What makes Freight88.com different from other companies?
We take the approach that every shipment is unique. Less than Truckload shipments and tradeshow shipping can be quoted automatically on our system. Every shipment needs special attention and pricing that you will not get anywhere else. We earn your business with every shipment.

Why don’t you automate Truckload shipments?
We could have followed lesser automated systems but their pricing is fixed and if they cannot make their margin they often cancel your shipment. We take a more hands on approach. Our staff ensures that your specialized shipment is priced accordingly, there is no automation. You can rest assured that the pricing is fair, most times better than any freight quote you have received and your shipment will be covered. We manually call to find the best price and we do it quickly and efficiently. Think of us as a shipping manager for your company.

When would I use a freight carrier for shipping?
If your item weighs more than 150 lbs., a common carrier (One that is in the business of transporting the public, goods, or messages for a fee) is more economical than using a small package service. Common carriers transport your shipment with many others so that the costs for the transportation are shared. Typically, anything shipping that weighs over 20,000 lbs., or takes up more than 20 linear feet of a trailer, ships as a truckload. You also have the option of a dedicated trailer (exclusive use).

What is the difference between Common Carrier and Air Ride Shipping?
The best example is from Exhibitor Services website "A school bus versus a limousine". Picture yourself riding in the back of a school bus. Remember the bumps it took and how it felt going down the road? Well, common carrier trailers have that same type of suspension as a school bus. A limousine has a very soft and smooth ride. This is because it has air shocks that give it that soft comfortable ride. That would be comparable to shipping on an air ride trailer."

What type of services do you offer?
We offer the largest variety of shipping options: Our most popular based on ease of use is LTL Freight. We also can provide Small Parcel or Truckload, Standard Ground (Common Carrier), Air ride (dry van, padded van), Flatbeds (single, double, lowboy, curtain side), Rail shipping, Trade Show Freight, Container loads (Import or Export), Ocean Freight and Air Freight.

Can you guarantee transit times?
The easy answer? YES. Transit times are guaranteed only if marked so on your quote page. Any other transit times noted are typically reliable, but not guaranteed. Guaranteed service costs more. Posted transit times do not include the day of pickup, only transit to destination. If you need Guaranteed Service, we can quote it.

Do you guarantee your rates?
Even if you schedule your shipment several months out, we guarantee rates. To ensure that you receive the quoted rate, you must provide the driver with a copy of the Freight88.com BOL (Bill of Lading). This lets the carrier know to bill the shipment to Freight88.com at the pricing we have negotiated.

Why should I use your services if I have a current Local Carrier?
Local carriers are great for shipping locally. The problem is when they try to handle shipments out of their local delivery area, prices tend to either go up sharply or they have to hand it off to another shipping company. Either way, the customer ends up spending too much money.

Do you handle only domestic shipments?
Freight88.com can handle any type of freight shipment, anywhere in the world.

What about customs paperwork?
We have several Customs Companies we work with that can help you with this. Also, you may visit HERE to see samples of forms that are used.

What type of payments do you accept?
At Freight88.com we accept all major credit cards.You do not need to submit credit card info to Freight88. We are fully integrated with Authorize.net.

I ship to Tradeshows; can I ship back to back shows?
Yes, many of our clients do have multiple shows that they ship to. We can also schedule warehousing between shows if needed. When filling out the quote request you will be asked if it is to return back to origin or to another show.

What if I guess the weight of my shipment?
If you inaccurate weight or class your shipment and it is reweighed or re-classed by the carrier, those costs will be passed on to you. You will be notified and billed accordingly. Reweighing usually delays your delivery.

What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight, also called "dim" weight, is used because the space a package takes may cost more than the package's actual weight. Transportation charges are based on the gross weight of the shipment or the dimensional weight of the shipment, whichever is greater. Dimensional weight is when the weight of a package is inappropriately less than the actual size of the package. For example, a cardboard box filled with inflated whoopie cushions.

When would dimensional weight charges apply?
When the actual weight of a shipment is less than the calculated dimensional weight, carriers will charge by the dimensional weight.

What do I do now that I booked a shipment?
PLEASE do not call the freight carrier or terminal - this will result in a duplicate pickup. When you book the shipment, our system contacts the carrier for you, electronically. It will also send out the Bill of Lading to all parties for their records. If there is a duplicate pickup due to you calling the carrier, you can be billed for the inconvenience. Our system was developed to make your shipping simple, sit back and enjoy it.

Ok, I got your Bill of Lading, what should I do with it?
Our automated system sends out a copy of the Bill of Lading to all parties (buyer, seller and carrier). You must supply the carrier with Freight88.com’s Bill of Lading (BOL) Failure to do so will create a major headache for all parties involved. You may be billed by the carrier at full cost (much higher than Freight88.com), or your shipment may be sent COD (Cash on Delivery). This could create a bad relationship between you and your customer. Always keep one copy for your records.

What if the shipment gets damaged or lost?
Any claims for loss or damage are handled directly between the shipper, consignee and the carrier. If Freight88.com has issued you a certificate of insurance, then it is easy, it can be done very quickly, online. If you got standard carrier coverage, claims with the carrier must be filed as soon as possible. The claim is only to file for loss or damage on the product which was shipped. Best practice is to inspect the shipment prior to signing off on it. It is nearly impossible to get reimbursed unless it has been noted on the Bill of Lading. Do not let the driver leave until you have inspected the freight. Claim process will not start with the carrier IF the shipment has not been paid for in full first.

Packaging, what is the right way?
When you package, crate or stack on pallets remember to secure it, to prevent damage. Secure your product to the pallet with any of the following - banding, shrink-wrap or stretch-wrap. You can purchase those products on our buy supplies page. Improper packaging can void a carrier's liability for a damage claim. Labels must be placed on every piece or package.

When I schedule a shipment can it be picked up on that same day?
Yes, but it cannot be guaranteed. Allow at least a 4 hour window to allow the carrier to be dispatched to the desired location. A carrier will normally deliver in the morning and make pickups after the trailer has been emptied. There is no way that a carrier can specify a pickup time. Please be flexible within your normal business hours.

What is a NMFC item number?
We always advise our customers to list the exact description along with the NMFC item number and class. This eliminates any errors on the part of the carrier in rating the shipment. For example, if you ship chairs and just list chairs as the description, the carrie can apply a variety of classes. But if you list the actual description, item number and class, then the carrier will not be in the position to re-rate the shipment.

The National Motor Freight Association sets the classifications. If you do not know your NMFC numbers, you may call the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. at (703) 838-1810.

What are accessorial charges?
Typical shipping is the trailer backing up to a dock and the shipper (consignor) loading it into the trailer and driving the cargo to the receiving destination to be unloaded by the customer (consignee). Any shipment that does not fall into these parameters may require additional fees (assessorial charges). The carrier will chargefor special freight requirements. Some of the charges are:

Tradeshow delivery or pick up.
Lift gate (Ground delivery)
Residential
Inside Delivery
Appointment
Redelivery
Notification
Hazardous materials
COD Fee (we do not ship COD)

I did everything you asked, but I still got a bill from the carrier.
Mistakes happen, please call our customer service department at HERE and we will request a copy of the bill you received. Our customer service staff will take care of it immediately and have the charges properly credited. This usually occurs when the Freight88.com BOL was not supplied to the driver upon pick up but it can also be an honset mistake by the carrier.