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ASKED QUESTIONS |
When
should I use a common carrier?
If your item weighs more than 150 lbs. then truck transportation
is more economical than using parcel service. Common carriers
transport your item on a truck, shared with other small shipment. By sharing space with others, it reduces transportation costs. However, if your shipment
weighs more than 8,000 lbs, an entire truck may be required (called a Truckload). The standard procedure for common carriers
is having the driver back up to a dock, having the truck loaded by
the consignor (shipper), having the cargo driven to the receiving
destination, and having the unloading performed by the consignee (receiver). Any service that
is outside of the "standard procedure" may result
additional charges.
Are transit times guaranteed?
The only time transit times are guaranteed are if they are noted as such on the carrier
options list returned in your quote. Typically, most all other transit times
are reliable, however are not guaranteed. The day of pickup is not included in the transit time.
What happens if my shipment isn't ready when the driver comes?
Usually, the driver does not wait. The driver will be
dispatched for the following day, which delays your service.
You will be assessed a fee if the carrier charges freight101.com
for the duplicated pickup.
Can I estimate the weight of my shipment?
If the wrong weight or freight class is used and the shipment assessed a reweigh
or reclassification by the carrier, then you will incur additional costs. Reweighing can also result in a delayed delivery.
What is the claims process?
Claims are handled directly between the shipper, consignee and
the carrier. Freight101.com is not involved in the actual claims
process and cannot influence in the carrier's claim decision.
You have within 90 days of delivery to file a claim with the carrier.
The claimant should only file for loss or damage on the product
which was shipped. ALWAYS be as concise as possible in noting
specific damage on the delivery receipt. Our account representatives
will assist you on filing a claim and can provide you with the proper forms.
Do I call the carrier after scheduling with Freight101.com?
Please do not call the freight carrier or terminal - this will
create a duplicate pickup. When you schedule with Freight101.com,
we handle the contact with the carrier electronically.
What should I do with the Bill of Lading?
A copy of the Bill of Lading should be given to all parties
(buyer, seller and carrier). It is necessary that the BOL is
given to the truck driver when he makes the pickup. Be sure to retain a
copy for your records.
How should I package my shipments?
You should package, crate, or stack on pallets securely to prevent
damage. Use banding, shrink-wrap,
stretch-wrap, or breakaway adhesive to effectively secure cartons to the pallet. A carrier can void any liability for damage due to improper packaging. Be sure to stack cartons squarely on
a skid, leaving no overhang. Make sure the top surface is flat.
Do not forget to place labels on every piece or package. For Packaging
and Crating Services, check out our Packing/CratingSuppliers to see a list of recommended companies.
Can I schedule a shipment and have it picked up on the same
day?
Yes, but it won't be guaranteed, due to our carriers'
capacity. Please allow a 4 hour window before closing your docks so that Freight101.com can get a driver dispatched to your location
within that same day. Also note that carriers usually make
their pickups in the afternoon and deliveries in the mornings.
What is a NMFC number?
An NMFC number is a classification number assigned to a type of product, which is determined quarterly by the National
Motor Freight Association. This classification number specifically identifies each
type of product that can be shipped by a LTL carrier. An NMFC number, accurately
identifying each product you ship, should always be on the
Bill of Lading in order to avoid a reclassification. You can contact Freight101.com
at 888.368.6022 to determine the NMFC number for your products, or visit our Freight Resource Center for more info on NMFC classifications .
What if my items are fragile?
We recommend you use Blanket
Wrap services (aka Van Line services) when shipping personal or fragile items. Freight carriers
are liable for only 10 cents per
lb of your freight. Instead it is best to use a Van line who specializes in moving
personal items and they can offer additional insurance covering the items' full values. Common carriers are NOT recommended for shipping
your expensive, fragile items.
Do fees apply for residential service?
A business location, which is defined by the carrier, is one that opens and
closes each day to the general public at set times. A business may be classified as a residence service if it is located in a residential
zone, even if it opens and closes at set times. Schools, colleges,
and churches located in residential zones could also incur residential
fees. Also, if the driver is required to go inside (beyond the front
door or loading dock) to make a pickup or to deliver a load, additional fees may be
apply. When there is no loading dock at a shipping or receiving address, manual loading or unloading will be necessary. To use
lift-gate service, which is a mechanical platform on the back of the truck that lifts
and lowers shipments from the ground to the truck, additional
fees will be assessed.
Are your rates guaranteed?
Freight101.com has many established relationships with both regional and national
carriers, due to our ability to do a large volume of
shipments with them. To ensure that you obtain the Freight101.com rate
that was quoted, you must it's crucial that you provide the driver with a copy
of the Ffreight101.com BOL. This tells the carrier how to bill
the shipment on the Freight101.com account, and give you the discounts
we have negotiated with them.
What happens if I receive a bill directly from a carrier?
You should call our customer service department at 888.368.6022
and fax a copy of the bill you had received from the carrier. Our
staff will handle it and have the charges
adjusted and properly credited. Typically, this situation occurs when the Freight101.com's
BOL is not used. To prevent this matter in the future, please make sure
that the shipper provides the driver a copy of the automated Freight101.com
BOL for each shipment.
What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight is basically when the weight
of a package is significantly less than the actual size of
the package. And example would be a box containing inflated balloons. Dimensional weight is a standardized formula used in the
freight industry. Transportation charges can be based on either the gross weight
of the shipment or the dimensional weight; whichever one
is greater.
When do dimensional weight charges apply?
The carrier will charge by the dimensional weight when the actual weight of a package is less than the calculated
dimensional weight.
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