Smarter Freight Shipping Services for Business

Freight shipping is the transportation of commercial goods that are typically too large, heavy, or numerous for standard parcel delivery. Freight commonly moves on pallets through less-than-truckload (LTL) networks or in a dedicated full truckload (FTL). The process can include quoting, carrier selection, bills of lading, pickup scheduling, tracking, delivery, and freight-bill review.

Freight transit time depends on the shipping mode, distance, carrier network, pickup and delivery locations, freight class, and any accessorial services required. LTL shipments generally move through terminal networks and may take several business days, while a dedicated truckload can often follow a more direct route. Compare available carrier transit estimates before booking to choose the right balance of speed and cost.

LTL, or less-than-truckload, is used when your shipment occupies only part of a trailer and shares space with other freight. FTL, or full truckload, reserves an entire trailer for one shipment. LTL can be cost-effective for palletized shipments, while FTL may provide a more direct movement for larger loads, specialized equipment, or time-sensitive freight.

A useful freight quote starts with accurate shipment details: origin and destination ZIP codes, pallet count, dimensions, total weight, freight class or NMFC information when applicable, and pickup or delivery requirements. You should also identify special needs such as liftgates, limited-access locations, appointments, refrigeration, hazardous materials, or oversized equipment. Accurate details support more reliable pricing and fewer billing adjustments.

LTL pricing is influenced by shipment weight, dimensions, density, freight class, distance, origin and destination, carrier capacity, and requested service features. Accessorial charges can also affect the total, including liftgate service, residential delivery, limited-access pickup, appointment delivery, or inside delivery. Comparing multiple carriers side by side helps identify the best available combination of rate and transit time.

Yes. GetAFreightQuote.com’s TMS rate shop tool supports Bring Your Own Rates, allowing you to connect existing UPS, FedEx, and LTL carrier accounts. You can compare your contracted pricing against available platform rates in one screen. This approach helps you retain existing carrier relationships while evaluating each shipment against the lowest suitable option.

A bill of lading, often called a BOL, is the core shipping document used for most freight moves. It identifies the shipper, consignee, carrier, commodity, quantity, weight, freight class, and handling instructions. It serves as a receipt when the carrier accepts the freight and provides the information needed to transport and deliver the shipment correctly.

Businesses can lower freight costs by accurately classifying and measuring shipments, consolidating compatible orders, comparing carrier rates and transit times, and avoiding preventable accessorial charges. Reviewing invoices helps identify discrepancies or recurring fees. A transportation management system can centralize rate shopping, tracking, billing, and spend analytics, making it easier to spot opportunities for more cost-effective shipping decisions.