Have shipping questions on your mind?
From pricing and transit times to risk management and cross-border moves, these quick answers will help you navigate shipping with more confidence. Here are 10 commonly asked questions when shipping freight:
1. What factors have the biggest impact on freight costs?
Freight costs are influenced by shipment dimensions, density, transportation mode, equipment requirements and any additional services such as liftgates, inside delivery or residential pickup. Market conditions, fuel surcharges, seasonality and available capacity also play a role.
Working with a logistics provider helps shippers understand these variables, forecast costs more accurately and identify opportunities to control spend through better planning and mode selection.
Get an online quote to estimate your shipping costs.
2. How do I choose the right shipping mode for my freight?
The right shipping mode depends on shipment size, urgency, sensitivity and budget. Less-than-truckload is often ideal for smaller shipments that do not require a full trailer, while full truckload is better for higher volumes, time-sensitive freight or products that require minimal handling.
Other options such as expedite, intermodal or international services may be appropriate depending on delivery timelines and geography. A provider like ArcBest can help evaluate these factors and recommend the best solution for your needs.
3. How do equipment choices affect efficiency?
Different freight requires different equipment to move safely and efficiently. Dry vans are commonly used for standard palletized freight, while flatbeds support oversized or irregular loads. Refrigerated equipment is critical for temperature-sensitive goods, and specialized trailers may be required for high-value or regulated products.
Choosing the correct equipment reduces the risk of damage, delays and compliance issues while improving overall transit performance. ArcBest, an industry-leading solutions provider, offers shippers multi-mode flexibility to provide the solutions you need.
4. What determines freight transit time?
Transit time is influenced by distance, mode of transportation, service level and network design. LTL shipments typically take longer due to multiple stops within a hub-and-spoke system. Truckload and expedite shipments move more directly from origin to destination and usually arrive faster.
External factors such as weather, congestion, port activity and customs clearance can also impact timelines, particularly for international shipments. ArcBest works to optimize routing and leverage its carrier network to help reduce delays across modes.
5. What documentation is required to keep freight moving without delays?
Every shipment requires a Bill of Lading (BOL), which serves as a receipt, shipment summary and legal contract. Depending on the shipment, additional documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists or customs forms may be required.
Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork can result in delays, additional costs or shipment delays. Partnering with an experienced logistics provider helps ensure documentation is accurate and compliant from pickup through delivery.
6. How can freight class and NMFC numbers affect my shipment?
For LTL shipments, freight class directly impacts pricing. National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)numbers categorize commodities based on density, handling, stowability and value. Using the wrong classification can lead to billing adjustments and unexpected charges.
Correctly identifying freight class upfront helps maintain pricing accuracy and prevents future disruptions. Learn more about freight classes.
7. How do I reduce risk for high-value or sensitive shipments?
High-value or temperature-sensitive freight often requires additional safeguards. These may include enhanced packaging, temperature-controlled equipment, GPS tracking or secure handling procedures. Planning for risk management early helps protect freight from damage, theft or spoilage.
ArcBest offers tailored solutions designed to safeguard freight throughout the entire journey.
8. How should freight be packaged to reduce damage and claims?
Proper packaging plays a critical role in shipment success. Freight should be palletized, crated or boxed appropriately, secured to prevent movement and clearly labeled. Packaging requirements may vary based on equipment type and handling conditions.
Well-prepared freight reduces the likelihood of damage, delays and accessorial fees while improving delivery reliability.
Learn how to pack freight for an LTL shipment.
9. How do accessorial fees impact total shipping cost?
Accessorial fees are additional charges for services beyond standard pickup and delivery. Common examples include liftgate service, residential delivery, inside delivery, stop-offs, oversized freight and storage.
Understanding which accessorials apply to a shipment allows shippers to budget more accurately and avoid unexpected costs on the final invoice.
10. What should I look for in a freight carrier or logistics partner?
A strong logistics partner brings together reliable transportation with flexible service, real-time visibility and access to capacity and deep expertise across multiple modes. The right partner helps simplify your operations, manage risk and scale as your business needs change.
Partner with ArcBest for your next shipment
Shipping freight involves many moving parts, including choosing equipment type, pricing, paperwork, timing and risk management. By understanding the basics and working with a trusted provider, you can simplify logistics and enhance the efficiency of your transportation network.
Have more questions about shipping freight or need help planning a shipment? Reach out to our experts at ArcBest today.
