The logistics surrounding LTL freight shipping can be complicated. With multiple shipments sharing trailer space, freight changing hands at various carrier terminals along the way, and drivers making several pickups and deliveries each day, there is little room for error. LTL shippers must provide accurate and detailed information when they book a shipment to avoid delays, missed pickups, or additional charges tacked on to their freight invoice. The process can be pretty intimidating, even for veteran shippers. Today, we will look at some of the biggest mistakes shippers can make when using LTL freight and how to avoid them when booking your next shipment.
The best way to ensure your LTL shipping process goes smoothly is to get help from the experts. Partnering with a knowledgeable 3PL like Koho gives you the tools and expertise to ensure you get the best rate and service for your freight. Koho provides an online shipping platform that contains everything you need to know about your shipment. You can get multiple quotes from trusted carriers in Koho’s extensive network, book your shipment online, automatically generate and print the necessary paperwork, and track your cargo along its route, all in one place. Plus, if you run into any problems or have questions about the process, you have direct access to the LTL specialists at Koho, who can answer any questions and help you with anything you need.
Submitting an accurate description of your shipment when you book your quote is critical if you want to avoid additional charges on your freight invoice. The weight should include all items, packaging, skids, and pallets included in the shipment. The dimensions submitted must also include any packaging, and if the shipment is oddly shaped, it must be measured from the tallest and widest points. You also need to record the NMFC freight class of your items. All of this information will affect the price of the quote, so if it does not match the actual shipment, the carrier will charge you for any discrepancies they find.
Accurate documentation and paperwork help keep a shipment from getting lost, misidentified, or delivered to the wrong place. The information you submit when you obtain a quote is used to fill out the bill of lading (BOL), which is affixed to the shipment and contains information regarding the cargo’s description, origin, destination, and consignee. A proof of delivery form will also be presented to the consignee at the time of delivery and should be used to check the shipment for any damage and account for all its items. If you use a 3PL like Koho, once you book your shipment, all necessary paperwork is automatically generated, stored on the online shipping platform, and available to print.
There are a variety of factors that can cause delays during shipping, including weather, traffic, human error, or accidents on the route. You should check up on the location and status of your shipment to remain aware of any potential delays so you can adjust expectations and adapt your supply chain accordingly. There are several different methods carriers use to keep track of your shipment while it is on the way to its destination, including PRO numbers, bill of lading numbers, and PO numbers. However, the most efficient way to track a shipment is through Koho’s online shipping platform. Koho is digitally integrated with carrier tracking systems, and real-time information is updated directly to the platform, so you know where your LTL freight is at all times.
One of the most common blunders shippers make with LTL freight is misunderstanding transit times. LTL shipping involves a lot of moving parts, potential delays, and unforeseen challenges that can cause holdups and setbacks, making it difficult to rely on estimated transit times. In addition, the freight shipping market has been especially chaotic in the past couple of years, with labor and equipment shortages, increased demand, capacity issues, and strict new safety protocols. These issues have made it even more challenging to predict LTL shipping transit times, so it is more important than ever to track your shipments diligently. If you use Koho’s online platform, your LTL freight tracking information is always available, so you can maintain visibility on your shipment and be aware of any delays or changes to your transit times.
Packaging your shipment properly is the best way to protect your items from damage and make them easier to transport. Packaging comes in a wide range of materials and styles, and what you select will be determined by the nature of the size, weight, shape, and fragility of the items you are shipping.
Stacking boxes on pallets is the most common form of packaging for most LTL shipments, making them easy to load and unload with a forklift or pallet jack. Large items or stacked boxes are most secure and safe when palletized and secured with straps or heavy-duty plastic wrap. There are also crates, barrels, and heavy-duty corrugated cardboard options. However, it is essential to remember that all packaging will be included in your shipment’s overall weight and measurements. Use what you need to keep the items secure, but don’t overdo it and add unnecessary weight to your load because it will affect the price.
Damage to shipments in transit can happen when shipping LTL freight. Depending on how far a shipment is going, how often it is loaded and unloaded at carrier terminals, and how it and the other shipments on a trailer are packaged and secured, many things can happen that may damage your freight. To protect your items and cover the cost of your shipment in the event of an incident, purchasing freight insurance from a third party is highly recommended for all valuable or fragile LTL shipping situations. Third-party freight insurance provides additional coverage beyond the legally required protection plan offered by all LTL carriers, which can fall short of covering the value of your items and contains a variety of coverage exceptions. To ensure your shipment is fully protected from any unforeseen damage or loss due to issues like inadequate packaging, temperature changes, shifting cargo, natural disaster, theft, motor vehicle accidents, or any other possibility that can occur during shipping, you should purchase freight insurance.
The best way to avoid these LTL shipping blunders is to partner with the LTL experts. Koho’s team of shipping pros can help you make the right decisions, point out potential mistakes before they cost you money, and provide assistance and answers every step of the way. Call Koho for your next LTL shipment and start shipping smarter, faster, and more cost-effectively today.
The logistics surrounding LTL freight shipping can be complicated. With multiple shipments sharing trailer space, freight changing hands at various carrier terminals along the way, and drivers making several pickups and deliveries each day, there is little room for error. LTL shippers must provide accurate and detailed information when they book a shipment to avoid delays, missed pickups, or additional charges tacked on to their freight invoice. The process can be pretty intimidating, even for veteran shippers. Today, we will look at some of the biggest mistakes shippers can make when using LTL freight and how to avoid them when booking your next shipment.
The best way to ensure your LTL shipping process goes smoothly is to get help from the experts. Partnering with a knowledgeable 3PL like Koho gives you the tools and expertise to ensure you get the best rate and service for your freight. Koho provides an online shipping platform that contains everything you need to know about your shipment. You can get multiple quotes from trusted carriers in Koho’s extensive network, book your shipment online, automatically generate and print the necessary paperwork, and track your cargo along its route, all in one place. Plus, if you run into any problems or have questions about the process, you have direct access to the LTL specialists at Koho, who can answer any questions and help you with anything you need.
Submitting an accurate description of your shipment when you book your quote is critical if you want to avoid additional charges on your freight invoice. The weight should include all items, packaging, skids, and pallets included in the shipment. The dimensions submitted must also include any packaging, and if the shipment is oddly shaped, it must be measured from the tallest and widest points. You also need to record the NMFC freight class of your items. All of this information will affect the price of the quote, so if it does not match the actual shipment, the carrier will charge you for any discrepancies they find.
Accurate documentation and paperwork help keep a shipment from getting lost, misidentified, or delivered to the wrong place. The information you submit when you obtain a quote is used to fill out the bill of lading (BOL), which is affixed to the shipment and contains information regarding the cargo’s description, origin, destination, and consignee. A proof of delivery form will also be presented to the consignee at the time of delivery and should be used to check the shipment for any damage and account for all its items. If you use a 3PL like Koho, once you book your shipment, all necessary paperwork is automatically generated, stored on the online shipping platform, and available to print.
There are a variety of factors that can cause delays during shipping, including weather, traffic, human error, or accidents on the route. You should check up on the location and status of your shipment to remain aware of any potential delays so you can adjust expectations and adapt your supply chain accordingly. There are several different methods carriers use to keep track of your shipment while it is on the way to its destination, including PRO numbers, bill of lading numbers, and PO numbers. However, the most efficient way to track a shipment is through Koho’s online shipping platform. Koho is digitally integrated with carrier tracking systems, and real-time information is updated directly to the platform, so you know where your LTL freight is at all times.
One of the most common blunders shippers make with LTL freight is misunderstanding transit times. LTL shipping involves a lot of moving parts, potential delays, and unforeseen challenges that can cause holdups and setbacks, making it difficult to rely on estimated transit times. In addition, the freight shipping market has been especially chaotic in the past couple of years, with labor and equipment shortages, increased demand, capacity issues, and strict new safety protocols. These issues have made it even more challenging to predict LTL shipping transit times, so it is more important than ever to track your shipments diligently. If you use Koho’s online platform, your LTL freight tracking information is always available, so you can maintain visibility on your shipment and be aware of any delays or changes to your transit times.
Packaging your shipment properly is the best way to protect your items from damage and make them easier to transport. Packaging comes in a wide range of materials and styles, and what you select will be determined by the nature of the size, weight, shape, and fragility of the items you are shipping.
Stacking boxes on pallets is the most common form of packaging for most LTL shipments, making them easy to load and unload with a forklift or pallet jack. Large items or stacked boxes are most secure and safe when palletized and secured with straps or heavy-duty plastic wrap. There are also crates, barrels, and heavy-duty corrugated cardboard options. However, it is essential to remember that all packaging will be included in your shipment’s overall weight and measurements. Use what you need to keep the items secure, but don’t overdo it and add unnecessary weight to your load because it will affect the price.
Damage to shipments in transit can happen when shipping LTL freight. Depending on how far a shipment is going, how often it is loaded and unloaded at carrier terminals, and how it and the other shipments on a trailer are packaged and secured, many things can happen that may damage your freight. To protect your items and cover the cost of your shipment in the event of an incident, purchasing freight insurance from a third party is highly recommended for all valuable or fragile LTL shipping situations. Third-party freight insurance provides additional coverage beyond the legally required protection plan offered by all LTL carriers, which can fall short of covering the value of your items and contains a variety of coverage exceptions. To ensure your shipment is fully protected from any unforeseen damage or loss due to issues like inadequate packaging, temperature changes, shifting cargo, natural disaster, theft, motor vehicle accidents, or any other possibility that can occur during shipping, you should purchase freight insurance.
The best way to avoid these LTL shipping blunders is to partner with the LTL experts. Koho’s team of shipping pros can help you make the right decisions, point out potential mistakes before they cost you money, and provide assistance and answers every step of the way. Call Koho for your next LTL shipment and start shipping smarter, faster, and more cost-effectively today.
Liftgate Maximums
Average Limits Across Carriers
Maximum Length
66.5"
Maximum Width
65.5"
Maximum Height
79"
Maximum Weight
2,750 lb
