Freight Shipping Guides
In-depth guides on the topics that matter most to shippers — from understanding freight costs and vetting carriers to filing claims and managing documentation. No fluff, just actionable information you can use today.
The Complete Guide to Freight Shipping Costs
Definitive breakdown of FTL, LTL, flatbed, and reefer rates — plus accessorial charges, fuel surcharges, seasonal patterns, and proven strategies to reduce your freight spend.
Carrier Vetting Checklist: How to Verify Freight Carriers
Step-by-step process to verify carrier authority, insurance, safety scores, and CSA BASICs. Includes red flags, double-brokering detection, and a printable checklist.
Freight Shipping Guide for Manufacturers
Inbound raw materials, outbound finished goods, JIT delivery, equipment selection, multi-location logistics, and cost optimization strategies for manufacturing operations.
Understanding Freight Insurance: What Shippers Need to Know
Carrier liability vs. cargo insurance, the Carmack Amendment, coverage types, filing claims, common exclusions, and how to verify your carrier's insurance is current.
Bill of Lading Guide: Everything Shippers Need to Know
What a BOL is, required fields, straight vs. order BOL, how to fill one out correctly, common mistakes, electronic BOL adoption, and how to note damage at delivery.
How to File a Freight Claim: Step-by-Step Guide for Shippers
Types of freight claims, Carmack Amendment protections, time limits, required documentation, step-by-step filing process, concealed damage, and prevention strategies.
Standard Pallet Sizes and Shipping Preparation Guide
Complete reference for GMA, EUR, and industry-specific pallet dimensions. Includes stacking guidelines, weight limits, shrink-wrapping best practices, and how pallet choice affects freight class and pricing.
Cross-Border Freight Shipping Guide: Mexico and Canada
Navigate USMCA rules of origin, customs brokerage, C-TPAT and PIP programs, border crossing procedures, bonded carriers, and documentation requirements for cross-border freight.
Hazmat Freight Shipping Compliance Guide
DOT hazmat classification, proper shipping names, UN numbers, packaging requirements, placarding, driver training, and shipper responsibilities under 49 CFR for hazardous materials freight.
Peak Season Freight Planning Guide: Securing Capacity Year-Round
Month-by-month freight market calendar, capacity planning strategies, contract vs. spot allocation, lead time recommendations, and how to avoid rate spikes during produce season and Q4 retail.
Warehouse Receiving Best Practices for Freight
Dock scheduling, unloading procedures, damage inspection, pallet verification, and inventory reconciliation strategies to reduce detention charges and freight claims.
How to Audit Your Freight Invoices and Recover Overcharges
Step-by-step freight invoice audit process covering duplicate charges, accessorial errors, weight discrepancies, rate misapplication, and how to recover overcharges from carriers.
How to Negotiate Better Rates with Freight Carriers
Data-driven negotiation tactics, benchmarking tools, volume leverage strategies, lane analysis, and contract structuring tips to secure lower freight rates without sacrificing service.
How to Choose a Transportation Management System (TMS)
TMS evaluation criteria, must-have features, integration requirements, deployment options, vendor comparison framework, and implementation best practices for freight shippers.
Writing Freight RFIs and RFPs That Get Quality Responses
Templates, timelines, evaluation criteria, and best practices for writing freight RFIs and RFPs that attract qualified carriers and produce actionable rate proposals.
Supply Chain Risk Management for Freight Shippers
Identify, assess, and mitigate transportation risks including carrier failures, weather disruptions, port congestion, capacity shortages, and geopolitical supply chain threats.
Last-Mile Delivery: Challenges, Costs, and Solutions
Last-mile delivery economics, white-glove services, final-mile carrier selection, residential delivery challenges, technology solutions, and cost optimization strategies.
Freight Packaging Optimization to Reduce Damage and Costs
Packaging design for freight protection, dimensional weight optimization, pallet configuration, void fill strategies, and how better packaging reduces claims and shipping costs.
Complete Guide to Intermodal Shipping
How intermodal freight works, drayage logistics, container types, rail network coverage, transit times, cost comparisons vs. OTR trucking, and when intermodal makes sense for your freight.
LTL Consolidation Strategies for Mid-Size Shippers
Pool distribution, multi-stop truckloads, zone-skipping, consolidation warehouses, and shipment pooling strategies to convert expensive LTL shipments into lower-cost FTL moves.
Reverse Logistics: Managing Returns and Recalled Freight
Return freight workflows, carrier selection for reverse shipments, cost allocation, product recall logistics, disposition strategies, and technology for managing reverse supply chains.
E-Commerce Fulfillment Shipping Guide
Fulfillment center logistics, inventory positioning, parcel vs. freight thresholds, shipping zone optimization, peak season prep, and carrier diversification for e-commerce businesses.
Flatbed Load Securement: Rules, Methods, and Best Practices
FMCSA securement rules, working load limits, tie-down methods, edge protection, tarping requirements, common violations, and shipper responsibilities for flatbed freight.
Dedicated Fleet vs Common Carrier: Which Is Right for You?
Cost comparison, service level analysis, volume thresholds, hybrid models, and a decision framework to determine whether a dedicated fleet or common carrier best fits your freight needs.
Reducing Your Freight Carbon Footprint
Carbon calculation methods, mode shifting, route optimization, carrier sustainability programs, SmartWay partnership, emissions reporting, and practical strategies to green your supply chain.
Have Questions About Your Freight?
Our guides cover the fundamentals, but every shipment is different. Tell us about your freight and we will connect you with vetted carriers who fit your specific requirements.