ANSWERCENTER
Find answers to common freight questions.
How Do I Ship LTL Freight?
When shipping Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight (150 to 15,000 lbs), you pay only for the space your cargo occupies. LTL can be shipped via standard, expedited, or guaranteed services. LTL freight shipping can be complicated due to variables such as lanes, weight, dimensions, and classification.
You can start first by determining how to package your freight. Crating an item is the best way to protect the freight from damage. Followed by a heavy-duty cardboard box strapped to a pallet. Some items can get by with only being shrink-wrapped and strapped to a pallet. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFC) has guidelines on packaging depending on the item you are shipping. It’s also important to remember that the smaller the footprint or space your freight takes up. Typically, the lower the freight rate will be. The denser the shipment is, the lower the freight class will be and the lower the rate will be.
Reach out to one of our freight agents for help on the best way to package the item you are shipping – 800.716.7608
Once you have the item properly packaged, it’s time to think about what type of service level you need. Since LTL can be shipped via standard, guaranteed, or expedited. Standard means the freight moves with an estimated transit time. Guaranteed means the freight moves with some priority in the carrier’s network and has a guaranteed delivery date to meet, or there is a service failure. Expedited is when you need your freight delivered faster than the posted transit time for a lane. The freight needs to be delivered in 2 days rather than the standard 4 days, for example. FreightCenter agents can look at a lane and give you options based on your needs and budget.
Once you have contacted and booked a shipment with FreightCenter, a bill of lading will be available for download and printing. Review the bill of lading to ensure everything from the pickup location to the item and weight is correct. Then, two copies must be printed out. We recommend taking photos of the freight before it’s picked up.
When the driver arrives on the day of pick-up. Make sure to hand the freight to the correct carrier and hand the driver two copies of the bill of lading. The driver should sign both copies and give one back to you for your records. The driver will place a tracking/pro# sticker on the paperwork, and you can track your shipment on our website. Tracking will appear the next business day as the carrier has to take the freight back to their shipping terminal/hub before it will start tracking online.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter For LTL Shipping Services?
We are an award-winning logistics company and an American veteran-owned business. We bring a lot to the table when it comes to truckload services. Our history, competitive pricing, and level of service are unmatched in the industry. Over the years and many miles, we have formed a dedicated and respected network of partners in the industry to help customers meet deadlines.
Our mission is to meet and exceed customer expectations in all that we do. We take care of truckload freight shipping from pickup to delivery. Excellent customer service is our hallmark, and it goes a long way in building a relationship of trust. When customers select FreightCenter to handle their truckload freight shipment, they trust us to do the job.
Still, Have More Questions?
FreightCenter can help you determine the rate for your freight. Our free freight quote tool provides shippers with instant access to freight rates from dozens of top freight carriers.
More answers for LTL freight:
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To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your freight requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload.
The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
