| Trying to understand how freight company's class | | | | you aren't a large company. These discounts can |
| packages for shipping can be a bit confusing, but it is | | | | vary from freight carrier to freight carrier and will |
| not as difficult to ascertain as one might imagine. | | | | depend on what you want to send. |
| Often time's calculations have to do with weight and | | | | If you really want to find the best deals, you may |
| whether or not the item is commercial or residential in | | | | wish to locate what is commonly referred to as a |
| nature. | | | | freight Broker. This broker can lower your overall |
| Primary consideration for evaluating shipping classes | | | | cost because, just like a company that supplies the |
| include: | | | | shipper with constant business, a broker can provide |
| Density and weight | | | | the necessary volume that effectively lowers pricing. |
| In order for the carrier to ascertain how shipments | | | | The great thing about dealing with the broker and |
| will be situated inside the transportation vehicle they | | | | not the shipping company itself is that you can |
| have to assess your package in pounds by cubic | | | | negotiate an even lower rate on top of the |
| feet. Extremely dense items such as equipment or | | | | automatic discounted rates. |
| heavy metals may receive low classifications and be | | | | To locate a fine broker, you can do an Internet |
| the least expensive to ship. | | | | search or ask friend or relatives who have used a |
| Damageability | | | | reputable one in the past. |
| Extremely fragile items or those that can be easily | | | | Avoiding damage |
| damaged in transit are classed far differently and are | | | | After evaluating the various opportunities available to |
| more costly to ship. Bulky items may also be | | | | you regarding shipment of your extra large item, |
| considered high risk and fall into this type of | | | | make sure your shipment arrives in once piece. The |
| evaluation. When calling around to see which freight | | | | best way to do this is with the appropriate |
| company you wish to use, be sure to tell them what | | | | packaging. While some shipping companies will offer |
| you wish to ship. A reputable company should be able | | | | to package your product for you, some do not offer |
| to give you a cost estimate for free. | | | | this service. |
| Truckload pricing | | | | If the item is too big for you to package alone look |
| If you choose to use a trucking company to ship | | | | into crating companies and be sure to add this costs |
| your item, you may be able to get an affordable | | | | into your shipping budget. |
| cost per mile rate. This is often calculated by a carrier | | | | Some companies offer airtight guarantees on their |
| who utilizes computer technology to get the best | | | | shipments, but these guarantees may be null and |
| competitive rates. Go over their cost estimations so | | | | void if you improperly pack the item yourself so it |
| that you better understand associated pricing and | | | | may be to your advantage to consider a packing |
| won't get any nasty surprises upon final billing. | | | | company regardless. |
| Contractor pricing | | | | In the end, make sure you understand any added |
| Commercial institutions who do a lot of shipping can | | | | fees and charges that may be applied to your |
| usually obtain "Freight All Kinds" or "FAK" rates due to | | | | account before agreeing to anything. |
| continuous bulk shipping. Sadly, regular individuals | | | | With the right attitude and a proactive consumer |
| cannot take advantage of this type of pricing, largely | | | | approach, your parcel will arrive safe and on time to |
| because it is not in the freight company's advantage | | | | its designated location and you will have the name of |
| to give large discounts for single shipments. | | | | a reliable carrier in your mental rolodex the next time |
| Discount Pricing | | | | you need something massive shipped. |
| That said, there are ways to obtain discounts even if | | | | |