Booking your first FTL shipment in the USA can feel overwhelming. There are carrier options to sort through, pricing structures to decode, documents to prepare, and pickup windows to coordinate — all before the truck even rolls out.
Step 1: Gather Shipment Details
Before requesting a quote, compile:
- Origin and destination addresses with ZIP codes
- Pickup and delivery date windows
- Weight, dimensions, and pallet count
- Commodity description and freight class (for reference)
- Special requirements (liftgate, appointment, hazmat)
Step 2: Choose Your Partner
You can book direct with a carrier or work with a freight broker like LoadFox. Brokers provide access to a wider carrier network, handle carrier vetting, and manage issues if something goes wrong in transit.
Step 3: Request and Compare Quotes
Get itemized quotes that include base rate, fuel surcharge, and any accessorials. The cheapest quote isn't always the best — reliability and communication matter.
Step 4: Prepare Your BOL
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the contract of carriage. Ensure it lists accurate weight, piece count, commodity, and special instructions.
Step 5: Coordinate Pickup
Confirm pickup window with your warehouse team. Have freight staged, labeled, and ready when the driver arrives to avoid detention charges.
Step 6: Track and Confirm Delivery
Use your broker's tracking tools to monitor in-transit status. Confirm delivery and inspect freight upon receipt.