Top 19 Freight Shipping Tips Using Common Carriers

If you're shipping freight, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your shipment arrives safely and on time. Here are 19 tips to help you get started:

Tip # 1

Once you receive the BOL via email, please print and have it ready for the driver when they arrive for the pickup. If you are not at the pickup location, please forward the BOL to the shipper and make sure they receive it and use the BOL by providing it to the driver. If correct BOL is not provided, the carrier will not know who is the billing party and will attempt to collect charges upon delivery.

Tip # 2

If your shipment is a time sensitive shipment: The Timeframe the carrier states is only estimated and carriers are not responsible for delays, unless it is booked guaranteed. If your shipment is booked guaranteed this will not apply for a guaranteed pickup, only for guaranteed transit days. These are carrier rules.

Tip # 3

When the driver arrives for the pickup or for the delivery and he is unable to load or unload the freight and for whatever the reason the driver decides to leave - they will consider this shipment as refused and this will not be fault of the carrier. This will be subject to re-delivery and or Dry Run, in addition to detention and storage fees. These are carrier rules.

Tip # 4

Common carriers detention:Typically the time frame common carriers will give to load is between 15-30 minutes loading time before the driver decides to leave and/or they start charging detention. Detention is the extra fees that the carriers will charge for additional time the driver has to be at the pickup or delivery location.

Tip # 5

The drivers are not responsible for helping to load and unload freight unless a white glove service is requested. With white glove service, you may choose the room were the driver will take the freight, the first flight of stairs is free, also they will unpack the freight and throw out the debris, this service may have a high cost depending on the specifics of your freight.

Tip # 6

When you select residential delivery, this means that it will be a curbside delivery. The driver will not pull into your garage or deliver to your front door unless you have requested an inside delivery.

Tip # 7

When you select inside pickup and/or inside delivery, this does not mean that driver will go inside location to pick up or deliver freight, they will do so from outside the front or back door, garage or porch. They will not go inside location unless White Glove service is requested and lift gate service is required separately.

Tip # 8

Pickups are mostly done during the afternoon hours not early in the morning as drivers are mostly doing delivery during the morning,

Tip # 9

If your shipments needs to be picked up the same day, the carrier requires at least a 2-hour window for pickups before closing time. If it is after the 2-hour window, contact us to see if it would still be possible for carrier to pick up at your location.

Tip # 10

If you provide incorrect address for delivery on thebillof lading and then you update to the correct address after the shipment has been picked up, the carrier will consider this a re-consignment and there will be a re-consignmentfee. Exactly like booking an airline ticket, carriers in most cases enforce a changed fee. So make sure you double check the pickup/destination addresses.

Tip # 11

If you need the carrier to call you ahead of time before your delivery to make sure you are at the location, then you must add an appointment required to your shipment. You may not request a courtesy call on the BOL because the carrier will charge appointment or notification fee.

Tip # 12

Do not handwrite any notes on the BOL. If you need a change, please contact FreightRun ASAP to ensure we coordinate with the carrier and validate if there are any extra fees the carrier will request.

Tip # 13

Make sure your shipment is properly packaged. Proper packaging will ensure that your shipment arrives intact and without damage.

Tip # 14

Choose the right carrier for your needs. There are many different carriers to choose from, so it's important to select one that best meets your needs.

Tip # 15

Compare rates before booking your shipment. Rates can vary significantly between carriers, so it's important to compare them before making a decision.

Tip # 16

Track your shipment. Once your shipment is booked, be sure to track it so you know where it is and when it will arrive.

Tip # 17

Keep an eye out for delays. Delays can happen for a variety of reasons, so it's important to be aware of them and plan accordingly.

Tip # 18

Be prepared for weather conditions. Weather can impact shipments, so it's important to be aware of the forecast and plan accordingly.

Tip # 19

Know your rights as a shipper. Shippers have certain rights and responsibilities, so it's important to be familiar with them before booking a shipment.

Following these tips will help you ship freight like a pro. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your shipment arrives on time and without incident.