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 What is a NMFC number?
This is a numeric indicator that specifically identifies each type of product that can be shipped by a LTL carrier. The National Motor Freight Association presets these product classifications quarterly. It is always helpful to have the NMFC number on the Bill of Lading in order to avoid re-classification and accurately identify each product you ship. You can contact eFreightLine at 866.411.4295 to determine the NMFC number for your products.
What is a freight class?
Every item is assigned a freight class which directly correlates to the shipping cost. Every possible shipment has a class of either: 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 77.5, 85, 92.5, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, & 500. In general, the lower the class, the less costly (per pound) to ship.
What if I don’t know what class my shipment fits under?
Our sales representatives can determine the freight class by the information that you provide. Call 866.411.4295 and ask for an LTL sales representative. Be prepared with the dimensions and weight of the shipment and packaging, along with a description of the item being shipped and our sales rep will both class your shipment and give you a freight rate.
What if my items are fragile?
When shipping personal or fragile items, it is best to use a moving company (also known as van line services). Freight carriers can move personal items but they will only offer 10 cents per pound in insuring your freight. Van lines specialize in moving personal items and will offer additional insurance to cover your item's value. Common carriers are NOT recommended for shipping costly fragile items.
Can I have a shipment picked-up from a residence?
A shipment can be picked-up from or delivered to a residence for an additional fee. The cost is determined by the carrier and typically ranges from $50-$100. A location may be considered a residence if you are positioned in a residential zone, even if you open and close at set times. Schools, colleges, and churches located in residential zones are prime examples. Freight and shipping costs are separate from residential fees. Talk to an eFreightLine.com specialist today about discounted freight rates.
What if I run a business from a residence?
Unfortunately, if an individual resides at the location or if your business is in a residential area the carrier will charge for a residential pick-up/delivery. This is due to the fact that residentially zoned areas are often much more difficult for the carrier to navigate.
What is a lift-gate and when would I need to order one?
When the shipping or receiving address does not have a loading dock, manual loading or unloading is necessary. A lift-gate is a mechanism at the back of the truck that can raise and lower a shipment from the ground to the truck. Additional shipping costs apply for this service depending on the carrier you choose.
Are your rates guaranteed?
eFreightLine.com has accounts set up with regional and national carriers based on our ability to give them a large volume of shipments. To ensure that you receive the eFreightLine.com rate that we have quoted, you must provide the driver with a copy of the eFreightLine.com BOL. This lets the carrier know to bill the shipment on the eFreightLine.com account at the discounts we have negotiated. Contact a rep today for instant truckload rates.
What happens if I receive a bill directly from a carrier?
Simply call our customer service department at 866.411.4295 and fax a copy of the bill you received. Our customer service team will be happy to take care of it and have the charges properly credited. This situation usually occurs when the eFreightLine.com BOL is not used. To prevent problems in the future, please make sure that the shipper gives the driver a copy of the automated eFreightLine.com on every shipment.
When should I use a motor freight carrier?
Freight shippers shipping more than 150 lbs., truck transportation is more economical than using a parcel service. Common carriers transport your item on a truck with additional small shipments so that the costs for transportation are shared. If your shipment weighs more than 8,000 lbs, you may need an entire truck (or have a truckload shipment).
Standard procedure for common carriers involves a truck driver backing up to a dock to be loaded by the consignor (shipper), and driving the cargo to the receiving destination to be unloaded by the consignee. Any service that isn't considered "standard procedure" may require additional shipping costs. Contact our specialists directly for discounted freight rates for substantial savings on truck load rates.
Are transit times guaranteed?
Transit times are guaranteed only if noted as such on the carrier options list returned for your quote. All other transit times are reliable, but not guaranteed. Transit times do not include the day of pickup.
What happens if my shipment isn't ready when the driver comes?
Most commonly, the driver will not wait. The driver will be dispatched for the following day, which delays your service. You will be assessed a fee if the carrier charges eFreightLine.com for the duplicated pickup. You may also be subjected to a Truck Order Not Used (TONU) for canceling the order 24 hours before pickup.
Can I estimate the weight of my shipment?
LTL: If an inaccurate weight or class is used and a shipment is reweighed or re-classed by the carrier, those costs may be passed on to you. Reweighing may also delay delivery.
FTL: As long as you have ordered a Full, Dedicated truck, estimating the weight is fine as long as the shipper can be certain that the load does not surpass the trucks maximum weight limit. (Usually 44,000 Lbs. for a Van and 48,000 Lbs. for a Flatbed)
What is the claims process?
Claims are handled directly between the freight shipper, consignee and the carrier. eFreightLine.com is not involved in the actual claims process and has no influence in the carrier's claim decision. Claims with the carrier must be filed within 90 days of delivery. The claimant should only file for loss or damage on the product which was shipped. ALWAYS be as concise as possible in noting specific damage on the delivery receipt. Our representatives can coach you on filing a claim and provide the proper forms.
Do I call the carrier after scheduling with eFreightLine.com?
Please do not call the freight carrier or terminal - this will duplicate the pickup. When you schedule with eFreightLine.com, we contact the carrier electronically.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The Bill of Lading is a legally binding document used between the carrier and the shipper. The Bill of Lading must be presented to the carrier upon pick-up and notates commodity, weight, class, pick-up and destination sites.
What should I do with the Bill of Lading?
Everyone involved should have a copy of the Bill of Lading (buyer, seller and carrier). It is imperative that the BOL be given to the truck driver when he makes the pickup to avoid confusion and additional fees This document also contains the billing party so be sure to keep one copy for your records.
How should I package my shipments?
Please package, crate or stack on pallets securely to prevent damage. Secure cartons to the pallet with banding, shrink-wrap, stretch-wrap or breakaway adhesive. Improper packaging may void the carrier's liability for damage. Stack cartons squarely on the skid with no overhang. Be sure the top surface is flat. Labels should be placed on every piece or package.
Can I schedule a shipment and have it picked up on the same day?
Yes, but this service cannot be guaranteed due to our carriers' capacity. Please allow a 4-hour window before your docks close so eFreightLine.com can get a driver dispatched out to your location within that same day. Please note that carriers normally make pickups in the afternoon and deliver in the morning. Also note, same day pickup may not be possible due to a lack of availability in the area.
What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight is a standard formula used throughout the freight industry that considers a package's density when determining charges. Density = weight * 1728 / (L x W x H) where weight is in pounds and L, W & H are in inches. Transportation charges are based on the gross weight of the shipment or the dimensional weight of the shipment; whichever is greater. Simply put, dimensional weight is when the weight of a package is inappropriately less than the actual size of the package. For example, a box filled with inflated balloons.
What is an interlined shipment?
An interlined shipment is cargo that moves between different transportation companies on its journey from origin to consignee. An interline exchange is a contractual transfer of goods from one company to another. Interlined shipments often occur due to remote locations. If a carrier does not have a terminal near a pick-up or destination point, they may hire an interline carrier to assume the shipment.
eFreightLine prides itself on providing the best possible shipping options for our customers. To learn more about our freight service options, call 866-411-4295.
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