Frequently Asked Questions

What is LTL shipping?

LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight shipments range from 100 lbs. to 19,999 lbs. When the item you need shipped or transported is too large to take to the post office or your local parcel company, using an LTL freight company is a the safest and most economical way of transporting that item. LTL freight shipping is the easiest way to move large and bulky items quickly and efficiently while keeping shipping costs low.

How do I determine my freight class and NMFC item number?

A freight class is comprised of a combination of weight, value, density, likelihood of damage, and ease of moving. All items have been specifically classified and assigned an item number and corresponding item number by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) as a freight industry standard. When determining your freight class, be as specific and accurate as possible in your description to avoid extra shipping costs by the shipping company. Call our trained freight experts to help you determine the correct item number and class for your freight.

How should I package my items?

Please make sure that all items being shipped are properly and securely packaged to prevent damage. All freight should be packaged, crated, or stacked and secured onto pallets with banding, shrink-wrap or breakaway adhesive. Labels should be placed on every freight piece. Improper packaging may decrease or nullify the carrier's liability for cargo claims due to damage or loss.

Can I estimate the weight of my shipment?

It is crucial to determine the most accurate weight for the items you are shipping via LTL freight, and not just estimate an approximate weight. Freight companies have the right to verify the weight of your item at any point during the transportation process. If an inaccurate weight is used, the transportation provider can send a supplemental invoice for the difference between the weight on the bill of lading and the actual verified weight.

How can I avoid receiving a supplemental bill?

When obtaining a freight quote, the commodity, weight, dimensions, pick-up and delivery requirements, and distance all influence the cost of shipping. The best way to avoid a change in shipping rates is to ensure that all information given to TheFreightEngine.com® at the time of booking is 100% complete and accurate. When scheduling your shipment, make sure you are accurate as possible about the contents, size, and weight of your freight.

What is a Bill of Lading (BOL)?

A bill of lading is standard, mandatory paperwork providing the carrier and driver with all pertinent information related to the shipping costs and information. This paperwork allows for proper billing to be processed by the shipping company and TheFreightEngine.com®. The shipper and carrier should both have a copy of the bill of lading for their records, as this document is a legal contract that outlines the responsibilities of each party involved with the shipment. It is very important that the TheFreightEngine.com® BOL be given to the carrier at the time of pickup. Also, keep one copy for your records.

How important is using TheFreightEngine.com's paperwork?

TheFreightEngine.com® has arranged the most competitive shipping rates for our customers, but if TheFreightEngine.com BOL is modified or not used, the freight company may not apply the correct rate, which creates rework for them and incorrect invoices for the customer. In order to keep shipping costs low, make sure the shipper uses only TheFreightEngine.com's BOL when tendering the freight to the driver at pickup.

Is there a fee for residential services?

Yes, there are residential delivery fees that apply to freight shipping to a non-commercial location. This includes apartments, residences, farms, estates, remote locations, and possibly schools and churches. The cost to ship can also increase when delivering to a limited-access location (i.e. construction sites, military bases, camps, and storage-unit facilities). Be sure to ask your TheFreightEngine.com® representative if you are unsure if your location would fall into one of the above categories.

How far in advance do I need to schedule a pickup?

Depending on the time of booking in your time zone, same-day pickups are available in most areas. 2 Always speak to a TheFreightEngine.com® agent directly for special arrangements and urgent bookings.

Do I need to be present at time of pickup?

Someone who is authorized to present TheFreightEngine.com® BOL must be present at the time of pickup. If the driver arrives at the pickup location and either the freight is not ready or there is no one available to present the BOL, the freight company driver may not be able to wait. When the freight is not ready for pickup, the freight company must then be re-dispatched, and an additional fee may be charged.

Are transit times guaranteed?

Freight transit times are not guaranteed unless specifically noted on the freight quote option you select when booking your shipment. All other delivery times are estimates only, though they are very reliable. Transit times are calculated based on work days and do not include the day of pickup or weekends.

How are claims handled?

If your freight arrives damaged or arrives with pieces missing, it is important to accept the shipment and to notate what is damaged or missing clearly on the delivery receipt in order for a claim to be made correctly. A claim must be filed within 180 days from the day of delivery, and can be done directly online at TheFreightEngine.com®. TheFreightEngine.com® will act as liaison and assist the customer in processing the claim and filing all necessary paperwork, though we cannot guarantee all claims will be paid from the shipping company.

Is my shipment insured?

Shipments are not "insured" unless the customer requests cargo insurance at the time of booking; however freight companies are subject to cargo liability based upon transportation law. The liability for any cargo damage, loss, or theft from any cause is determined under the Carmack Amendment, 49 U.S.C. 14706. In no case will the maximum cargo liability for new goods be greater than $100,000 for a Truckload shipment or $10 per pound for an LTL shipment. In no case will the maximum cargo liability for used or resold goods be more than $0.10 per pound for any shipment. TheFreightEngine.com does offer for purchase by the Customer, upon request, shipper's interest cargo insurance.

Who will actually transport my shipment?

TheFreightEngine.com® is a freight broker that utilizes the trucks of the largest, most reputable freight shipping companies in the country. To see a list of the carriers available and the shipping costs to move your freight, start a FREE quick quote now.

Are your rates final and certain?

Due to the high volume we ship through our network of carriers, we are able to secure largely discounted shipping rates. Your quote is based on the information provided to TheFreightEngine.com® at the time of booking. Any changes or differences in the weight, class, size, or location can result in additional shipping costs. To ensure that your shipping rates remain as originally quoted, be sure to use the TheFreightEngine.com® BOL provided. This lets the carrier know to bill TheFreightEngine.com® at the pre-negotiated freight rates and discounts.

What happens if I receive a bill directly from the carrier?

Contact our customer service department at 1.855.466.0808 and fax a copy of the bill that you received. This usually occurs when TheFreightEngine.com's BOL is not used at the time of pickup. Our freight brokers will promptly take care of the paperwork and have the charges properly credited for your freight shipment.

I'm in business and my needs are more specialized. Why should I use TheFreightEngine.com®?

TheFreightEngine.com® employs some of the most experienced freight experts in the business, so we can manage any companies need for LTL, truckload, international, or specialty shipments. We can handle tradeshow shipping, auto and motorcycle shipping, rail, barge, furniture shipping, and white glove among many others. No matter your shipping needs, we will find a cost-effective solution for you. We excel at providing superior freight shipping solutions and offer an unparalleled combination of price, value, and service.