5 Tips for Quick Quotes from LTL Motor Freight Trucking Companies by Michael Rogers, Shipping Expert

www.4way.com

You might send just a few LTL shipments every year, or you might send hundreds. Either way, the burden of finding carriers to deliver those shipments on time and in good condition can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, the quotation process doesn´t have to be such a challenge. With a little planning, you can actually increase your efficiency, gain control of your shipment, and improve your bottom line.

The trick is to gather some important information up front. Here are five easy tips to help streamline the quotation process:

1. Start by compiling accurate descriptions, dimensions, weight, number of pallets, etc. for your shipping units. This is especially important if the NMFC item is unknown.

2. Know the size of your load. Some shipments are better suited for a spot quote by a contract carrier rather than shipping via common carrier. This always applies on shipments of more than 12 linear feet, but it may apply on four- or five-pallet positions as well.

3. Identify any extra services that are needed for back-up or delivery. If accessorial services are not requested at the time of the quote, charges will increase dramatically – and not all carriers charge the same way. Some won´t even handle a shipment with a specific requirement, such as a lift gate.

Common accessorial charges include:

Residential pick up and delivery

Lift gate pick up and delivery

Appointments for pick up or delivery

Non-commercial pick up and delivery

Hazmat fees

Re-weighing and re-classifying

4. Pinpoint how much transit time you need to get your shipment to your customer on time. Always add a few extra days to the posted transit time as these times are not guaranteed unless the carrier offers that assurance at an extra charge.

5. Use an online service (such as www.ltlmarketplace.com) to quickly compare multiple carriers. This allows you to review a wide range of carriers´ rates, transit times and service area options in a matter of seconds.

For more information about our online marketplace or to download a copy of our whitepaper, "5 Little-Known Shipping Secrets," visit www.4way.com.

4 Way Logistics, Inc. is a non-asset-based 3PL that provides multi-modal transportation services. Based in San Ramon, Calif., 4 Way Logistics offers a broad array of transportation options to move freight, including truckload, LTL, intermodal, air, ocean, and heavy-haul projects.