Get the Best Freight Rates: How to Estimate Shipping Costs and Choose the Right Mode of Transport
If you are looking to transport goods across Canada, USA, or Mexico, you know that freight rates can play a significant role in your decision-making process. The cost of shipping your cargo can greatly affect your profit margins and the overall success of your business. Therefore, it is essential to get the best freight rates and accurately estimate freight costs.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the key factors that can impact your freight rate, how to estimate freight rates accurately, and how ILCO Transit can help you get the best shipping rates for your cargo.
Factors That Affect Freight Rates
Several factors can impact your freight rates, including the type of cargo you are shipping, the mode of transport you choose, the shipping distance, and the current market conditions.
The type of cargo you are shipping can play a significant role in determining your freight rate. For instance, if you are transporting goods that are hazardous or require special handling, you can expect to pay a higher rate than if you were shipping standard goods.
The mode of transport you choose can also impact your freight rate. There are different modes of transport available, including Less than Truckload (LTL), Full Truckload (FTL), and Intermodal. Each mode has its own pricing structure and can impact your shipping costs differently.
The distance your cargo travels can also affect your freight rate. The further your cargo travels, the more you can expect to pay in shipping costs.
Finally, market conditions can impact your freight rate. For instance, during peak shipping seasons, rates may be higher due to increased demand.
How to Estimate Freight Rates
Accurately estimating your freight rates is essential to ensure you are getting the best shipping rates for your cargo. Here are some of the key factors to consider when estimating freight rates:
- Shipping Origin and Destination: Knowing the exact zip codes of your shipping origin and destination can help you get more accurate freight rate estimates. You should also consider the specifics of your pickup and delivery locations, including whether they are commercial or residential, if there is a loading dock, and if an appointment is needed.
- Packaged Freight Specifics: Accurate notation of your freight dimensions, weight, and commodity type can help carriers determine how much space your cargo will take on a truck, maximum weight the carrier can haul, and the correct freight classification for LTL freight.
- Extra Shipping Services: You may need to add extra services like liftgates or upcharges for non-commercial areas, blind shipments, sorting or segregating your shipment, or delivery appointments. Make sure you request these services to be included in your freight quotes.
How ILCO Transit Can Help You Get the Best Shipping Rates
ILCO Transit is a freight transportation company that provides shipping services across Canada, USA, and Mexico. We understand the importance of getting the best shipping rates for your cargo and provide a range of services to help you achieve that goal.
We also offer different modes of transport, including Less-Than Truck-Load, Full Truck-Load, and Intermodal, to suit your specific shipping needs. Our team of experienced professionals can help you determine the best mode of transport for your cargo and provide you with the best shipping rates.
Finally, we invite you to get a FREE quote from ILCO Transit. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get the best shipping rates for your cargo.
