Buying Tips
Establish an Account
Establishing an account can reduce costs. Not only will you get discounts, but you are also billed
later instead of having to pay in advance. This can be helpful if a problem arises with your
shipment.
National Carriers
If you have to ship over 1,000 miles, you may want to consider a national LTL carrier over a
regional carrier. These firms offer the advantage of not having to interline packages traveling
long distances.
Alternative Programs for Large Shipments
Cost-effective alternatives to LTL shipping are the Multiweight and Hundredweight programs offered
by RPS and UPS. These programs offer a discount for multiple packages totaling 200 pounds or
more that are all going to the same address. As long as each package meets individual UPS/RPS
size requirements, you will get 10%-20% off the regular UPS/RPS rates. This is often cheaper
than sending a full pallet via an LTL carrier, although you will need to individually label
and pack each box.
Rush Jobs
If packages need to arrive at their destination in a hurry, consider using an air freight forwarder.
These services specialize in the immediate delivery of heavyweight goods via air. Companies
are often able to secure a much better rate for delivery than if they were to work through
a branded national overnight delivery service.
Finding Carriers Serving a Particular Area
Routing guides can help you identify which carriers serve a particular area. American Motor Carrier
Directory (800/547-8753) and the National Highway Carriers Directory (847/634-0606) offer guides
that cover the nation. If you only need information on one city, consult the Official Motor
Freight Guide (800/621-4650).
