Trucking or Rail: What's More Practical for Shippers in 2016?

Rail transport played a large role in the development of the U.S. during the industrial revolution. But, with the introduction of the gas-powered combustion engine in 1910 and construction of the Interstate Highway System several decades later, the trucking industry flourished as the main mode of freight transportation. These days, while it’s a viable option for many shippers, less than 20 percent of freight is moved by rail.

So, what makes rail and trucking so different?  Freight transportation by rail is obviously limited to routes that include railroads, which are far fewer in numbers than routes that are accessible by trucks. Intermodal freight services are used to bridge the gap between rail and truck routes. In rail transportation this is called drayage: the transportation of freight from its starting destination to the rail station and from the rail station to its final destination using a truck.

In 2015, intermodal volumes and prices dropped drastically due to lower fuel costs that helped competing truck carriers. Now that oil prices have climbed 70 percent since February 2016 when it hit a 13-year low, intermodal rail is regaining popularity as a more cost-effective freight transportation solution when compared to trucking alone – at least for long-haul truckload shipments.

“For truckload shipments that are moving over 1,000 miles (especially if it’s from East to West or vice-versa), are less than 150 miles from a rail head and weigh less than 4,250 pounds, rail is a viable option,” says FreightCenter truckload expert, Allen Shifflet. 

“That’s assuming it’s not a time-sensitive shipment considering it usually takes 2-3 days longer to ship by rail than truck.”

Shifflet also explains that “a rail ride is a rough ride;” therefore, it is not a viable option for moving household goods, objects with wheels or other fragile freight.

When contemplating whether or not your company can benefit from transitioning from 100 percent truck transportation to a combination of intermodal rail and truck it’s best to talk to an expert.

Third-party logistics providers partner with various carriers across all modes of transportation and are often a great place to start when you have questions. FreightCenter works with rail companies like CSX and Streamline and can easily compare trucking versus rail rates online using Cirrus TMS, our transportation management system.

For example, when Conquest Manufacturing contacted Allen Shifflet in 2012 they were working on a large multi-year project that required shipping their HVAC materials from their manufacturing plant in Michigan to California and Florida. Shifflet was able to provide them with quotes for both truck and rail transportation. Conquest Manufacturing saved $1,760 by choosing rail to transport their freight over 2,500 miles from Michigan to California and was similar savings in the 21 rail shipments they organized with FreightCenter over the following two years..

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.

A Major Transportation Problem That Doesn't Get Enough Attention

The news of a semi truck full of cheese being stolen in Central Florida has sparked a discussion here at FreightCenter. We began discussing different stories of trucks being stolen from over the years. It became comical and disheartening to remember all of the different items that were stolen. It then became mind boggling when the total value of the items were calculated and we realized just how much money was lost every time a truck hauling freight disappears.

A quick search and we discovered that a large number of trucks are being stolen in Florida, particularly the Central Florida region. We have gathered some of the more interesting ones in hopes of bringing to light a problem that isn't commonly thought about. When people think of products being stolen, most people would assume that it would be electronics. Sadly this doesn't seem to be the case. Here in Florida the most popular items seem to be food, though nothing is safe, including exercise equipment. 

The impact of these stolen truckloads reaches further than people initially realize. When trucks are stolen, the initial impact of the those products not reaching their intended destination is the most stinging. Shelves are empty and stores cannot supply their customer's demands. This results in lost profits for the stores expecting that stolen product. Over time this loss starts to build, and product prices go up, compensating for the expected loss. Ultimately this results in increased costs for the customer. 

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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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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

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!

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!

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.

How to Manage the Cost of Shipping Freight

FreightCenter.com polled random freight users asking them the reasons they decide not to book a shipment with a freight company.  The top two answers were 1. I was not ready to ship my item and 2. The cost to ship my item was too high.  Our entire operation is designed to find you the best shipping prices available, and we do!  For a first time shipper understanding how to manage the cost of shipping can be difficult.  Here are some tips for making sure that you get the best and most accurate price available.
1. Know your destination and pick up locations.
Locations with a lift gate, forklift or loading dock can save you money.  A general rule of thumb is the less time and energy it takes the freight shipper, the less costs you'll pay for your shipment.  Another element that effects costs is whether your shipping to a residence or a corporation.  Some neighborhoods don't allow large service trucks to drop off freight, thus creating an additional charge.  A freight agent can't quote you accurately unless you are able to deliver this information.  Customer complaints could easily be turned into customer savings by understanding your pick up and drop off locations.

2.  Know your weight and dimensions.
We operate in the world of freight.  Although we do have numerous partners that provide moving services.  Choosing transportation via freight requires a little homework on your part.  It's very important to know your weight AFTER packaging, as well as the exact dimensions of your items AFTER packaging.  We provide quotes for your shipment based on the the weight and dimensions you provide us.  To avoid a rebill accuracy is important!

3.  We judge a book by it's cover....packaging matters!
Packaging your items the correct way is vital to ensure your items get to their location safely and on time.  Did you also know it can save you money?  Items should be crated and palletized, as well as packed with extra cushioning for more fragile items like furniture.  Please visit our packaging blog to find additional freight packaging tips.

4.  Watch your add-ons.
Make sure that you're not signing up for services that you don't need.  Overnight shipping or guaranteed shipping, while convenient can be more costly.  Negotiate your shipping price well in advance and make sure that your items are ready to go on the day you choose.


5.  Give your broker as much information as possible.
Your freight broker is able to help you based on your specific needs.  Have questions, just call! The more information that you give him/her, the best price they will be able to offer you.  Let's say you are shipping several small packages to various locations in the same city.  Instead of having the freight company drop off your individual packages, it may be in your  best interest to drop off your freight in one location and then use a parcel shipper to distribute your items.  Logistics is what we do, whether it's a combination of LTL and truckload or rail, air, or ocean, let us find the best combination for your shipment.

Want to learn more about freight shipping? 
Follow FreightCenter.com!

Trucking Companies - Which One's Right For You?

How to Find a Quality Trucking Company

There are approximately 360,000 trucking companies in the U.S.  Now how are you as a consumer supposed to find the right one for you?  Which ones have a good reputation for being on time?  How do you know if they are licensed and bonded? That’s where we come in.  Many of our customers shipping by truck are first time freight shippers and don’t know where to start when seeking out a reputable medium to deliver their goods. 

FreightCenter.com is a provider of trucking and freight services for both residential and commercial shippers. We’re focused on giving you the shipper all the tools necessary to ensure your freight gets to its destination safely and on time. To ensure this, all of our freight is transported by licensed United States freight companies. With over 100,000 carriers, we use the top LTL freight companies and thousands of specialty truckload carriers to ship all types and sizes of freight.

A freight broker like Freightcenter.com is designed to find the best trucking company for you or your business.  All of FreightCenter.com’s trucking companies are licensed, bonded and insured and have a damage claim rate under 1%.  You may be asking why a trucking company would work with us instead of filling their trucks themselves.  Many times customers will have items that are considered LTL or Less than truckload shipping.  This means they have items that don’t take up a full truckload. In order to make the most profits trucking companies want to fill up their trucks as full as possible to make their travel worthwhile.  That’s where we often come in.  We coordinate your items with the truck drivers so you can “buy space on their truck.” We then build relationships with the truck companies, doing the work on both ends for trucker and freight shipper.

Visit FreightCenter.com to learn more about freight shipping or to get an instant freight quote.

2012 Internet Retailer Convention and Exhibition in Chicago

   Come visit us at booth #741 and discover the best option for shipping freight.

We’re so eager to show off our 3PL software and freight transportation system at this year’s Internet Retailer Convention and Exhibition (IRCE). The event is being held in Chicago from June 5-8 and is the largest E-commerce exhibit in the world. Over 8,000 attendees are expected at the McCormick Place West, the largest conference center in the U.S.

Our Web-enabled freight software and services are available to business owners via our proprietary TMS and API technology, which when used in tandem or separately have simplified the way more than 600,000 accounts ship LTL and truckload freight. We’ve developed our transportation management software to enable online retailers and enterprises access to an extensive network of LTL and truckload freight carriers. For those who will be attending the show, we invite you to stop by booth #741 so we can show you how FreightCenter.com can save you time, increase efficiency and lower your transportation spend.

About IRCE 2012

This year marks the 8th annual IRCE show, which has significantly grown in size and reputation since 2005. A total of 570 e-retailers, including an astounding 90% of all U.S. e-commerce solution providers, will be exhibiting the latest Internet tools and trends. Some of this year’s 175 speakers include the CEOs of Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble, and OKCupid. The special guest speaker will be Fareed Zakaria, the New York Times bestselling author, editor at large for Time magazine, and host of CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS.”

Don’t forget to follow FreightCenter.com on Twitter and like our Facebook page.

Read FreightCenter.com customer reviews and testimonials.

3PL Software Reduces Labor for Online Businesses

We have the answer to your shipping woes!

Web-based businesses look to 3PL software, like freight tools powered by FreightCenter.com, to cut costs and labor by developing freight shipping solutions that are easy for them to install and for their customers to use. At FreightCenter.com, we offer instant rate comparisons from multiple top carriers as well as a variety of LTL and truckload logistics services and 3PL business software.

While some companies may be familiar with the shipping industry, they may be unaware of the plethora of equipment options, accessorials and details that affect their transportation spend and reduce the efficiency of their operations. Factors such as weight, carrier-defined shipping zones, insurance rates and market conditions can contribute to potential hikes in the final shipping cost.

FreightCenter.com has an entire team comprised of logistics experts who know the ins and outs of shipping freight so we can help you navigate freight like you never have before.

While our e-commerce customers are generally interested in our API and carrier EDI services, we also offer a proprietary TMS(transportation management system) that manages specific freight requirements and handles rating, booking and billing. Users can manage their shipping account online, track the status of their shipment and review past orders. The software was developed in house, which makes it unique. Did you know that some 3PL software providers do not have complete control over IT? Simply better and smarter, the FreightCenter.com TMS is a leading freight management system on the market, complete with the ability to handle both LTL and truckload freight and leverage our best rates or import your own carrier contracts and discounts.

When a company needs to make heavy or oversized shipments, having a resource that expertly handles all of the rating, booking, scheduling, billing and settlement tasks can significantly reduce the amount of labor needed to run your business.

For most businesses, freight shipping is a requirement of doing business.  However, the hassles previously associated with the process are now unnecessary.FreightCenter.com has stayed ahead of the curve when it comes to 3PL software technology and customer service.  What does that mean for you? Less time spent managing freight and more time to deal with other important aspects of your business.

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. Opens New Service Center in Worcester, Mass.

THOMASVILLE, N.C. – Mark Madden, VP of the Northeast region for Old Dominion Freight Line Inc., announced a service center opening in Worcester, Mass. The 80-door facility is located on a 20-acre site at 6 Pioneer Drive, North Oxford.  According to Madden, the Worcester Service Center will begin operations under the leadership of Service Center Manager Richard Gazebien, who will direct a staff of 29.

“The opening of the Worcester Service Center will not only allow us to better serve the central Massachusetts area but will also meet our needs for projected growth in this region,” said Madden. “Old Dominion will be positioned to gain market share in points currently being served.”

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is a leading less-than-truckload (LTL) super regional carrier. Through its non-union work force and four operating groups, OD•Domestic, OD•Expedited, OD•Global and OD•Technology, Old Dominion offers an array of innovative products and services and provides complete nationwide coverage within the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Central States, Gulf States and West regions of the country, including 39 states with 100 percent full-state coverage and international services around the globe. Ship with Old Dominion online at www.freightcenter.com

Is My Freight Insured? How Can I Purchase Freight Insurance?

When it comes to setting up a freight shipment, insurance is almost always an afterthought. Shippers often assume they have full coverage.  Unfortunately, once the freight is damaged it is too late to insure the shipment.

Here is some advice for all shippers before they set up their next shipment with a freight carrier or freight logistics company.

Do you have freight insurance? Check with your insurance provider to confirm if you have freight insurance coverage and determine the costs associated. If you do not have freight insurance coverage, then your freight shipping company or a freight logistics company can easily provide it for you on a shipment per shipment basis.

What is maximum liability in the case of damage or loss? Get blank copies of your freight carrier’s waybills and read them carefully to ensure that you are comfortable with their liability terms and conditions.

What do I do if I experience damage or loss with my shipment? Contact your freight carrier or shipping company immediately in writing. All damage must be noted on the delivery receipt..  Your freight carrier should advise the next steps to process your claim.

Am I responsible for payment of freight charges, even if my shipment incurs damage? Unfortunately, damage or loss incurred on a shipment does not absolve you of payment of freight charges.  Freight Carriers are more likely to settle your claim if you have paid your freight charges. The majority of freight carriers carry a maximum liability of $0.10/lb - $0.50/lb. That means for a shipment of 1,000 lbs you will be getting around $100.00 to $500.00. This is why we offer additional freight insurance for your items.  When booking your shipment simply talk to your service representative about the various insurance options FreightCenter.com can provide.