When you’re ready to ship and you’re shopping for rates, there are a few key pieces of information that will help you get a timely and accurate quote. Our sales and service staff have shared their recommendations below.

When it comes to size, the more specific you are, the better! For any type of shipping, be it small package, international air freight, or domestic LTL freight, you need to have the weight and dimensions. This is because for most kinds of shipping, your freight will share space with other freight in a vehicle or vessel, so your price will depend (in part) on how much of that valuable space your item takes up.

The same goes for your item description; the more specific you can be the better. For domestic LTL, we’ll need to know the freight class, and for international shipping we need it to make sure it is an item that will pass TSA regulations. Our experts can help you answer these questions if you provide a clear description of your product.

Finally, if you’re unfamiliar with what type of shipping you need, take a moment to read up on the options. In general, your item’s dimensions will be the biggest factor in determining what method is best for shipping.

It’s a new year and for many businesses, that means a new slate of tradeshows to attend. If you are planning to ship your displays to the show via freight, there are some important considerations you’ll need to make. Below is our list of tips for those of you shipping to a tradeshow for the first (or tenth!) time.

- Ask the tradeshow coordinator what carriers are approved by the tradeshow. Some shows will allow you to use a carrier of your choice; others will ask you to use a specific carrier.

• Ask whether the delivery location will need a liftgate truck. If there is a loading dock, you will not need one.
• Find out the delivery window. If you have a narrow time window on only one day, you should consider getting a guaranteed quote instead of a regular freight shipping quote. With a guaranteed quote, you will be reimbursed for shipping costs if the freight is not on time.
• Before you request a quote, measure your items and weigh the total, packaged shipment. These figures are factors in your price. Your freight class for tradeshow-bound goods will always be 125.
• Know who your contact will be on site when the freight arrives. This information goes on the Bill of Lading.

Happy networking!

Whether it’s unique furniture for your home or cheap used equipment for your business, online sellers offer great variety and once in a lifetime deals. But when it comes to shipping your purchase, it can be hard to know what you need. If you are buying or selling large items online, be it through eBay, Craigslist, or a specialty auction, this guide is for you.

First, find out what shipping method you need. LTL shipping is the cheapest, best option for large machinery and electronics, crated furniture, and pallets of bulk goods. If your item is over 4 feet long or over 150 pounds, you will most likely need to ship via LTL freight.

Next, decide who will pay for the freight. This person will work closely with the freight broker to arrange the shipment. When bidding on or posting an item, budget appropriately for shipping costs. Keep in mind that cross-country moves are more expensive than short distance ones, and prices usually increase with a higher weight.

Freight prices are determined in part by weight and dimensions, so make it easier to get an accurate quote by measuring your item’s weight and dimensions. If the item will be crated, measure the crated weight and dimensions.

It’s a good idea to find out where your buyer/seller is located. You will need the zip code, and you’ll also want to find out if your item is headed to or departing from a residential or a commercial location. It is cheaper to use a commercial location.

If it’s appropriate, box or crate your item before pickup. Here are some items that must be boxed or crated: motorcycles and bikes, furniture, snowmobiles, taxidermy, sporting goods, signs, and scientific or medical diagnostic equipment. Items that do not require a box include: automobile engines, transmissions, and simple heavy machines such as presses. If there are a lot of small boxes, it’s best to consolidate onto one or two pallets.

If you are planning to break down the pallet at delivery, make sure you have some helpers ready. Typically, an LTL freight truck driver will not unpack a pallet of boxes.

Happy shopping, and happy shipping!

Here at ShippingDiscounts.com, we ship all different types of freight. One customer, Lucky Gunner Ammo is a leading ammunition provider who ships all over the country. Many people have a misconception that to ship ammo they have to jump through hoops, but that is not true in most cases. Most of the time, non hazardous ammunition as outlined under Title 49 by the Department of Transportation is class 85 under NMFC code 64300-02. It is important to put “ORM-D” in the special instructions of the Bill of Lading. ORD-D stands for Other Regulated Material and is defined by the Department of Transportation as material having a limited hazardous risk due to its packaging and form.