SPECIFICATIONS

There is some very specific terminology in regards to freight that you should know as you prepare and book your next shipment. We have listed some. If you would like additional help or have a specific question, please contact us at our office.

Blind Shipment Keeps the originating location and receiving destination unaware of each other. Provides 2 separate bill of lading that share common BOL and pro numbers.

BOL (Bill of Lading) A document which acknowledges receipt of the goods and establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and transportation company. It signifies which freight is to be moved between specified points for a specified charge. As the most fundamental document in goods transportation, it serves as a document of a contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods. It is prepared by the shipper on forms issued by the carrier. It is a legal document.

LTL Stands for Less Than Load. This term typically refers to LTL when a shipment ranges from 100 pounds to 20,000 pounds. For larger shipments, you may need TL (Truckload) services. We can help determine which option you need by calling our office.

TL This may be as little as 5,000 pounds, or as much as 50,000 pounds. Charges differ from LTL charges, in that the carrier typically charges on a per-mile bases, with some minimum charge for deliveries under 500 miles. These charges vary significantly in different areas of the country based on the availability of loads in that area, at that point and time.

Accessorial Fees Charges for services beyond standard transportation pricing. Such fees would include special pick up or delivery on domestic shipments, and documentation and communication fees for international shipments.

Liftgate When the shipping or receiving address does not have a loading dock, manual loading and unloading is necessary. A liftgate is a platform at the back of certain trucks that can raise and lower a shipment from the ground to the truck. Additional fees apply for this service.

Class A number that identifies the approximate size, value and difficulty of transporting each particular type of product. The class is needed to determine a price. You will need to know width, depth and weight for your shipment.