General Shipping
Q: How much should by shipment weigh before I decide to use a freight company.
A: If your shipment ways more than 150 lbs, it is too heavy for a parcel service and you will need a common carrier.
Q: How will my shipment be transported with a LTL (less than truckload) freight company?
A: Your shipment will be transported via truck along with other customer's shipments so that the costs of transportation are shared which makes LTL transportation economical and affordable.
Q: How will my shipment be transported with a FTL (full truckload) freight company?
A: If your shipment is large enough to take up the entire truck space, it is a "full truckload" and will be transported via truck all by itself. If your shipment does not quite require the entire space, it is considered a "partial truckload" and will be transported via truck along with another partial load.
Instructions/What to do
Q: Do I need to call the carrier after scheduling with you?
A: No, we will take care of this for you. Please do not call the freight carrier or terminal as this will duplicate the pickup.
Q: What do I need to do after scheduling my shipment?
A: Print 2 Copies of the bill of lading and make sure your shipment is properly packaged. The only other thing you need to do is have your shipment ready along with the bill of ladings on the designated pick up day. Give 1 copy of the Bill of lading to the driver to go with the shipment and the other copy is to be signed by the driver, with pro label affixed, for you to keep. You may also want to send the consignee (receiving party) a copy of the bill of lading as well.
Q: What if my shipment is not ready when the driver comes?
A: Usually the driver will not wait and will be dispatched to come out again the next day. This will delay your transit time and you will be responsible for a duplicated pick up fee if the carrier charges DDF LOGISTICS for the 2nd pick up.
Freight Class/NMFC #
Q: What is freight class?
A: Freight Class refers to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) and it is the category of your freight as defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).
Your shipment's freight class determines the carrier's shipping charges. There are 18 freight classes ranging from class 50 (the least expensive) to class 500 (most expensive). The class of your shipment is determined by its contents and NMFC item number.
Q: What is a NMFC Number?
A: This is the item number that specifically identifies each type of product that can be shipped by a LTL carrier. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) assigns NMFC item #'s to all products along with a freight class. The NMFC # identifies what you are shipping and it's freight class.
Q: How does Freight Class & NMFC # affect my shipment?
A: Your product NMFC # identifies the freight class and the freight class determines your shipping charges. The higher the freight class the more it coss to ship.
Q: How do I find out my Freight Class and NMFC #?
A: All classes and NMFC #'s are catalogued in the NMFC Tarrif for freight carriers. Any freight carrier can look this information up for you. You may also call the NMFTA direct at: (703) 838-1810.
Weight & Dimensions
Q: Does weight have to be accurate or can I estimate?
A: Yes, shipment weight needs to be accurate because your shipping charge is based partly on weight. If your shipment is inaccurately weighed, it is subject to being re-weighed by the carrier which could result in an additional charge. Re-weighing may also delay delivery.
Q: Do I also need to provide the shipment dimensions?
A: No, Domestic shipment charges are only based on freight class and weight. You only need to provide dimensions for international shipments because their costs are based on both weight and dimensions.
Q: What is Dimensional Weight?
A: Dimensional weight (also referred to as "dim" weight) considers a package's density, which is the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight. Dimensional weight is used when packages are large in volume, but do not weigh much. For example, the shipping charge of a large box of popcorn or inflated balloons may be based on the dimensional weight because of the amount of space it takes on an aircraft.
Q: How do I know if dimensional weight applies?
A: If the actual weight of your shipment is less than the calculated dimensional weight, the dimensional weight applies. Carrier's determine freight charges based on either the gross weight of the shipment or the dimensional weight, whichever is greater.
Q: How do I calculate my dimensional weight?
A: For Domestic Shipments:
L x W x H (cubic inches) / 194 = Dimensional Weight.
Example: 30" x 24" x 22" = 15,840 / 194 = 82 lbs. (round up to the nearest pound)
For International Shipments:
L x W x H (cubic inches) / 166 = Dimensional Weight.
Example: 30" x 24" x 22" = 15,840 / 166 = 96 lbs. (round up to the nearest pound)
Quotes/Rates & Fees
Q: How do you get such low rates?
A: We've established partnerships with the leading freight carriers and connections that give us the ability to negotiate low rates. We receive large discounts from our partner carriers based on our shipping volume.
Q: Can I go direct to the carrier and ship with them?
A: Yes you certainly can, but you will pay regular prices; unless you are a shipping company, freight forwarder or freight broker and you move enough shipments for them to give you a discount. With our discounts rates, we can save you as much as 70% off regular carrier prices and we'll completely take care of your shipment and do all the work for you.
Q: Are your rate quotes guaranteed?
A: To ensure that you receive the discounted rate that we have quoted, you must provide the truck driver with a copy of the DDF LOGISTICS Bill of lading that is provided when you schedule your shipment. If you do not use our bill of lading, you will be billed the full shipping price direct from the carrier.
Q: What are accessorial fees?
A: Any additional services required outside of the standard shipping procedure require additional fees from the carrier called accessorials. These include extra services such as: inside pick up, inside delivery, liftgate service, residential delivery etc.
Please indicate any needed services on the quote form and the fees will be included in your quotes.
Bill of Lading
Q: What if I want to use my own BOL?
A: Opting to use your own BOL will result in a void of DDF Logistics rate quote and being billed the full price direct from the carrier. In certain circumstances, such as the shipper not wanting the consignee to know that they used our freight service, we can make a special anonymous BOL for you. Please inquire about your situation for bol arrangements.
Service Transit Times
Q: Are transit times guaranteed?
A: Only "Guaranteed Service" transit times are guaranteed. All other transit times are reliable but not 100% guaranteed. Transit times do not include the day of pickup.
Q: Can I schedule my shipment and have it picked up the same day?
A: Carriers require a four hour pickup window and usually pick up in the morning and deliver in the afternoon. Sometimes we can arrange same day pick up, however it is not guaranteed. Please contact us to discuss your pickup needs.
Packaging, Crating & Pallets
Q: How should I package my shipment?
A: Your shipment should be packaged properly to ensure that it is delivered safely. Improper packaging may void the carrier's liability for damage.
Tracking & Claims
Q: How do I track my shipment?
A: We make it easy for you because, We track your shipment for you. Every morning to update all shipment information. Call us, anytime to find out the status of your shipment.
Q.How are claims handled?
A: Claims are handled directly by the freight carrier. DDF LOGISTICS is not involved in the carrier claims process and has no influence on the claim outcome. You must file your claim with the carrier within 15 days of delivery or 5 days if there is concealed damage.
If you purchased additional cargo insurance through us, you must file with the carrier and DDF LOGISTICS. Please call us for instructions on how to file your claim and forms.
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