Short, usable checklists rather than filler content.
What a carrier needs to quote your freight
Most quote delays come from missing details rather than from pricing. Send these up front and the answer comes back faster.
- Origin and destination city, state, and ZIP
- Pickup and delivery dates plus appointment requirements
- Commodity description and how it is packaged
- Piece or pallet count, total weight, and dimensions
- Equipment requested and loading or unloading method
- Reference numbers and any site restrictions
Preparing a shipment for pickup
A driver arriving to freight that is not ready burns the appointment window for everyone downstream.
- Have the bill of lading printed and accurate
- Stage and shrink-wrap pallets before the arrival window
- Confirm dock hours, lunch closures, and check-in procedure
- Identify who signs for the freight and how to reach them
- Flag anything overweight, fragile, or non-stackable in advance
How to verify a motor carrier
Before tendering freight to any carrier, confirm the registration yourself rather than relying on a website claim.
- Look up the USDOT number on the FMCSA SAFER carrier snapshot
- Confirm the operating authority status is active and authorized for property
- Check the cargo classifications match your commodity
- Request a current certificate of insurance directly from the carrier
- Confirm the legal name and address match the documents you receive
Intermodal container basics
Container moves are driven by terminal rules, not distance. These details determine whether a move is feasible.
- Terminal or facility and appointment window
- Container size and gross weight
- Chassis requirements and who supplies the chassis
- Pickup number, container number, or booking number
- Empty return location and cutoff
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