FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Trangistics, Inc. hereafter referred to as TG

WHAT IS LTL SHIPPING?

LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping handles freight shipments ranging from 100 lbs to approx. 24,000 lbs. When the item you need shipped or transported is too large to take to the post office or your local parcel company, freight is seen as a more economical approach. Freight shipping is the easiest way to move large and bulky items quickly and efficiently while keeping shipping costs low. We do not trans-load, which is changing from one mode of transportation to another. Trans-loading leads contributes to the chance of your load being damaged from be unloaded and re-loaded. Your LTL stays on the same truck from the time it's picked up until it's delivered. 

HOW SHOULD I PACKAGE MY FREIGHT?

Please make sure that all items being shipped are properly and securely packaged to prevent damage. All freight should be packaged, crated, or stacked and secured onto pallets with banding, shrink-wrap or breakaway adhesive. Labels should be placed on every freight piece. Improper packaging may decrease or nullify the carrier’s liability for damage claims or loss.

CAN I ESTIMATE THE WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS OF MY SHIPMENT?

It is crucial to determine the most accurate weight and dimensions for the freight items you are shipping and not just estimate an approximate weight. Freight companies can choose to re-weigh and measure your item at any point during the transport process. If an inaccurate weight or dimension is used, a billing adjustment may be made to the rate for the difference in the cost to ship.

WHAT IS A BILL OF LADING OR BOL?

A bill of lading is standard, mandatory paperwork providing the carrier and driver with all pertinent information related to the shipping costs and information. This paperwork allows for proper billing to be processed by the shipping company. All parties involved should have a copy of the BOL (buyer, seller and carrier). It is very important that the BOL be given to the carrier at the time of pickup. Also, keep one copy for your records.

IS THERE A FEE FOR RESIDENTIAL DELIVERY OR PICKUP?

I like to say that this is determined on a case-by-case basis. It's more difficult to ship to a non-commercial location. Locations may includes apartments, residences, farms, estates, remote locations, and possibly schools and churches. Roads can be more narrow and turns too tight for large trucks. There is usually not a loading dock or ramp, which means the load has to be off-loaded with a forklift or rollback trailer, which is an additional expense.  The cost to ship can also change when delivering to a limited-access location (i.e. construction sites, military bases, camps, and storage-unit facilities). Be sure to ask if you are unsure if your location would fall into one of the above categories.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO SCHEDULE A PICKUP?

Depending on the time of booking in your time zone, we can try to arrange for same-day pickup. Always contact me directly for special arrangements and urgent bookings. Please allow a 4-hour window of time for freight pickup, and note that most shipping companies make pickups in the afternoon and spend their mornings with freight deliveries.

DO I NEED TO BE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF PICKUP?

Someone who is authorized to sign over the shipment and BOL must be present at the time of pickup. If the driver arrives at the pickup location and either the freight is not ready or there is no one available to sign the BOL, he/she will not normally wait.  If the driver does wait an abnormal amount of time, he may charge for the wait. If he/she has to leave,  the driver most often charges a TONU fee (truck order not used) to cover extra time and miles.. The pickup must then be re-dispatched.

ARE TRANSIT TIMES GUARANTEED?

Freight transit times are not guaranteed unless specifically noted on the freight quote option you select when booking you shipping rates. All other delivery times are estimates only that cannot be guaranteed, though they are normally reliable. Freight shipping transit times begin the day after picking up your freight.

HOW ARE CLAIMS HANDLED?

If your freight arrives damaged, it is important to accept the shipment in order to document the claim correctly. Documentation includes as many digital pictures as possible and detailed notes on the BOL describing the damage. A claim must be filed within 24 hours of delivery, by contacting TG directly by phone or by email. TG will act as liaison and assist the customer in processing the claim and filing all necessary paperwork, though we cannot guarantee all claims will be accepted from the shipping company.

IS MY SHIPMENT INSURED?

The industry-standard liability cargo insurance coverage offered by all LTL carriers booked through TG is $100,000 per BOL.. In addition, TG offers its customers the ability to purchase supplementary freight insurance accessed directly during the freight quote and booking process.

WHO WILL ACTUALLY TRANSPORT MY SHIPMENT?

We are a freight broker that utilizes the trucks of the largest, most reputable carriers and shipping companies. We are happy to disclose the name of the company and contact info when we book loads.

ARE YOUR RATES FINAL AND CERTAIN?

Due to the high volume we ship through our network of carriers, we are able to secure largely discounted shipping rates. Your shipping quote is based on the information provided to TG at the time of booking. Any changes or differences in the weight, class, size, or location can result in additional shipping costs direct from the carrier. To ensure that your shipping rates stay in line as originally quoted, be sure to use a BOL  that accurately reflects the actual size and weight of your load. This needs to match what your quote is based on.

HOW CAN I AVOID RECEIVING A BILLING ADJUSTMENT?

When obtaining a freight quote, the type of commodity, weight, dimensions, pick-up and delivery location, and distance all influence the cost to ship. The best way to avoid a change in shipping rates is to ensure that all information given to TG at the time of booking is 100% complete and accurate. When scheduling your freight shipping, make sure you are as honest and accurate as you can be about the contents, size, and weight of your freight.

I’M IN BUSINESS AND MY NEEDS ARE MORE SPECIALIZED. WHY SHOULD I USE RTS?

TG houses a full freight broker department that manages truckload, international, and specialty shipments. We can handle trade show shipping, auto and motorcycle shipping, rail, barge, furniture shipping, and white glove among many others. No matter your shipping problem, we will find a cost-effective solution for you. We excel at providing superior freight shipping solutions and offer an unparalleled combination of price, value, and service.