Frequently asked questions.

About Freightquote

How does Freightquote choose carriers?

Freightquote works with the most reputable contract carriers across the nation, each of which is required to go through numerous steps in order to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s strict Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) requirements. Interested in becoming a carrier? Learn more

When was Freightquote founded?

Freightquote was founded in 1998, providing customers with an easy way to compare rates from hundreds of carriers across the country. Today, Freightquote has more than one thousand employees that help move more than one million shipments across North America each year. Learn More.

What services does Freightquote provide?

Freightquote offers a number of freight services including full truckload, less than truckload, expedited and intermodal shipping. Additionally, we have custom solutions including freight management and project freight. Learn more about our full suite of shipping services.

Is Freightquote a broker or carrier?

Freightquote is the nation’s largest online freight service provider and a licensed transportation property broker. We work with a network of carriers to negotiate rates for shippers.

Where does Freightquote ship?

Freightquote ships throughout North America, including Mexico and Canada.

Is Freightquote a part of C.H. Robinson?

Yes. Freightquote was acquired by C.H. Robinson, one of the world’s largest third party logistics providers in 2015. Learn More.

General Shipping

How can I calculate weight without a scale?

There are several creative ways to calculate freight weight that don’t require a dedicated freight scale. Moving several of the same item? Weigh one and multiply it by the total number of items in your shipment. Watch the video for more ideas.

Which carrier should I choose?

After getting quotes from multiple carriers, choose one that aligns with your needs. By default, carriers are sorted by best match—those that align with your freight. You can also adjust by price or delivery time. This video explains the difference between economy, middle-tier, and premium carriers—and which one to choose based on your needs.

How can I ensure my quote is accurate?

Avoid estimating shipment details whenever possible. Get all your information ready before you request a quote. Start by measuring and weighing your freight, including any packaging. Then confirm pickup and delivery locations and the truck access at each. Finally, be sure the driver gets the shipment BOL right away, it has all the details they need to accurately charge you. Watch the video.

How can I avoid adjustments?

Adjustments can be costly, but can mostly be avoided with accurate information. Common adjustments occur around oversized items (more than 12 feet in length), lift-gates, limited delivery access, residential fees, reclassifications and changes to the bill of lading. Learn more.

What is a bill of lading?

The bill of lading (BOL) acts as an invoicing receipt in the shipping industry, and with many motor carriers, the BOL is the contract of carriage between that motor carrier and the shipper. It includes important information related to the shipment such as addresses, packaging type, freight class, description of the goods and any special instructions. Learn more.

How do I determine freight class?

There are 18 freight classes. They are determined by weight, dimensions, density, storage capability, ease of handling, value and liability from instances like theft, damage, breakability and spoilage. To help you determine freight class, we’ve developed a freight density calculator. Learn more.

What’s the difference between less than truckload and full truckload?

Less than truckload (LTL) shipping allows multiple shippers to share space on the same truck while full truckload shipments typically travel on only one truck with one destination. Learn more.

What is an NMFC number?

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) allocates a specific number to each product that could be shipped. That is the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) that pairs to the freight class best suited for the product. It’s important to include the NMFC number on the bill of lading to reduce chances of reclassification. Learn more.

How should I package my items?

When shipping goods, it’s always important to minimize movement. Pack crates or boxes as full as possible, with heavier items on the bottom. If the crate is not filled, use packing material to plug the empty spaces. Learn more.

How are freight shipments tracked?

Freight service providers offer tracking services online to access a shipment’s status 24/7 from your computer or mobile device. You can track a shipment with a BOL number, but you can often access the shipment’s location with the pro number, PO number, shipment reference number and shipment number as well. Learn more.

What shipping option is best for me?

Full truckload (TL) is generally best suited for those looking to move more than 15,000 pounds, or enough to justify the entire use of a semi-trailer. If you’re looking to ship more than 150 pounds of freight, but less than 15,000, less than truckload (LTL) might be the best choice. Getting items quickly from one point to another may call for expedited shipping services. Intermodal shipping uses multiple modes of transportation and is great for long distances between metro areas. Learn more.

How can I streamline the pickup of my LTL shipment?

First, remember Freightquote is not moving your freight. A driver from the carrier you picked during booking will arrive to haul it. When the driver arrives, give them the bill of lading. It has critical information needed to deliver your freight. Remember, your driver won’t be able to help load, you’ll have to do it yourself. See what else can simplify your next LTL shipment pickup. Watch the video. 

What is temperature controlled freight shipping?

If you have goods that are sensitive to climate conditions (produce, flowers, chocolate, etc.), you will want to consider temperature controlled shipping. Freight service providers will assist you throughout the process. Learn more.

How do I track my shipment?

Tracking your shipment is easy. Using our tracking tool, enter your BOL number and we’ll give you the latest update on your freight.

Do I need LTL or full truckload?

Great question and something our team of experts can help you determine. LTL is typically ideal for freight shipments larger than parcel or small package, but short of the space required of a full truckload shipments. However, other factors like distance and value may play into the decision. Learn more.

How can I get lower LTL rates?

There are many strategies you can employ to save money on less than truckload (LTL) shipping. First, be strategic in your origin and destinations. Bringing freight to a terminal for example can eliminate a portion of the journey—and associated costs. Try consolidating packaging—and be sure the dimensions are accurate. Shipping five boxes is more expensive than one standard-sized pallet containing five boxes. Watch more ways to lower LTL freight costs in this video.