be sent on trucks, trains, and ships. When multiple forms of transportation are needed to move containers of cargo it is called intermodal. Cargo can be shipped locally, interstate, or internationally. Cargo which is shipped locally is often referred to as either cartage or drayage.

Shipping Your Products

Freight forwarders and freight carriers provide various freight quotes depending on the mode of transportation. Shippers have to provide all information concerning the classification, weight, size, and dimensions of all merchandise as well as the needed transit time, place of departure and the delivery address in order to receive the most accurate quote.

Because most ocean freight travels between countries, ocean freight quotes may be slightly more complicated than trucking quotes. Shippers have to provide all the information, which is mentioned above, as well the description of the merchandise, pick-up location, and the number of pieces, the weight, and the dimensions. Forwarders must also know the type of packing, which will be required to transport the merchandise.

Shipping companies must also know the ports of departure and discharge, and the desired transit time as well as any other special requirements requested by the consignee. Many consignees require the shipment be transported by a particular steamship line, or on a vessel which sails under a particular flag.

Consignees may inform the shipper that the material being transported cannot be handled using a house bill of lading or they may request that it be shipped through a particular carrier. Forwarders must have knowledge of any special requirements before providing quotes. If the forwarder is not informed of special requirements, they may provide incorrect rates from the carrier. When forwarders do find out the required information, the shipper may discover the rate promised cannot be supplied because of the special requirements. Different carriers will have different rates for the same destinations. The forwarder who has negotiated a reduced rate and cannot provide it due to the stipulations under which the cargo has to ship, then must use a different carrier. However, by working with companies who offer good customer service, these issues are not problems.