Frequently asked questions

Quoting and booking

How can I ensure my freight quote is accurate?

• Get all your information ready before you start your quote.
• Accurately measure and weigh your freight, including any packaging.
• Avoid estimating shipment details whenever possible.
• Watch how to get an accurate freight quote for more tips.
• Confirm pickup and delivery locations and the truck access at each.
• Make sure the pickup location gives the driver a printed copy of the Freightquote bill of lading (BOL). It has all the details the driver needs to accurately process and deliver your freight.

Do I need to know the exact weight and dimensions of my freight?

• To receive the most accurate quote, please enter the precise weight and dimensions of your fully packaged freight.
• Weight should always include any pallet and packaging weight; likewise, dimensions should also include the dimensions of the pallet and any packaging you’re using.

How do I determine freight class?

To help you determine freight class, use our freight class & density calculator, or simply start a quote and freight class will be calculated for you in our online tool.

Can I calculate weight without a freight scale?

• There are several creative ways to calculate freight weight that don’t require a dedicated freight scale. Moving several of the same item? Weigh one and multiply it by the total number of items in your shipment.
• Watch our video to learn creative ways to calculate weight without a freight scale.

Do I need an NMFC number?

• When using our online quoting and booking tool and allowing our system to assign a dimensional freight class for you, you do not need an NMFC number.
• Learn more about the role NMFC numbers play in traditional freight classification.

What is a bill of lading (BOL), and what do I do with it?

• The Bill of Lading (BOL) is a document that states what you’re shipping, where you’re shipping it to, and who is responsible for it.
• At the pickup location, the BOL must be presented to, and signed, by the driver to ensure your selected carrier is working off the correct shipment information. It is important to be sure the party who will load your shipment at the pickup location has a copy of the BOL.
• Freightquote will include a copy of the BOL in the confirmation email you receive after you book your shipment; you can also download the BOL or share it via email from your Freightquote account dashboard.

What is shipper’s insurance, and do I need it?

• Shipper’s Interest Insurance is a policy held by the shipper to protect from the financial impact of lost or damaged cargo in transit. Coverage exclusions and limitations may apply.
• This coverage is broader than the carrier’s required liability coverage:
• Deductibles are $500 (unless otherwise specified)
• The declared product value is used to determine the insurance premium amount
• It is wise to consider shipper’s insurance for items of value or used goods.

What is a volume quote?

• Volume quotes are one-time rate or spot quotes from carriers for large less-than-truckload (LTL) loads.
• Simply enter your specific weight and dimensions into our quoting tool and our Carrier Selection page will automatically display volume quotes for your shipment if available.
• In general, a volume quote may appear in your carrier results when:
• Total weight is equal to or greater than 5000 pounds
• Shipment takes up 10 linear feet or more
• Shipment is the size or weight of a full truckload, but requires special services like residential pickup/delivery or liftgates

Tracking

How do I track my shipment?

• You can track your shipments 24/7 from your computer or mobile device as soon as we receive tracking information from the carrier.
• Track shipments through your Freightquote dashboard:
• Log in to your Freightquote dashboard
• Select the shipment you’d like to track and we’ll display the latest tracking information we’ve received from the carrier.
• A tracking link is also provided in the confirmation email you receive after you book your shipment.
• You can also track a shipment using the Freightquote.com tracking number found in your tracking email.

General shipping

What shipping options are available through Freightquote by C.H. Robinson?

• Less than truckload (LTL)
• Full truckload (FTL)
• Parcel
• Temp controlled/Reefer
• Flatbed
• Canada
• LTL Hazmat
• Trade show freight shipping

What’s the difference between full truckload (TL) and less than truckload (LTL)?

• Full truckload (TL) service offers direct shipping on a dedicated truck through North America's largest carrier network. This direct shipping results in less handling and faster transit times than LTL service.
• A few things to keep in mind if you choose full truckload services:
• Total shipment value cannot exceed $100,000
• Both pickup and delivery locations require loading dock
• Freight must be on pallets
• The driver will not assist with loading or unloading the freight from the trailer
• Upon carrier arrival, the trailer will need to be loaded/unloaded within 2 hours
• If truck is not loaded within this time span, customer can incur additional charges
• Less than truckload (LTL) shipping allows multiple shippers to share space on the same truck, reducing costs.
• LTL is Ideal for pallet shipments that do not fill an entire truck trailer and weight under 15,000 pounds.
• Read more on our blog to help select the right service for your shipment.

How do I choose a carrier for my shipment?

• After getting quotes from multiple carriers, choose one that aligns with your shipping needs. By default, our tool sorts carriers by best match—those that align with your freight attributes. You can also adjust by price or delivery time.
• This video explains the difference between economy, middle-tier, and premium carriers—and which one to choose based on your needs.
• For LTL shipments, we’ve also implemented carrier ratings so that you can trust the experience of other shippers like you when selecting a carrier.

What can I expect if I select a carrier with guaranteed transit?

• This is a guarantee from the carrier for transit time. The carrier does not guarantee pickup dates. Pickups made after 5pm will either roll the guarantee an extra day or void the guarantee (depending on the carrier).
• Please also be aware that the selected pickup date is not calculated in your transit time.

How can I save on LTL freight shipping costs?

• Join our free Freightquote Rewards program to earn dollar savings on every qualifying LTL and FTL shipment.
• Enter precise weights, dimensions, and location needs during the quoting process to avoid extra charges from carriers later.
• For more tips about packaging, terminal pickups, and other cost-savings, check out these great resources:
• 4 simple ways to lower your LTL shipping rate (video included!)
• Additional strategies to save money on less than truckload (LTL) shipping.

How can I avoid adjustments on my shipment?

• The best way to avoid billing adjustments is to enter precise weights, dimensions, and location needs during the quoting process.
• Watch this video for more info about the most common LTL adjustments and how to avoid them.

Packaging

Do I need to package my freight?

• Yes. LTL carriers do not offer packaging services—it is your responsibility to appropriately package your freight in boxes, crates, or pallets before the driver arrives. Freight that is in sturdy, safe packaging not only helps carriers move shipments on time but also helps protect your freight from damage while in transit.
• Pro tip: Be sure to include the weight of your packaging materials! For instance, a standard 48x48 inch pallet can weigh up to 50 pounds, which can drastically affect your shipping method—and costs.

How should I package my freight?

• When shipping goods, it’s always important to minimize movement.
• For fragile items, pack crates or boxes as full as possible, with heavier items on the bottom. If the crate is not filled, use packing material to plug the empty spaces.
• Explore more tips for packaging and labeling freight in our shipping guide.

Freight pickup and delivery

What can I expect from my driver during pickup and delivery?

• While Freightquote helps you find the perfect carrier for your shipment, a driver from your selected carrier company will be the one showing up to pick up and deliver your freight.
• Typically, the driver will back the truck up to your dock or designated loading area. Once everything's loaded (or unloaded at the delivery spot), they'll sign off on your Bill of Lading (BOL).
• If loading or unloading feels like a heavy lift (pun intended!), you can always add liftgate service to your booking. This handy hydraulic lift, operated by the driver, will give your freight a boost up or down.
• Watch this video for four tips to streamline your LTL shipping pickup.

When can I expect the driver to deliver my shipment?

• Less than truckload (LTL) carriers operate during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They typically make deliveries in the morning and pickups in the afternoon.
• While carriers make every effort to move shipments as requested, they cannot guarantee delivery dates or times. If your shipment requires a specific delivery timeframe, you can book with a delivery appointment and your carrier will call the delivery location to set up an appointment window.

Is it possible to have my freight picked up on the same day I book it?

If you book your shipment before 2:00 p.m., we can request the carrier to pick up your freight that same day, although the pickup date is not guaranteed.

What do I need to know about dropping off or picking up at an LTL carrier terminal?

• Your freight still needs to be fully packaged as carriers will not package your freight or provide a pallet.
• The carrier will assist you with loading/unloading at the terminal, but once the freight is in your vehicle you are responsible for securing it properly.
• For terminal drop off:
  You will need to call the terminal to confirm their hours of operation and get directions to their drop-off location within their facility.
• For terminal pick-up:
  The carrier will call you once the freight arrives and provide details on their terminal hours, directions for the pickup location at their facility, the shipment's PRO number, and any documentation you may need to bring with you to make the pickup—commonly this includes a photo ID and a copy of the Bill of Lading (BOL).
• You will also receive information from the carrier on the timeframe you have to pick up the freight without incurring extra charges, but generally this is within just a few days of its arrival at their facility.

Billing information

Why was I charged a shipping adjustment?

• The quotes you see are based on the shipment details entered when you book. If, upon inspection, the carrier finds the details of your shipment differ from what was originally provided—or if the carrier must provide additional services to complete pickup and/or delivery—additional charges will apply in the form of a carrier adjustment to your order.
• If your shipment does result in added carrier fees, we’ll send you an email explaining the details of the adjusted freight rate. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact us.

How do I cancel a shipment?

• To cancel online:
  • Login to your Freightquote dashboard
  • Locate & select the booked shipment you wish to cancel
  • You will see a cancel option on the page
• Timing matters
  If your cancellation request is within 24 hours of your scheduled pickup, the shipment cannot be canceled online. Instead, please contact us for support with your request.

If I cancel a shipment, when will I be refunded?

Generally, refunds are processed in our system on the same business day. Then, your financial institution will typically take 3–5 business days to process the credit to your account.

Questions about a line of credit?

Please reach out to our support team.

Canada shipping

What is a customs broker?

A customs broker is a licensed business that helps importers and exporters comply with all laws and regulations for shipments crossing international borders. A customs broker typically assists with requirements such as:

• Completion of required cross-border paperwork and documentation
• Proper tariff classification of goods
• Calculating and paying duties, taxes, and other cross-border fees
• Ensuring regulatory compliance, including filing of appropriate paperwork with border agencies

Am I required to have a customs broker?

Yes. To ship with Freightquote you will need to hire a customs broker to assist you with required customs paperwork and the calculation and payment of all applicable duties, taxes, and other cross-border fees. Hiring a customs broker helps ensure a speedy and smooth customs clearance.

How do I find a customs broker?

If you do not already have a customs broker, we recommend using Borderbuddy to get started.

Do I need special documents to ship cross-border?

• Yes. At a minimum, you will need the Freightquote BOL, provided when you place your order, and a Commercial Invoice detailing the goods in your shipment.
• Beyond these two documents, the number and type of additional documents you will need depends on several factors, including what you are shipping, the value of the goods, and whether you are importing or exporting. Your customs broker will assist you with determining and completing any other required documents for your specific shipment.

What is a Commercial Invoice?

The Commercial Invoice for a shipment lists the details of the goods in a shipment. It identifies the seller, buyer, quantity, unit price, total value, and type of goods being shipped. This document aides customs authorities in determining the calculation of duties and taxes owed. Your customs broker can help answer questions about this document and assist you in completing it.

How reliable are transit times for cross-border shipments?

Carriers’ estimated transit times for cross-border shipments are a little more unpredictable than domestic shipments. Factors like lines at border crossings and customs inspections are difficult to estimate, so carriers cannot guarantee transit times across borders. However, ensuring you work closely with your customs broker to fill out all paperwork and pay all duties and taxes appropriately will help your shipment avoid delays at the border.

About Freightquote

Where does Freightquote ship?

Freightquote ships throughout the United States and to, from, and within Canada.

Is Freightquote a freight broker or freight carrier?

Freightquote is the nation’s largest online freight service provider, and a licensed transportation property broker. We work with the largest network of carriers to negotiate rates for shippers.

Is Freightquote part of C.H. Robinson?

Yes. Freightquote was acquired by C.H. Robinson, one of the world’s largest third party logistics providers in 2015. We aggregate volume to offer you competitive shipping quotes.

How does Freightquote choose carriers?

Freightquote works with the most reputable contract carriers across the nation, each of which is required to go through numerous steps in order to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s strict Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) requirements. Join our network of carriers today.

Freightquote rewards

What is Freightquote Rewards?

Freightquote Rewards is free to join and open to all Freightquote customers. Rewards members earn dollar savings for qualifying less-than-truckload (LTL) and truckload shipments that can be directly applied to future LTL and truckload shipment bookings. Rewards members also get access to exclusive, seasonal promotions in their Rewards Dashboard. See Terms & Conditions for full details.

How can I save money on shipments with Freightquote Rewards?

Earned Rewards dollars are added to your Freightquote Rewards account after each qualifying shipment delivers. Apply earned dollar savings to future less-than-truckload and truckload shipments at booking.

How do I join Freightquote Rewards?

Once you've signed in to your dashboard, or created an account with Freightquote.com, visit the Rewards tab to enroll and view your reward status.

How do I access my Freightquote Rewards dashboard?

Once you've signed in to Freightquote.com, you can use the Rewards tab of your dashboard to view your reward status.

When will my Rewards be added to my account?

Your earned rewards are added to your Freightquote Rewards account after your shipment is delivered. Sign in to your account to view your reward balance. You will also receive an email from Freightquote notifying you of your new reward balance.

Can I use my Freightquote Rewards with another promo code?

Yes! You can apply one valid promo code and also redeem Rewards dollars on less-than-truckload and full truckload shipments at booking. See Terms & Conditions for full details.

What if I have more questions about Freightquote Rewards?

Our customer service team is available by phone or email to answer any questions you may have.

My Freightquote Account

Is there an advantage to creating a Freightquote account?

While you can quote without signing in, you will benefit from creating a free Freightquote account! Here are some of the benefits:

• Unlock unlimited quotes.
• Your quotes will be saved, so you don’t have to re-enter all information when you return.
• Qualify for shipping discounts, special offers, and valuable information.
• Sign up and manage your progress in Freightquote Rewards, a free loyalty program to save you money on shipping.
• View details and track all your shipments in one place.