Trucking Conditions Index Reflects Slower Growth for 2016

You may have seen our recent article on the current issues facing the trucking industry in 2016. It’s now becoming more and more apparent that these issues are affecting this particular mode of freight transportation more than any other.

FTR, a freight transportation intelligence company, tracks truckload and LTL trucking regularly and it just released its most recent Trucking Condition Index (TCI) report. At 8.27 the TCI reflects a forecasted slowdown in truck loadings.

What does that mean for you, the freight shipper?

According to Jonathan Starks, Chief Operating Officer at FTR, a decrease in the number of freight loads means there will be less pressure on capacity. With less pressure on capacity the rate environment is less likely to improve.  

Stark says that even though the rate environment has deteriorated, both contract rates and spot rates are expected to improve before the year is over. That is unless the market sinks further which ultimately depends on the manufacturing sector and fuel prices.

Keeping up with all the changing regulations and trends of the trucking industry can be a hassle. It takes extensive knowledge to understand the industry well enough to get the best rates. Proactively monitoring the trends of every sector of the freight transportation industry – not just trucking – rather than reacting to them is necessary.

Who has time for all that though?

While it depends on the size and type of your business, outsourcing your freight transportation needs to a 3^rd party logistics (3PL) provider, such as FreightCenter, can be the most time and cost efficient way to streamline your logistics operations.

3PLs are experts in freight transportation. They watch the ebb and flow of the industry very closely in order to contract the best rates with the best trucking companies so they can pass on the savings to their customers.

Request a quote today to learn more about how working with a 3PL can save you time and money.

Retailers: This Simple Shipping Mistake Costs You Big Money

If you are an eCommerce retailer or operate a brick and mortar store there’s something you need to know. It could save you a lot on shipping as well as open up new markets for your business.

You do want to save on shipping and get access to new markets, right?

The thing to know is that under certain circumstances the two best known parcel shipping companies – UPS and FedEx - are not the only shipping options you have. Unfortunately, a lot of companies make the incorrect and costly assumption there are no other alternatives.

The bad news is for smaller, lightweight shipments this is still the case. Along with the U.S. Postal Service, Fed Ex and UPS still dominate this market.

The good news is the bigger your shipment, the more shipping mode options you have. And, the potential savings grows exponentially as well.

So what are the circumstances that open up these new options?

With shipments that exceed a certain size or have certain characteristics an LTL (Less Than Truckload) carrier is a cheaper, faster, and frankly better option to handle the delivery.

First, a quick explanation in case you did not know – LTL carriers specialize in combining multiple small shipments from different customers to fill up larger trucks. The benefit is that by combining their volume, various customers save by sharing the expense of using a large truck to make the deliveries.

A long standing rule of thumb has been that shipments greater than about 200 lbs. end up  being more expensive to ship with a small parcel carrier (UPS or FedEx) when compared to an LTL carrier.

This means if you have a single, or multiple items shipping to the same location that exceed 200 lbs. don’t use a small parcel carrier, call an LTL carrier.

To complicate things further - enter dimensional pricing by UPS and FedEx. This new method of rating some shipments introduced in early 2015 has changed the equation and made many lighter weight shipments less expensive with LTL.

An important note: even if you already use LTL you should re-evaluate your established break-even rules for deciding between the two modes. Chances are LTL will be a better option for a significant new percentage of your shipments you would have assumed should just go small parcel in the past.

Along these same lines, LTL is a great option if you are selling a product too big or awkward for the small parcel carriers. There are plenty of successful online retailers selling products like couches and beds using LTL carriers to make deliveries to customers, so chances are your products can also economically ship LTL.

A common misconception holding some companies back from exploring the LTL option is the concern that only the small parcel guys can handle special delivery requirements like inside or residential delivery. There are potentially additional fees for these types of extra services with LTL carriers but they are simply things to make part of your calculation when booking the shipment.

If you are a brick and mortar retailer, concern over shipping large and bulky items may have prevented you from exploring eCommerce as an option for growing your sales. Selling online and containing shipping costs open up new markets, so don’t let concerns over shipping hold back the growth of your company.

The principle applies to inbound shipping as well. For example, look for opportunities to have your suppliers place those 20 boxes on a pallet for LTL instead of shipping them as 20 different UPS Ground shipments. You’ll not only save on shipping, but cut down on damages and missing boxes too.

Using LTL can open up the option for you to order more product in bulk as well. Doing this can reduce your per unit costs – both in terms of what you pay for the product and also the per unit shipping cost.

There are some differences in preparing a shipment to go LTL compared to shipping it small parcel.

LTL shipments are generally best packaged on a pallet (although this is not always a requirement). It’s simply a matter of placing the products on a pallet and shrink wrapping them securely to the pallet. This is compared to small parcel shipments which require a small label on each piece you are shipping.

For LTL, a single “pallet flag” should be attached to the pallet. This flag is simply a large label or sheet of paper that describes the product, as well as the delivery address.

The LTL carrier will also provide a “pro number” label. This sticker has a unique number to identify the shipment in the carrier’s system for billing and tracking purposes.

Also accompanying an LTL shipment is a Bill of Lading. The “BOL” is paperwork that stays with the shipment while it’s in transit and is the document the person receiving the delivery will sign as proof the delivery has been made.

The bottom line is when it’s done right, LTL is a cost effective alternative to UPS and FedEx.

If you are not sure how to find an LTL carrier, or are looking for software to help determine the best method of sending a shipment then check out www.freightcenter.com for more information.

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<p> <strong>Please include attribution to www.freightcenter.com with this graphic.</strong><br /><br /><a href='http://www.freightcenter.com/ltl.aspx' target="_blank" /><img src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6dy70wM398/VR6MoCcOPkI/AAAAAAAAAys/uhhvBiO6sE4/s1600/Do's%2B%26amp%3B%2BDon't%2Bof%2BShipping.jpeg' alt='Best Way to Ship Freight' width='540px' border='0' /></a></p>

LTL v. Truckload - Five Facts You Need to Know before You Ship

Choosing between LTL freight service and dedicated truckload service is usually easy. If you're not shipping much - say one or two pallets - than LTL is usually the way to go. But did you know there are other factors to consider when deciding between LTL and TL?

Factors such as transit time, damage control, commodity type, consignee and consignor location types and more. The LTL v Truckload Infographic below explains the top five facts that separate LTL and truckload service by more than just cost.

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Top 5 Freight Shipping Acronyms Defined

What is LTL?
Unsure if you have a freight shipment? Best place to start is here. LTL stands for Less than Truckload freight.  The size of this kind of freight is between 100 and 20,000 lbs. This weight is about the point at which it's too expensive to ship through your local post office or as the industry calls it, parcel shipping. By using freight shipping you are choosing a more efficient and economical route. Plus it's much easier to have a truck come to you to pick up your shipment than you trying to get the heavy item to the shipper.  Just imagine trying to bring your fridge to the local post office to ship. Some other examples of LTL freight are: blanket-wrapped furniture, palletized or crated appliances, motorcycles, and palletized boxes of retail product. If your freight weighs more than 100 lbs and does not fill a semi truck on it's own, than it is likely you need to ship LTL freight. Perishables, however, require a dedicated truck for refrigeration.

What is a NMFC?
So now you know you have LTL Freight, but how do you know what  your item is classified as? A freight class refers to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) and it is the category of your freight as defined by the NMFC. There are 18 freight classes ranging from 50 (the least expensive class) to 500 (the most expensive class).

Your NMFC number or freight class determines your total shipping charges. It is critical that you know the correct NMFC number in order to receive accurate freight charges and to ensure that the carrier does not re-class your shipment, which could result in a higher shipping charge. No one wants that kind of surprise.  Look up your LTL shipment.

What does NOI Stand for?

So you looked through the NMFC classifications and your item doesn't fit into any of the categories. Not to worry, there is a solution! NOI stands for "Not Otherwise Indicated". If you have an item that isn't classified by the National Motor Freight Classification Association (NMFC), then you would be in this category.  NOI classed items are typically quoted and processed manually through select freight carriers. We here at FreightCenter.com can manually provide a NOI class rate quote. Need a helpful calculator?

How do I determine my PCF?

So you have your shipment's classification, you are ready to book! But how do you know what freight rate is the correct one? Freight rates are determined by taking into consideration a combination of factors; package dimensions, weight, distance and freight class, as well as your package’s Pounds per Cubic Foot or PCF.  The classification you obtained in the last steps and your PCF related closely to each other. In freight terms, a low PCF will result in a higher class rating. In turn, a higher class rating corresponds to a higher cost to ship your freight.

A simple way to think about it is, the more space your freight occupies on a truck or in a container the more costs you will incur for transport. For example, a shipment that works out to 1.31 pound per cubic foot and weighs 100 pounds (Class 300) will be much more expensive to ship than an item that has the same weight but equates to 9.67 pounds per cubic foot (Class 100). 

Never guess or estimate dimensions and weights when shipping freight. The most common reason people are surprised by extra charges after the shipment is because they didn't accurately calculate their PCF.

What do I do with a BOL?

So you've determined you have a LTL shipment, and you have your NMFC number, but now that your shipment is booked, what do you  do with the paperwork? A Bill of Lading or BOL is standard, vital paperwork providing the carrier and driver with all the pertinent information related to shipping costs and transport information. Think of this paperwork as your shipments travel ticket. It allows for proper billing, proper pick up and delivery. By having this paperwork you are ensuring that your shipment is taken care of. All parties (buyer, seller and carrier) involved should have a copy of the BOL. The FreightCenter BOL confirms your discounted rate with the carrier, which makes it even more important. You wouldn't want to lose your discount because you forgot a piece of paper. 

Association Partnership Program

Custom-designed freight savings programs

Our association partnership program provides members of leading associations bulk discounts on freight shipping services.  These services serve as an added incentive for joining, encouraging membership and increasing retention.  Our instant quoting engine allows your members to choose from hundreds of carriers all in one location.  Unlike other freight programs, members can continue to use their carrier of choice - instead of having it chosen for them. 

✓ Savings up to 80%

Members will enjoy savings up to 80% off traditional carrier rates.

✓ Additional Member Savings

Give your members a special coupon code that lets them discount LTL freight shipping by up to 10%.

✓ Cross Marketing Promotions

Free cross marketing to nearly 800,000 email subscribers, 7,500 social media followers and 1 million yearly Website visitors.

✓ Marketing Strategy and Branding Development

Leave the content and Internet marketing strategy to us.  Our Marketing Department will head all co-branding efforts.

✓ One- on-One Support

A dedicated support agent will provide one-on-one support from packaging guidelines to pickup and delivery.

✓Custom Partnerships

Members who frequently ship through us receive additional discounts off our services. Plus, associations can partner with us to implement a new stream of revenue for your organization. We share a percentage of member orders with your association.

✓ Complete Shipping Solutions

Shipping options include LTL, truckload, heavy haul, refrigerated, intermodal, international, white glove and much more.

Top Association Industries:

• Animals and Pet Products
• Automobile Parts and Motorcycles
• Paper and Books
• Chemicals and Hazmat
• Construction and Remodeling
•  Equipment and Heavy Haul
• Fashion and Apparel
• Food and Beverage
• Health Care and Pharmaceuticals
•  Raw Materials
• Trade Shows and Event Management 

Contact our Association Program Coordinator today! Call 727-450-7800 Ext. 1076 or visit FreightCenter  for more information.

Finding a Trucking Company

FreightCenter.com was established in 1998 to help minimize the hassle of finding a trucking company.  Finding a trucking company can be a difficult task for the less frequent freight shipper.  There's no trial and error in the trucking business.  Each one of your shipments is important and it's necessary to find the right trucking carrier the first time.  FreightCenter allows you to find a trucking company online in a matter of seconds.  Using our instant rates calculator you can easily find the best trucking company for your shipment.

Follow these 4 Steps to Find a Trucking Company:

Step 1: Measure and weigh your freight.  Make sure this is after your items have been crated or palletized.  Visit our blog on how to package your freight to prevent damage during shipping.

Step 2:  Visit our website.

Step 3:  Enter your shipment type, to and from zip codes, and item descriptions.

Step 4: A list of different trucking carriers and rates will populate.  You can contact a freight agent directly at 1800-716-7608 and they can help you decide which carrier will be best for your freight.  Finding a trucking company doesn't have to be hard, click here for an instant quote!

Old Dominion or UPS? Choosing Your Trucking Company

FreightCenter.com has been an established third party logistics company since 1998. Over the past 15 years we've focused on building relationships with the best carriers in the industry.  The names you know best like Old Dominion Trucking Company, UPS Freight, YRC and CH Robinson, have entrusted in us the ability to provide them a large volume of shipments every day.  In return these reputable carriers give us discount volume rates which we pass on to you - the shipper! 

So, how do you decide if Old Dominion Trucking Company or YRC will be the best carrier for you? When you run a quote at FreightCenter you'll be provided with both transit times and price. We'll compare hundreds of carriers and display the top results for you.  Each carrier has specific 'lanes' that they ship frequently on.  Presumably the more they use these lanes, the lower the cost will be to you.  Determine what's important to you. If you're on a time constraint talk to an agent about who can provide the best guaranteed shipping options for your freight. 

Additionally, you can check out reviews from like minded shippers and see what type of freight these carriers are best at. While Old Dominion Trucking Company is known for their guaranteed speed service, UPS Freight is the carrier of choice for all Freeman Trade Shows and 50% of GES and Shepard Shows.

Agents at FreightCenter can help you find the best carrier for your shipment.  Call 800-716-7608 to speak with an agent or visit us to learn more.

2012- A Year of Goodwill and Accomplishment

2012 has proven to be an exciting and fulfilling year for FreightCenter and our many agents and employees.  We shipped to over a million customers nationwide and have continued to grow and receive numerous awards and recognition for our accomplishments.  

This year alone we've been recognized on  Food Logistic's Magazine's top software providers list, placed on the Inc.500|5000 list for fastest growing companies, ranked on the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Fast 50 and many more.  Most importantly it's the amazing reviews from our customers reflecting on how great our agents are that brings the most pride to our company. In the past two months our employees have donated over 320 hours to local nonprofit organizations in the community.  Doing everything from painting homes to feeding underprivileged children, we are always amazed by how dedicated our employees are to our community.  

Next year to reflect our continuous growth we will be moving to a larger facility.  We have great hopes for the New Year and hope you continue to choose FreightCenter for all of your LTL, truckload and international shipping needs.

Click here to visit our Website and learn more about FreightCenter.com.

A Look Back at 2012

Who's Helping You Ship?

One-on-one with National Account Manager, Tyler Jackson

I was recruited by FreightCenter shortly after graduating from college.  I had previous experience in Marketing and had also worked as an intern for another supply chain logistics company.  At FreightCenter I've had the opportunity to grow professionally in so many ways.  Through extensive training I've conquered all aspects of supply chain management and I am proud to fill the position of  National Account Manager (NAM). As a NAM, freight agents new to the field rely on me to set a standard of success, providing top notch customer service and logistics support to anyone that comes my way.

Today I don't take my position lightly. I am not just "booking a shipment," I'm helping small businesses stay afloat in a tough economy. I'm reducing green house gas emissions by utilizing alternative modes of transportation.  I'm helping a new CEO reevaluate their supply chain and plan for a better fiscal year in 2013 and most importantly I'm making sure that freshman in college gets their dorm room moved in time for the first day of classes.  The relationships I'm building with both my residential and commercial customers will last a life time.  It's the steps you take when things get tough that are going to differentiate you from the competition.

The recent tragedy in New York City proved very difficult for companies in the supply chain fields. New York is an obvious major location for freight shipping and Hurricane Sandy had torn apart half the state. In this aftermath I had to focus on making sure that one way or another shipments got to their destinations.  I even managed several shipments that were set to bring Hurricane Sandy's victims food, supplies and construction materials.  Of course we gave huge discounts on these shipments, but this is just one example of how meaningful my position can be.

Freight shipping is extremely technology driven. Since I began my career at FreightCenter we've made huge strides both operationally and through our transportation management software.  I'm looking forward to growing along side FreightCenter as we continue to surpass our competition by providing cost efficient shipping solutions and one-on-one support from agents like me.

To contact Tyler Jackson, please call 800-716-7608 Ext. 1066 or email him at tjackson@freightcenter.com.

Top Shipping and Logistics Tradeshows and Conventions

Looking to streamline your distribution channels or network with top 3pl companies and carriers around the world? We've put together a quick list of some of the top trade shows and conventions to do just that.  Also, don't hesitate to contact us if you need help shipping trade show materials or to help streamline your supply chain channels!  We've got technology to simplify even the toughest supply chains, click here.


CSCMP Annual Global Conference: This conference offers supply chain management professionals education and growth opportunities in order to improve efficiency and enable cost effective supply chain solutions.  

Eye For Transport Logistics Convention: Eye for transport is a leading online resource for logistics and transportation news.  They also offer numerous networking events, including their annual summit for transportation and logistics practitioners.  

Warehousing Education and Research Summit: This summit focuses on warehousing and logistics.  The conference has approximately 1,000 attendees.  These attendees are 90% managers, supervisors, and C-level executives.  Topics include cost-cutting, customer service, disaster response, environment, equipment, human resources, legal issues, metrics, safety, security, and technology.

International Warehouse Logistics Association: IWLA is also a warehousing and logistics association.  Professionals operate both nationally and internationally providing real solutions for top companies around the world.  Their convention and expo allows you to reach real 3pl buyers.

Supply Chain and Logistics North American Summit: Here you'll find vice presidents, directors, managers and other senior-level decision makers with responsibilities including: Supply chain management and strategy, procurement and purchasing, transportation and logistics, distribution and fulfillment, warehousing and material management, operations, forecasting, sales and operational planning, sustainability and performance management.

Retail Supply Chain Conference - Logistics:  This conference is a little different from the rest. It focuses on retail and consumer product executives in logistics, distribution and supply chain management.  Nearly 1,400 attendees gather annually.

Motorist Tips: How to Drive Safely Near Large Trucks

We recently did a blog on safe driving tips for truck drivers.  It is equally as important for motorists to use safe driving tips when driving near or around large freight trucks.  Here are a few tips for the common highway driver to stay safe on the road.

• Leave a large margin of safety space between yourself and the truck.  Usually 20-25 car lengths is sufficient space.  At an incline this distance should be extended as large manual trucks could roll backwards.  If you an see the truck's side mirrors you've usually left enough distance between you and the truck.  

• Avoid changing lanes too frequently around a truck.  Large trucks have significantly larger blind spots than a normal motorist vehicle.  You want the driver to know there is a vehicle near them at all times.

• When passing a large truck look for the truck's headlights in your rear-view mirror.  If you can't see them you've cut it too close to the vehicle.  If an accident occurred the truck would not be able to stop in time to prevent a massive collision.

• Watch out for debris in the roads when following a large truck.  Trucks can easily drive over such debris, but a driver driving too closely to a truck will not see it in time to maneuver around it.  

• Drive carefully around liquid tankers and livestock carriers. Both of these types of vehicles can sway sideways, their loads can shift as they're driving and making turns.  Be extra cautious around these vehicles.

Taking these precautions can ensure a safe driving experience for both you and the truck driver.  Happy driving!

Need to find a truck carrier? Visit us or call us directly! 800-716-7608

The Shipping Dictionary

What do all these acronyms mean?

For a first time shipper understanding the shipping lingo can be a headache to say the least.  Here are a few that may help you along the way.  

3PL - Third Party Logistics: A third party logistics provider, like FreightCenter.com, is an organization that provides services to a company or individual helping stream line their shipping or supply chain function.  In terms of our company, we increase sales for our carriers, while providing our customers with low cost, volume rates.  

BOL - Bill of Lading: The BOL is the  most important document you'll need when shipping.  It's the shippers responsibility to hand the BOL to the carrier when receiving the shipment.  The BOL will detail to and from locations, the freight class and description of the items being shipped.  

LTL - Less than Truckload: LTL is a shipping option used to transport freight over 100lbs but not as large as a full truckload. It allows you to use only the portion of the truck that you'll be needing.  Full truck loads require the entire truck to be filled to be economical for the carrier.  Truck carriers have strategically placed terminals across the U.S. where they consolidate their truck's freight to be picked up and delivered in the most efficient manner possible.  Freight shipped LTL will most likely be transported from one truck to another to be moved with other freight with the same destination.  

NMCF - The National Motor Freight Classification: The NMFC is an industry standard that compares all commodities that move via truck over the interstate.  These commodities are grouped into 18 classes from 50 to 500.  Each commodity has been evaluated on four characteristics, density, stow-ability, handling and liability.  When shipping freight your freight agents can help you classify your freight.  This class effects the manageability for your driver, thus effecting price.  Unfortunately, there is no way to change your class.  An improper class on your bill of lading will be recognized and charged at a later date from your carrier.

For questions about how to ship or where to get started visit:
www.FreigthCenter.com or call 800-716-7608

The Life of a Truck Driver

Transportation and infrastructure is considered the life line of America. An astonishing 15.5 million trucks operate in the U.S, transporting goods to and from around the world to distribution centers, your local convenient store and eventually your home.  Being a trucker has its pros and cons.  Family life can be more difficult and eating habits may be hard to control.  But most truck drivers love their jobs.  Many own their own trucks operating as their own self sufficient small business with growth potential as high as their willing to work.  More and more women are choosing trucking as a carrier choice.  These women are thought to be easier to train and more attentive on the road than their counterparts. 

Truckers typically have an early day getting to business between 4am and 8am.  Many carriers have a 24hr dispatch so hours typically vary.  Truckers get to enjoy the most beautiful views from around the country.  Each trucker has routes and lanes they like best.  Truckers keep a log of their daily activity, starting the morning out checking their vehicle from head to toe.  They stop through weight stations along the way ensuring their vehicles weight doesn’t exceed state requirements.  In the Western states, California and New Mexico area, they also have inspections stations.  Anti-drug dogs and xray equipment is used to make sure no illegal activity is going on.   

Along the road safety is first, truck drivers have to be cautious drivers constantly surveying their surroundings and taking note of unusual activity.  Truckers will sleep at a trucker stop or a hotel with truck parking.  Many have sleeper cabs with fully functional beds.  The next morning they start all over again. Trucking life is a profession all its own and one to be admired and appreciated for the hard work that goes into it.  

This week is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and here at FreightCenter.com we can’t express how truly appreciative we are.  Hundreds of carriers nationwide ship our customer’s cargo around the world.  Thank you Truck Drivers for all you do! 

HAPPY NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK!

To make a shipment or learn more about FreightCenter visit http://www.freightcenter.com/ 

13 Great Photos From Trucking History

Happy National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week!
Here are a few great photos from truck driving history you may enjoy.  Thank you to all of the hard working men and women truck drivers who make www.FreightCenter.com possible.

Safe Driving Tips for Truck Drivers

Truck driving may not be on the top of your list of dangerous jobs, but with the high number of fatal car crashes, it certainly should be.  Follow these driving tips to make sure you and your cargo get to your destination as safely as possible.

1.  Get enough sleep.  Eat well during the day and don't rely on quick fixes like caffeine or sugar to get you through the drive.  These can easily wear off and contribute to loss of attention and reaction time while driving.  

2. Take care of your vehicle.  Schedule regular maintenance check ups with your mechanic.  Double check your vehicle before you embark on any trip.  Breaks are frequently sited during inspections and should be checked on a regular basis. 3.  Watch out for work zones.  Large trucks were directly related to nearly 1/4 of all work zone fatalities in 2006.  Not only do speeding fines double, but slowing down and paying attention during work zones is a small preventative measure to take to save lives.  Move over to the right lane when entering the work zone.   4. STOP SPEEDING!  According to the U.S. Department of Transportation 23% of commercial truck collisions were caused by drivers exceeding the speed limit.  Slow down or take a break during severe weather conditions.  Always keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you  and reduce your speed by 2/3 while driving on damp roads and 1/2 while driving on snow-filled roads.   5.  Don't forget to fasten your seat belt!

How to Ship an Engine Safely

How to Ship an Engine Safely:

Engines and automobile parts are heavy, expensive freight materials.  Improper packing is the number one reason that freight is damaged during transport.  Read up on these tips to learn how to ship your engine or auto part safely.

1.  Remove all fluids: If you are shipping a used part make sure to remove all the fluids from the engine or auto part.  Less than truckload freight is usually transported on more than one vehicle and is shifted and moved during the process. 

2.  Bubble wrap the part:  Roll the part in bubble wrap or foam for extra padding and security and shrink wrap your part.

3.  Palletize or crate: Your best bet is to secure the shrink wrapped part on a pallet and strap it down.  Cushion the item with padding and foam and build a crate around the pallet.  Forklifts can easily lift pallets which makes for easier and safer handling for the carrier. 

4.  Compare rates: FreightCenter allows you to compare top rates from carriers that specialize in shipping auto parts.  Book your shipment online, view paperwork and track your parts shipment all in one location.  Visit FreightCenter to compare instant quotes.

5.  Purchase additional insurance:  New engines and parts qualify for additional insurance options.  Talk to your freight agent about which options are right for you. 800-716-7608

Tips For a Stress Free Moving Day

Your Moving Day Check List

Moving day can be a stressful time.  Follow this check list to help make moving day as smooth and stress free as possible.

✔ Sort your home.  Start early.  Don't pack things you don't want just because it's easier.  Go through each room individually throwing away the trash and filtering things that may be good for a charity like the Salvation Army or Goodwill.  You can even have a garage sale to try and make some extra cash for the  moving process.

✔ Create a moving folder or list.  Use this folder to keep track of all your paperwork with the moving company and the list of things that you'll be packing and labeling.


✔ Choose your trucking facility, movers or packaging company.  There are several different options when moving your home.  Aside from the traditional moving companies large items can be moved via freight.  You can receive quotes for this at www.FreightCenter.com.  Additionally, FreigthCenter get you grate rates with companies like YouCrate.  They drop off crates, you fill and they pick up.  This can be an easy alternative to moving the items yourself or paying for expensive movers.

✔ Schedule a service transfer.  Schedule the transfer of your cable, internet, home phone, lawn or pool service or any other services you may have attached to your home.  Also make sure to contact your children's school and fill out the necessary transfer paperwork.  And of course don't forget to transfer your mail.  This can be done online in a few easy steps on the USPS Website.

✔ Take measurements.  Nothing is worse than trying to fit a king sized bed up a narrow staircase or dragging a refrigerator around back just to get it through the door.  Measure the doorways of your new home and be prepared for the large items in your home.

✔ Purchase moving supplies.  Purchase boxes, tape, bubble wrap, moving straps, permanent markets, foam padding and of course a dolly!

✔ Separate valuable items.  Seperate personal items such as pass ports, birth certificiates, deeds, jewlrey and paperwork.  Put these items in a special box and transport them in your personal vehicle.

✔ Start packing! Be specific with your labeling and label everything that is fragile.  Also make sure you separate a few  boxes that will have the necessities the day you move.  Children's items, toiletries, clothes and  a few kitchen items for a start. Click here to view great tips on moving heavy furniture safely.

✔Clear a path.  Make it safe and easy for you or your movers to walk in and out of your home.  Remove rugs or items near the doorways.

✔ Double check every room.  Make a clean sweep of the house make sure to double check your yard, the attic, underneath the stairs, or any other crevice that may be hiding things after years of living.

Happy Moving!

Freight Industry - Observed Holiday Schedule

Freight Industry - Observed Holiday Schedule
LTL carriers will observe the following holiday schedule.  The system usually includes holidays as transit days, but will block out the following days from shipping.

2012 United States Holiday Schedule:

Memorial Day (Monday, May 28)

Independence Day (Wednesday, July 4)

Labor Day (Monday, September 3)

Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 23)

Day after Thanksgiving (Friday, November, 23)

Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 25)

New Year's Eve (Monday, December 31)

2012 Canada Holiday Schedule:

Victoria Day (Monday, May 21)

St. Jean-Baptiste Day (Monday, June 25)

Canada Day (Monday, July 2)

Civic Day (Monday, August 6)

Labour Day (Monday, September 3)

Thanksgiving (Monday, October 8)

Veteran's/Remembrance Day (Monday, Nov 12)

Christmas Eve (Monday, December 24)

Christmas Day (Tuesday December 25)

Boxing Day (Wednesday, December 26)

New Year's Eve (Monday, December 31)

FreightCenter.com's Holiday Schedule:

The following holidays are observed by FreightCenter.com.  Although FreightCenter's offices are closed, you can still receive a free, instant freight quote any time of day 365 days a year. All booked shipments will be immediately processed the following business day.

New Year's Day (January 1)

Memorial Day (Monday, May 28)

 Independence Day (July 4)

 Labor Day (Monday, September 3)

 Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 23)

 Christmas (December 25)

Happy Holiday's From FreightCenter.com!

Transportation and freight industries set a precedent for America’s Economy
The trucking and transportation industry has been described as the driving force behind the U.S. economy. Looking at the transportation industry’s growth might just give us a forecast as to what our economy has in store for the future. According to the American Trucking Association, the freight industry alone is expecting to haul more freight in 2012 than in previous years, with a 3-5% increase in (LTL) less than truckload freight.


According to a recent survey conducted by Work Truck Magazine, out of 500 CFO’s of midmarket companies in seven different industries, CFO’s in the transportation industry are the most optimistic for growth. Additionally, 47% of CFO’s in the transportation industry expect an increase in their profit margins.

When individuals think transportation they think trucks. The transportation industry involves much more than truck drivers; including passengers and cargo, warehousing and storage, scenic and sightseeing transportation, logistics and brokerage services and even transportation logistics software.

The sustainable growth of this industry should also assist in decreasing the unemployment rate. According to the U.S Department of Labor, transportation and logistics is the second largest employment sector. CEO and Founder of FreightCenter.com, Matthew Brosious has seen his freight logistics and software business grow 135% in the past four years, while increasing their employees from 65 to 121. “I wouldn’t want to be in any other industry,” said Brosious. “Our company’s success allows us to help out families and businesses that need it. This economic cycle is why the transportation industry is said to be the lifeline of America.”

Another hope for America’s economy is the recent fall in gas prices. Gas prices are an obvious variable in the transportation industry’s success. According to the Lundberg Survey gas prices have fallen 14% from a peak average price of $3.967 a gallon of unleaded on April 6, 2012, but have most likely hit a plateau.

Transportation is an ever-changing, tech driven evolutionary industry. With its continued growth it looks like a bright future for both the industry and Americans.