How to Get the Best Freight Shipping Quote: A Complete Guide

Looking to ship your freight but don’t know how to get the right quote?

We hear you!

Whether you’re moving goods domestically or managing international freight, prices continue to fluctuate due to various factors, including carrier, distance, shipment volume, and others. 

And if you don’t know how to get the best quote, you might end up overpaying for your shipment!

Considering the inflated prices, customer expectations, and shipping capacity, managing a business overall becomes quite an expensive proposition.

You may have a few boxes to move or maybe an entire household.  Therefore, you need to get an affordable freight shipping quote that will save you time, avoid delays, and minimize unexpected fees.

In this blog, I’ll share with you the best approach to getting the best freight shipping quote. Plus, we’ll also discuss various shipping methods to help you choose the best one.

What are the Factors That Influence Freight Quotes?

When you request a freight shipping quote, several factors determine the shipment price, and it’s essential to understand them so you can take measures to save money. 

1. Shipping Method

The top factor is the shipping method you choose, and generally, there are three options you can choose from:

• LTL (Less-than-Truckload): If your consignment is smaller and you don’t need an entire truck, then you can share some loadspace on a truck that contains other shipments. For partial loads, LTL shipping can often be the most affordable option.
• FTL (Full Truckload): Here, you book an entire truck dedicated to your consignment. It costs more, but it gives you full control of the truck. 
• Expedited Shipping: This premium service prioritizes your shipment for expedited delivery. It costs the most but offers the fastest transit time. 

2. Distance

It’s quite simple. The longer your consignment travels, the higher the price it will be. 

What matters here is the shipping zone, route complexity, tolls and fuel prices. All these factors can significantly increase the cost. 

3. Road Connectivity

You can expect an affordable price quote if there’s a distribution hub or highly nearby your pickup or delivery location. 

The cost increases if your location is in a remote area without a distribution center, major highway, or difficult terrain. Carriers may need to detour or spend extra time on the road.

4. Freight Class 

Freight class will become a significant factor if you are shipping via LTL. 

It’s based on factors like weight, size, value, and how easily your items can be handled or stored.

Misclassifying your freight can result in reweighing fees or even shipment delays.

5. Accessorial charges 

These are the extra services that aren’t included in your base quote:

• Liftgate service if there’s no loading dock
• Residential delivery instead of commercial
• Inside delivery or unpacking
• Appointment scheduling for delivery windows

6. Fuel surcharges

Some carriers may include a fuel surcharge due to fluctuating fuel costs. This is usually a percentage of your base quote and is updated based on national averages.

7. Seasonal demand

Just like flights and hotels, freight prices also increase when the demand surges!

It’s also the case when carriers have limited space. The rates increase when everyone tries to book at the same time.

8. Shipment insurance

There is always a 1% chance that your shipment may get damaged. 

Therefore, consider a shipper that provides insurance for your consignment. While it may increase your freight shipping quote, it’ll help you minimize the chances of financial loss in case something happens to your shipment.

What are the 5 ways to Get Better Quotes and Save Money?

1. Be flexible with your shipping dates, as you can obtain better rates during off-seasons, such as Spring or Autumn.
2. A properly packaged consignment is easier to handle, and in LTL shipping, it can help you save on shipping costs.
3. You can also save money by consolidating small shipments into a large freight order.
4. Always obtain multiple quotes to ensure that you’re getting the best price possible. 
5. Door-to-door shipping is always more expensive than terminal shipping. So, you can explore port-to-port or terminal-to-terminal shipping to save on your shipping cost!

What are the common mistakes to avoid while getting freight quotes?

1. Freight Reclassification: One of the most common reasons why people end up paying more is freight reclassification, which happens as a result of incorrect freight measurement. So, double-check your freight dimensions and calculate your freight classification accordingly. 
2. Lack of Clear Instructions: Unclear delivery instructions, such as failing to mention requirements like liftgate service or limited access, can disrupt delivery and increase costs.
3. Suboptimal Packaging: Damaged or Improper packaging can result in additional handling fees, packaging fees, or even freight rejection! So, ask the carrier for packaging guidelines and strictly follow them whenever possible!

You’re Ready to Request Your Freight Quote!

Getting a freight shipping quote might seem like a challenging process…you need to know some rules of the game, such as freight classification and shipping methods, to get a winning quote!

At the same time, you need to be careful and avoid common mistakes to ensure that your freight quote is accurate and competitive.

Remember, some initial research can go a long way in helping you obtain an affordable freight quote for your shipment!

But if you follow the steps we’ve discussed above, we’re confident that you can confidently obtain the best freight quotes on the market…

Happy shipping!