Could you be making these mistakes on your freight shipping quote?

As a business shipper, nothing is more frustrating than learning that your final bill is higher than your original freight shipping quote. After all, how can you plan your budget and charge the appropriate fees to your customers if you can’t depend on the accuracy of your freight quote?

We get it: shipping can be complicated. And with so much to remember, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that lead to an inaccurate or overpriced quote — or even additional fees down the road! Luckily, Unishippers is here to help you identify (and avoid) the most common freight mistakes, ensuring you get the most accurate, affordable freight shipping quote right from the beginning.

Mistake #1: Not comparing freight carriers

Relying on only one freight carrier for all your freight shipping needs could be costing you! If you don’t compare carriers, you’re likely not getting the best, most affordable rate possible for your specific needs. Many third-party logistics (3PL) providers make comparing freight carriers easy with online tools like our transportation management system (TMS) that lets you instantly compare costs and delivery options from our network of 75+ top LTL freight carriers.

Mistake #2: Overpaying for unnecessary freight services

Why pay more for expedited delivery and other specialty freight services if you don’t really need them? With tens of thousands of freight carriers between less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) providers — each with different services and specialties — it’s important to make sure you understand which services your business truly requires. Download Unishippers’ Guide to Comparing Freight Service Types to understand your options.

Mistake #3: Using the wrong freight class

As one of the main factors that impacts your final freight shipping quote, understanding freight classification is very important. However, classifying your freight can be daunting even for the most experienced shippers — and is one of the most common mistakes shippers make on their bill of lading (BOL). To learn how to class your freight the right way, download Unishippers’ Understanding Freight Classification tip sheet or watch our video, How to Class Freight in Four Minutes.

Mistake #4: Using incorrect measurements on the BOL

With so much detail required, it’s understandable that shippers might try to skip steps when filling out their BOL. However, even small mistakes on your BOL can lead to costly delays and fees down the line. To avoid a reweigh or reclassification fee, make sure to state the exact weight and dimensions of your freight — don’t guesstimate! To determine accurate dimensions, measure the full length and width of your pallet, as well as the shipment’s height from the floor. Click here to learn everything you need to know about accurately filling out your BOL.

Mistake #5: Forgetting about freight shipping fees

When requesting a freight shipping quote, it’s important to inform the carrier in advance if you need any additional services — for example, if you need a liftgate, are delivering to a limited access location or need a scheduled delivery. If you forget about these additional services, you may end up with surprise fees on your final bill. Can’t remember which situations necessitate extra fees? Download our helpful tip sheet, Understanding Freight Shipping Fees, and reference it when quoting your next freight shipment.

Looking for more ways to save? Contact Unishippers today and learn how we can help you save on all your freight shipping needs.