How to request a truckload quote: what shippers and brokers should send
A good quote starts with good information. If you ship freight or book loads as a broker, sending the right details the first time gets you an accurate rate faster and avoids surprises on pick-up day. Here is what we ask for, and why.
The details that set the rate
| Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pick-up and delivery cities (with ZIP codes) | Distance and lane set most of the rate. |
| Equipment | Dry van, flatbed or refrigerated trailers are different trucks. |
| Weight | Heavy loads affect the truck, the route and sometimes permits. |
| What the freight is | Fragile, high-value or temperature-sensitive goods need different handling. |
| Dates and appointment windows | Tight windows and weekend deliveries take planning. |
| How often it moves | A regular lane can be planned and priced differently from a one-off load. |
Choosing the equipment
- Dry van: enclosed trailer for packaged goods and anything that must stay dry and secure.
- Flatbed: open deck for freight loaded from the side or top by crane or forklift: steel, lumber, building materials, machinery. Tell us if it needs tarps.
- Refrigerated: for produce, dairy, frozen and other perishables. Tell us the temperature the load must stay at.
Not sure? Tell us what you are shipping and we will suggest the right trailer.
Things that change a quote later
Most surprise charges come from details nobody mentioned. Tell us up front about:
- extra pick-up or delivery stops;
- loading or unloading that the driver is expected to help with;
- tight appointments or long waits at the dock;
- tarping, temperature requirements or special securement.
How to send it
Use our quote request form. It asks for exactly these details and goes straight to dispatch. For same-day loads, call dispatch: we answer around the clock.
Brokers: we can send our carrier setup packet on request.