Prepare these 6 essentials and carriers can quote accurately. Missing or wrong info is the #1 cause of LTL rebill — surprise charges after pickup.
Walk through these 6 in 5 minutes. Most LTL rating systems require these same inputs.
Percentages, dollar amounts, and size thresholds below are illustrative examples used to explain how charges and common pitfalls work. Actual thresholds, rates, and minimum charges vary by carrier tariff, account agreement, lane, and shipment characteristics — confirm specifics in your carrier's quote.
5-digit ZIPs define the lane. Same commodity can vary 30-50% by lane. LA → NYC is ~40% more than LA → Dallas.
More specific = more accurate. "Machine parts" is vague (carriers quote high class). "Auto brake rotors, boxed" is specific (system matches correct NMFC).
Actual scale weight including pallets and packaging. Carriers reweigh at dock — underreporting weight can trigger rebill + handling fee once it's remeasured.
Measure widest/tallest including any protrusions. Density = weight ÷ volume drives freight class. Understating by 4 inches can bump class 70 → 100.
Pallet count affects trailer space. Stackable freight is 10-20% cheaper than non-stackable — but fragile/glass/foam-boxed items typically can't stack.
Declare all special requirements upfront. Otherwise carrier adds $50-200 per item after pickup. Common accessorials:
These can make your final bill 30-100% higher than the quote.
Carriers reweigh and remeasure at hub — any difference from what was declared can trigger a rebill. The handling fee is calculated as a percentage of the dollar variance (with a small minimum), not a flat amount.
Declaring Class 70 to "save money" then carrier reclassifies to Class 200 → rate difference + handling fee.
Residential + Liftgate can add $200-300. Driver arrives, no dock, can't unload → return-to-terminal + redelivery costs more.
POD upload can lag the actual delivery by a day or more depending on the carrier's paperwork process. We track this internally and follow up when it's delayed — a missing POD does not mean the shipment wasn't delivered.
Cheapest base rate may exclude fuel surcharge (FSC 18-30%). Compare total sell price, not base rate.
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