Finding competitive rates when shipping FTL (full truckload) is one of the most challenging tasks in the transportation industry. Fuel prices, market trends, and labor capacities are constantly changing, making it difficult to find low prices consistently. So, if you’d like to learn a few practical tips on securing the best rates, this guide is for you.
Below, we’ll discuss the process of getting a full truckload quote, emphasizing how Cargobot’s freight tech makes it easy to get fast, accurate quotes.
First things first, let’s break down what full truckload shipping is.
As the name implies, FTL shipping is when you have enough goods to fill up an entire truck or choose to dedicate a whole truck to your shipment, even if it doesn’t entirely fill it up.
FTL shipping is the ideal choice when moving a large volume of goods, requiring faster delivery times, or needing special handling for your shipment.
Some of the benefits of full truckload shipping include:
If you’re thinking about shipping your good with FTL freight solutions in North America, here are some factors to help you determine the price of FTL quotes:
The cost of fuel significantly impacts FTL freight quotes. Carriers usually incorporate a fuel surcharge to mitigate fluctuating fuel prices.
This surcharge varies and is often based on the U.S. National Average Diesel Fuel Index.
The distance the truck needs to travel directly affects the quote.
The farther the journey, the higher the cost, as the vehicle involves more fuel, additional labor hours, and wear and tear.
The truck’s specific route or lane also plays a role in determining the quote. Some roads are busier than others and may attract higher costs due to high demand.
This refers to the availability of trucks compared to the demand for them. Prices increase with a high demand for trucks but a limited supply.
On the other hand, when there’s ample supply but lower demand, prices tend to drop. Seasonal changes often affect market capacity, with peak shipping seasons leading to higher rates.
The urgency of the shipment can also impact the quote.
If you need an expedited service, expect to pay more. However, you could secure a better rate if you have flexibility with pick-up and delivery dates.
These are additional services that go beyond the standard pick-up and delivery. Each additional service adds to the total cost.
They include:
Several factors affect FTL freight quotes in North America. They include fuel surcharges, distance traveled, the specific trucking lane, market capacity, timing flexibility, and accessorial charges.
Understanding these factors can help you anticipate potential costs, make informed decisions, and better negotiate your FTL freight quotes.
Cargobot makes inland freight transportation simpler, faster, and more efficient.
Cargobot’s platform is a freight tech solution designed with shippers in mind. It leverages technology to streamline the quote process, making it user-friendly and efficient.
The platform reduces the time and effort shippers put into acquiring FTL quotes. It offers an easy-to-use interface that quickly matches shippers with suitable carriers.
It’s the most efficient way to find the best FTL shipping quotes. Through this platform, shippers can:
Several strategies can help you get the best FTL quotes with Cargobot Direct. They include:
Cargobot Direct allows for easy scheduling of your shipments — the more lead time you provide, the better your chance of securing a competitive quote.
This is because it gives you and the platform more time to find the best match between your shipping needs and the available carriers.
Please provide a range of acceptable pick-up and delivery dates. This flexibility could open up more options for cost-effective trucking solutions.
Cargobot Direct’s platform can match you with carriers seeking to fill their capacity on those dates.
One of Cargobot Direct’s key features is transparent pricing. Use this feature to your advantage by comparing rates from different carriers.
The platform provides detailed breakdowns of quotes so that you can make informed decisions.
Cargobot Direct provides insights into market conditions, including supply and demand fluctuations.
By monitoring these trends, you can anticipate when rates may be lower and plan your shipments accordingly.
Additional services such as liftgate service, storage, or inside delivery add to the total cost.
If you require these services, ensure you negotiate these costs upfront. Being transparent and upfront about your needs at the quoting stage can help you get an accurate quote and improve your relationship with your carrier.
Cargobot Direct’s platform allows clear communication between shippers and carriers, thus simplifying the negotiation process.
Securing the best FTL quotes with Cargobot Direct involves planning your shipments in advance, flexibility with pick-up and delivery dates, taking advantage of transparent pricing, understanding and monitoring market trends, and negotiating accessorial charges.
Don’t let the complexities of full truckload (FTL) shipping hold you back. Step into the future of freight tech with Cargobot Direct!
The platform harnesses the power of technology and transparency to bring you fast and accurate FTL quotes. You can easily compare rates and make informed decisions using one digital platform.
Download Cargobot Shippers App today and join many other shipping companies using Cargobot for faster growth.
Get your quick, accurate FTL quote and embark on a journey toward effortless freight transportation today!