Frequently Asked Questions

 How can I avoid extra charges on my shipment?

Most Common Reasons for Extra Charges on LTL Shipments:

Re-weigh Fee:  If the weight of your shipment is found to be more than what was booked, you will be charged the rate at the higher weight.  If your shipment weighs less, you will be charged the rate for the lower weight.

Re-classification Fees:  If a freight carrier has quoted a shipment based on a Freight class/NMFC#, and the actual class is different for the items being shipped, a re-class adjustment can be applied.  Please make sure to use our Estimate Class button when quoting.

Re-consignment Fees:  A re-consignment fee may be assessed when the freight is rerouted in transit or when the shipper did not use the provided Bill of Lading

Oversize/Overlength Fee:  Typically applies to shipments exceeding 8 feet in length. If the dimensions are factored into the quote in advance, this fee can be avoided.

Lift-gate:  Lift-gate trucks are required for freight where the pickup or drop-off location does not have an accessible dock to move the shipment directly off the truck.  Keep in mind that the lift-gate service could affect the estimated transit time.

Residential Pickup/Delivery: This can apply to pick-up or drop-off locations that are not businesses. This can include businesses that are not visibly labeled to the public. To avoid this adjustment to a business, make sure the business name is accurately listed on the bill of lading.

Limited Access:  An adjustment may be applied if the pickup or drop-off location has limited access.  Limited access locations include camps, churches/temples, educational facilities, construction sites, fairs and carnivals, storage units, military bases, mine sites, some government facilities, schools, businesses located outside city limits, rural locations, and farms. Limited access may also include commercial businesses not open to the walk-in public or where an employee is not available to assist with loading or unloading.

Bill of Lading(BOL):  Changes to the BOL, including changes to the shipper address, consignee address, piece count, weight, and freight call can result in adjustments if a carrier has based the freight quote on any of the provided information.

 How do I determine my freight class?

Freight classification is determined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA) Total shipment density, storability, liability, and handling are all factors in determining the correct freight class. We have also added a handy Estimate Class button on the quoting page to estimate your freight class using your piece weight and dimensions. If you have any further questions please contact us.

What should I know about my estimated transit time? 

Transit times listed online are always in terms of business days and do not include the day of pickup, weekends, or holidays.  For example, if you are selecting a 3-day transit and the freight picks up on a Wednesday, the estimated delivery would be the following Monday. Thursday, Friday, & Monday count as days 1, 2, & 3.

How can I track my shipment? 

When your order status changes, an email will be sent to the email address associated with your login. You can also track your shipment in the system by entering your BOL#, Customer PO#, or Shipper Reference# in the tracking field on the Home Page.

What do I get by upgrading to Guaranteed Service?

Upgrading to Guaranteed Service means if the carrier does not meet the stated transit time, you will not be charged the guaranteed fees. 

Helpful Tip –Guaranteed Shipments very rarely miss their transit time.  Keep in mind for those VIP customers where time is of the essence.

How can I help ensure a same-day pickup?

For standard pickups at a normal business with a dock, our LTL carriers typically need a 2-4 hour window from the time you place your order.  Pickups at CFS Stations and Airlines require a minimum of 24 hours' notice. Please note, same-day pickups are not guaranteed.

How does my Bill of Lading(BOL) get to the truck driver?

It is your responsibility to send the TMS-generated BOL to your shipper prior to pickup.  It is the responsibility of the shipper at the pickup location to hand the BOL to the truck driver when he/she arrives.  This process will help avoid any re-consignment charges.

Will accessorial services affect my transit time?

Possibly yes.  Services such as lift gate, appointment prior to delivery, and residential pickup/delivery may require additional time and preparation from the carrier and/or shipper/consignee.