How to Get the Best LTL Rates

How to Get the Best LTL Rates

Whether you are an experienced shipper or you are new into this field, we have compiled a list of factors on how you can get LTL freight quote.

1. Understanding the tariff rules You may get LTL freight quote online but it may not include all the hidden cost and rules that apply to that freight carrier. This is called as rules tariff.

You can see if the carrier agent has extra pickup and drop service fees and location surcharges like residential fees or access charges. The m etro and highly populated cities charge additional fees due to heavy traffic. This fee can be or often not be a part of the freight rate that you receive from them.

Hence, it is important to ask them if any tariff charges are involved.

The reputed companies demystify the hidden fees and let you to compare the hidden charges of the carrier against the hidden charges of other carriers. They will provide you with the net cost so that you can understand the tariff rules better.

2. Consolidate the shipments In order to get the lowest freight rates, it is important to consolidate the shipments into larger shipment whenever possible. The research by the experts suggests that thousands of shippers can save up to 92% of their cost by consolidating their shipments. I n fact, a large percentage of shippers can save 100% by doubling up their shipments. This is one way how customers can save their money.

3. Understand the carrier lanes For those who are unaware of the shipping jargon, there are two commonly used term in the shipping industry 4. Headhaul It refers to the primary shipment or the shipment that goes on the street in the first place. The carriers charge a hefty amount because they don’t want any business in headhaul lane as their truck orders are already full.

5. Backhaul It is cargo that is shipped back on the return trip. No carrier agent wants to go back empty-handed, so backhaul rates are typically discounted.

So, it is important to understand both the terms so that your shipments can be effectively priced.

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