Understanding Shipping Costs: How Add-Ons and Choices Affect Your Freight Budget

When planning your shipment with Quest Transportation, understanding the factors influencing shipping costs is key to staying on budget. While the basics like shipment size, weight, and distance play a significant role, the type of service you choose—whether FTL, LTL, flatbed, or heavy haul—also impacts pricing. Beyond these essentials, certain add-ons and accessorial can further adjust the total cost.

LTL vs. FTL: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget

• LTL (Less Than Truckload):
• LTL is typically a more economical option for smaller shipments, making it ideal for loads under 12,000 lbs or fewer than 12 pallets.
• Cost savings come from sharing truck space with other shipments, but this does involve handling at consolidation points, increasing the potential for minor delays or damage.
• FTL (Full Truckload):
• FTL is more expensive but provides exclusive use of the truck for your shipment.
• This option is safer for high-value or fragile goods, as there’s minimal handling and no stops at consolidation centers.
• Dry van services are more cost-effective than refrigerated or frozen shipping, which require specialized equipment to maintain controlled temperatures.

Common Accessorial and Add-Ons That Impact Costs

Certain services are added to ensure your freight is delivered safely and meet specific requirements. Here are the most common add-ons to factor into your shipping costs:

• Liftgate Services:
  Necessary when pickup or delivery locations lack a loading dock. A liftgate allows for safe loading and unloading of heavy pallets, typically incurring an additional charge.
• Residential Delivery:
  Deliveries to residential addresses often cost more due to extra handling and logistics compared to commercial dock shipments.
• Event or Fair Deliveries:
  Shipments destined for trade shows, fairs, or events require careful coordination and handling, adding to the total shipping costs.
• Appointment Scheduling:
  Precise delivery times for locations that require appointments may involve extra charges for coordinating schedules.
• Additional Handling:
  Specialized shipments, such as fragile or uniquely dimensioned items, often come with higher fees for careful handling.

Transparency in Pricing

At Quest Transportation, we’re committed to providing clear, upfront pricing to help you budget effectively. Understanding potential add-ons ensures there are no surprises when it comes to shipping costs.

To receive the most accurate quote and detailed breakdown of potential accessorials, reach out to our experienced representatives. We’re here to provide the support and insights you need to optimize your freight budget while ensuring smooth and reliable delivery.

Call us today to learn more about how Quest Transportation can help manage your shipping needs!