At ShippingDiscounts.com, we are routinely asked to provide a PRO number when calling our partner LTL carriers and tracking LTL freight shipments for our customers. So, what is the definition of a PRO number? A PRO number is a series of numbers used by carriers as a reference for freight movement. The term “PRO number” is short for progressive number. This series of numbers is used as a tracking tool. PRO numbers are usually 7 to 10 digits long. PRO numbers are usually paired with a SCAC code to form a longer barcode. The SCAC code identifies the carrier with a unique four letter combination, as set by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association. The SCAC code is then followed by the PRO number of 7 to 10 digits to ultimately create the longer barcode.
This barcode sticker consisting of the SCAC code and the PRO number is then placed on the pallets where it can be easily recognized for shipment. These PRO numbers are then scanned and used for tracking the entire shipment as it enters and exit transfer centers operated by the carrier.
Oftentimes a shipment will contain many PRO numbers, for example, every pallet could have its own PRO number. When this occurs, all PRO numbers associated with the shipment will then be assigned to one PRO number that is then used specifically for tracking.
PRO numbers are usually created and stored in the software system of the carriers in advance. This way companies and individuals wishing to ship can pull a PRO number from a set of PRO numbers already created. This makes moving freight much easier and quicker.
PRO numbers are very similar to UPS tracking numbers. The PRO number will not only be located on the pallets for shipment, but also on all paperwork. The PRO number will be located on the BOL. Copies of the BOL are maintained by the person or company sending the shipment, by the carrier, and by the receiver upon delivery. The PRO assists in identifying LTL freight for billing purposes.
FAK stands for Freight All Kinds. Essentially, FAKs were set up to help shippers who ship items at multiple freight classes ship all those shipments at the same class. It was implemented to facilitate an easier pricing and billing communication between the shipper and the carrier. Additionally, it eliminates the headache of figuring out the NMFC classification of individual items each time a shipment is processed. As an example, a shipper who shipped multiple commodities ranging in class from 125 to 200 could negotiate an FAK with the carrier to ship all items at class 150. More recently, FAKs have evolved into a negotiating tool used by both the shipper and carrier. Depending on the volume of the shipper, freight carriers will agree to ship items at a lower class in order to secure the business of the customer. Usually, a carrier will agree to FAKs for shipments transported through its most traveled routes since this is most cost efficient for the carrier. Negotiating FAKs is a huge advantage in securing the lowest rates for customers and is a key component in how ShippingDiscounts.com secures its low freight rates.
When we are talking to potential customers, they often ask us what our discounts are with a particular carrier. For instance, a customer may say, I’ve got an 80% discount with Southeastern Freight. First off, without knowing whether the customer has any FAKs or not, we can’t accurately compare pricing. Additionally, freight companies are tricky when negotiating their rates, as one customer may have an 80% off of 2009 pricing, while another customer may have a 75% off 2002 pricing and blow the first customer’s freight rates out of the water. Without actually seeing a customers’ invoice or getting an actual spot quote based on the common shipping parameters, its just impossible to tell what type of freight savings we’ll be able to offer.
A Bill of Lading is a document created by the transportation company (actual freight company or third party logistics provider) given to the shipper who then gives that document to the driver to acknowledge goods have been received for shipping to destination. It acts as both a contract between parties and a medium for reference if any claims are made by the shipper or carrier or shipments are delayed or denied.
As a third party logistics provider, ShippingDiscounts.com, gives our customers the ability to use our simple back end transportation management system to select the best carrier, input shipment details, and print out the Bill of Lading. If our customer is only a one time shipper, we are happy to enter in the specifics of the shipment and then send over the Bill of Lading to give to the driver upon pickup. We advise our customers to print out two copies; one to give to the truck driver and one for their records.
On the Bill of Lading, all details of the shipment will be listed. These details include the contact name and address of both the pick up and delivery parties, the carrier, pick up date, freight terminals of origin and destination, and description of the items being shipped. Additionally, special instructions and accessorial specifics are listed on the Bill of Lading. As an example of what might be listed in these sections, a customer might need residential delivery with a lift gate and and the need for the freight to be moved inside his house up five steps of stairs. He might also want to be notified when the freight arrives at the destination terminal so he can speak directly with the freight carrier to gauge a better idea of when the shipment will be delivered to his home. All this information is listed on the Bill of Lading to ensure the most accurate communication between all parties involved so the correct trucks are used, no additional charges are applied, and an overall smooth freight shipping experience takes place.
At ShippingDiscounts.com, we receive numerous requests throughout the day from customers looking for the best freight shipping rates and quotes. Though each customers’ shipping needs are unique in some way, there are always required pieces of information that any freight forwarder needs in order to give an accurate freight quote. This freight information is critical for the customer for both attaining the lowest freight rate and making sure the stated freight quote does not change when freight shipments are reassessed by the freight carrier after pickup. The freight information required and the reasons for their importance are listed below.
Freight Location Zip Codes – Because freight rates are partly based on mileage, it is necessary to have the zip codes of the pickup location and destination location. Most often, the shorter the distance, the cheaper it is to ship the freight.
Details of Freight Shipment – Other than mileage, a few other factors go into determining the freight quote of an item. They include weight, dimensions and description of what is being shipped. All these factors go into determining the freight class of the shipment.
Weight – Yes, weight does matter. We are constantly surprised at how many customers don’t realize that weight plays a factor in the cost of freight shipping. The heavier something is, the tougher it is to move around, the more gas it takes to move the truck down the road, etc. With freight, even if you don’t know an exact weight, try to get within at least a hundred pounds so we can give you an accurate estimate.
Dimensions – Some freight classes are density based. Because of this, we must know the length, width and height of the item being shipped rounded to the nearest inch.
Description of the Item – Freight rates are also dependent on the fragility and value of the item being shipped. As an example, a flat screen TV with similar weight and dimensions as an old computer will have a higher freight cost.
Type of Freight Location – The price of the freight shipping also depends on whether the freight is getting picked up or dropped off at a residential or business location. Freight rates increase when shipments are picked up from a residential location or delivered to a residential destination because freight carriers consider these roadways to be less navigable and more complex to facilitate an easy pickup. We always advise our customers to utilize a business location if possible or take the shipment to the nearest freight terminal of the freight carrier being used.
Other Freight Services – In addition to the information above, there are supplementary services that are quite commonly requested by our customers and carry added fees.
Lift Gate Trucks – If the freight requires a lift gate at either the pickup or destination location, this will increase rates as freight carriers have to send out a special truck to the location. A freight shipment usually requires a lift gate if the shipment weighs over 100 lbs and there is not a loading dock or forklift at the location or someone to help unload the freight. The lift gate is at the back of the truck and is used to raise and lower the freight on and and off of the truck.
Notify Consignee - There may be a small added fee if the shipper requires that a consignee be notified upon arrival. This might take place if a freight shipment is delivered to the freight terminal and the shipper requests that the receiver of the shipment be notified upon arrival.
ShippingDiscounts.com looks forward to helping you with your next freight shipment. If you are ready with all these freight details on hand, it only takes a few minutes to setup a shipment. If you are an individual repeat shipper or your business ships, we can set you up with a customer login and show you how easy it is to process shipments yourself and utilize our deeply discounted freight rates. It is completely free, you only pay for actual shipping costs…look forward to serving you soon!