1 | CREATE YOUR LTL SHIPMENT LISTING
First, you’ll want to consider your time frame and needs for your shipment. Goods are typically placed on pallets, known as "palletization," and transported by a freight carrier. You’ll want to know what you’re shipping, whether it’s new or used commercial goods, and the weight and dimensions of your pallet. A standard pallet is 40 inches by 48 inches. It will also help to know if your freight requires a lift gate at pick up or delivery. Include any possible restrictions for locations, including if pickup or delivery is in a residential area.
2 | uShip LTL Instant Rates
Book your LTL Instant Rates shipment in 6 easy steps:
- 1. Create Your Listing: Choose a pallet, crate, box, or other item describing your packaging. Then, enter the dimensions including packaging in your measurements. Include the weight. We recommend using a scale for accuracy and to avoid LTL rebills. Enter your preferred pick up date. We find it's best to book before 11:00 am for same day pick up. Next, enter your origin zip code and pick up location type. Then do the same for destination zip code and location type. Be sure to select the most specific location type possible. Finally, select the shipping services you'll need for both pick up and delivery. For example, do they have a dock, forklift or do they need a lift-gate service?
- 2. Pricing: uShip gives your rates from over 30 national and regional LTL shipping companies in a matter of seconds. Services include consolidated, standard, and guaranteed. Sort by price, transit time, or feedback rating from past uShip customers. When you click on a carrier, you're taken to their profile where you can see rules, tariffs, and feedback from other businesses who have used this freight shipping company. Check out their on time rating and damage percentages as well. Select the rate and carrier you prefer.
- 3. Bill of Lading: The Bill of Lading is one of the most important documents in the shipping process. Include the names, contact information, and email addresses for the people at both ends of the shipment. That way, you'll both receive the Bill of Lading via email at the time of booking. Note that the origin and destination city can be changed, as long as the zip code is correct. If the zip code changes, this will potentially change the rate, and the shipment may need to be re-quoted. The Bill of Lading includes the pick up time and instructions. At least a 3 hour pick up time frame is required. Also, include things like bay number at the loading dock. The Bill of Lading also includes shipment contents. Be specific and include details where possible. Reference numbers help ensure easy pick up and delivery.
- 4. Insurance and Checkout: Here, you'll see a breakdown of shipping costs, as well as an option to purchas uShip Commercial Cargo Insurance for a small cost. Carrier liability insurance usually only covers cents on the pound, so it's smart to consider extra coverage. Once you've made your insurance selection and entered payment information, select "Complete Booking."
- 5. Booking Confirmation: You can review your Bill of Lading for accuracy, and print it if you like. The first page includes tracking information as well as helpful tips for ensuring a successful shipment.
- 6. Confirmation Email: This includes booking confirmation and the pick up number from your carrier. If you need to reschedule, or check a driver's ETA, have this number handy when calling the carrier.
Keep in mind, LTL Instant Rates may not be available, but don't worry, you can take your freight to our uShip Marketplace and have LTL carriers compete for your business.
3 | LTL Shipments Through the uShip Marketplace
After you create your shipment listing, you’ll receive quotes from LTL shipping companies as they compete for your business. You are also able to ask questions and talk directly to the carriers while maintaining your privacy - we encourage you to check out their LTL carrier profiles as well.
Each transporter on uShip has their own carrier profile with their transport history, safety records and customer rated feedback. Review these profiles to get a good sense of the LTL carrier bidding on your shipment. Most transporters have a photo of their equipment on their profile as well as any certifications or licensing they obtain. Looking into profiles and talking with the carriers will help you feel confident you’re choosing the best LTL transport company for your job.
Once you’ve selected the LTL freight delivery service that’s best for you, contact them directly with any concerns, additional details or questions you may have. Share any third-party contact information that can make your shipment run smoothly. While your LTL carrier will have a copy of the bill of lading, it’s a good idea to print out your own copy as well. Have payment completed at the agreed upon time and let us know if you run into any issues. We’re here to help before, during, and after your LTL shipment.
Get Quotes Now