How to get an accurate freight quote
Quotes are only as good as the information behind them. Use this checklist and template so the price you're quoted is the price you pay.
Most freight invoice surprises trace back to a quote request that left something out: a liftgate, a residential address, an underestimated weight. Send the same complete information to every provider and you'll get quotes you can actually compare.
The freight quote checklist
Locations
- Pickup and delivery addresses with ZIP / postal codes
- Location type: business with dock, business without dock, residence, construction site, limited access
- Hours of operation and appointment requirements
Freight
- Number and type of handling units (pallets, crates, drums)
- Dimensions of each unit (L × W × H in inches) and weight
- Commodity description and, for LTL, NMFC class or density
- Stackable or not; fragile; new or used goods
- Hazardous materials: UN number, class and packing group
- Value of the goods (for liability and insurance)
Service
- Mode preference: LTL, volume LTL, partial or full truckload
- Equipment: dry van, reefer (temperature), flatbed (tarps), other
- Ready date and required delivery date
- Accessorials: liftgate, inside delivery, notify, appointment, extra stops, driver assist
- Cross-border details if applicable: customs broker, commercial invoice
Copy-and-paste request template
Hello, please quote the following shipment:
Pickup: [address, ZIP], [dock / no dock], hours [ ], ready [date]
Delivery: [address, ZIP], [dock / no dock / residential], hours [ ], required by [date]
Freight: [#] pallets, [L×W×H] each, total [weight] lb, [commodity], class [ ], [stackable / non-stackable]
Equipment: [dry van / reefer at __°F / flatbed with tarps]
Services: [liftgate at delivery, appointment, etc.]
Value: $[ ]; please include liability limits.
Please state whether fuel is included, free time before detention, and quote validity.
Comparing the quotes you get back
Line up the quotes in a table: total price, fuel, accessorials, transit time, liability limit and validity date. A quote that's much cheaper usually excludes something. Our guide to comparing freight quotes walks through the details.
Need a ballpark first?
Try the quick freight cost estimator for an instant planning range before you request formal quotes.