Get Competitive Freight Quotes

Author: Max Antonov

Updated: 06/07/2023

Ideas or suggestions: max@fusefreight.com

Navigating the world of freight shipping can be complex. One of the first steps is getting a freight quote, which gives you an estimate of how much it will cost to ship your goods. At FuseFreight, we make this process easy, providing you with accurate and competitive quotes.

How are Freight Quotes Calculated?

Several factors go into calculating freight quotes:

1. Distance: The further the shipment has to travel, the higher the cost.
2. Weight and Size of the Shipment: Larger, heavier shipments generally cost more.
3. Type of Goods: Different types of goods may require different types of equipment or special handling, affecting the cost.
4. Mode of Transport: Shipping by air, sea, rail, or road each have different costs.
5. Market Conditions: Supply and demand in the freight market can also influence the cost.

Freight quotes, or the estimates of how much it will cost to ship goods, are determined by a combination of factors. The shipping mode—whether it’s full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), or partial truckload—plays a significant role in the calculation of these quotes.

Full Truckload (FTL): FTL shipping is when a single shipment takes up an entire truck. This mode is typically faster and more efficient as it involves direct delivery with no stops. The cost of FTL shipping is usually calculated based on the mileage and the lane. Other factors that might influence the rate include the type of goods, the need for special handling or equipment, and the current market conditions.

Less Than Truckload (LTL): LTL shipping is when a truck carries shipments from multiple customers. Each customer only pays for the truck space their shipment occupies. LTL rates are typically calculated based on the weight of the shipment, the distance to the delivery point, the freight class (which is determined by the type and value of the goods), and any additional services such as liftgate service or residential pickup/delivery.

Partial Truckload: This shipping mode falls between FTL and LTL. It is typically used for shipments that are larger than LTL but don’t require a full truckload. The cost is usually calculated based on the space the freight occupies in the trailer, but weight, distance, and type of goods can also influence the rate.

The process of getting a freight quote usually involves the following steps:

1. Provide Shipment Details: The first step is to provide detailed information about your shipment. This includes the origin and destination, the type of goods, the weight and dimensions, the required pickup and delivery dates, and any special handling requirements.
2. Receive and Compare Quotes: Once you provide your shipment details, freight carriers or brokers will give you a quote. It’s a good idea to get quotes from several different carriers or brokers to ensure you’re getting the best rate.
3. Select a Carrier or Broker: After comparing quotes and considering factors like transit time and carrier reputation, you select a carrier or broker and confirm the shipment details.
4. Schedule Pickup and Delivery: Once you’ve accepted a quote, the carrier or broker will schedule pickup and delivery based on the dates you provided.
5. Track Your Shipment: Once your shipment is on its way, you can typically track its progress through the carrier or broker’s online tracking system.

With a good understanding of your shipping needs and the factors that influence freight quotes, you can make informed decisions and optimize your shipping costs.