Why details matter
Freight rates are built from a handful of facts about your shipment. When one of them is missing or wrong, the price can change after pickup, for example when the actual weight differs from the quote or the driver needs a liftgate that was not booked.
Sharing complete details up front gives you a rate you can rely on and helps your agent match the right truck.
The information to have ready
Before you request a quote, gather:
- Origin and destination: city and state, or ZIP codes
- Freight type: what you are shipping and how it is packaged (pallets, crates, loose)
- Weight: the total shipment weight in pounds, including pallets
- Dimensions and pallet count: especially important for LTL
- Ship date: when the freight is ready, and any delivery deadline
- Equipment needs: dry van, refrigerated or flatbed
- Special services: liftgate, residential or inside delivery, appointments
Common causes of surprise charges
Most unexpected costs come from a few sources: weights or dimensions that change at pickup, services that were not requested (like a liftgate), extra waiting time at the dock, and delivery locations with limited access. Flag anything unusual when you ask for the quote and it can be priced in from the start.
Get your quote
Our quote form asks for exactly the details above: origin, destination, freight type, weight and ship date. Add anything special in your conversation with your agent, or call us for help with a complex shipment.