What Information Is Needed for an Accurate Freight Quote? Shipper Checklist
The 7-Point Freight Quote Checklist
Whether you are booking a 53' Dry Van, a 48'–53' Flatbed, a Bulk Dump Load, or Freight Brokerage capacity, providing these seven details upfront gets you an accurate rate on the first call:
- Origin & Destination ZIP Codes + Facility Type: Specify whether pickup and delivery are commercial loading docks (48"–52" height), ground-level yards with a forklift, or active construction sites.
- Equipment Type & Securement: Dry van, open flatbed (specify if 4-ft, 6-ft, or 8-ft drop tarps are required), or bulk dump trailer.
- Commodity Description: What is being shipped (e.g., bundled kiln-dried lumber, palletized dry goods, crated machinery, or #57 crushed stone).
- Total Weight (lbs): Including pallets, crates, and packaging dunnage. Standard legal payload limits are ~44,000–45,000 lbs for dry van and up to ~48,000 lbs for flatbed.
- Piece / Pallet Count & Dimensions: Length × Width × Height in inches. For flatbed loads, always note the longest and widest piece to confirm legal overhang/width (standard legal width is 8'6" / 102 inches).
- Loading & Unloading Method: Live load vs. drop trailer, dock forklift, side-load Lull/telehandler, or overhead crane.
- Target Pickup Date & Receiving Window: Specify whether the receiver requires a scheduled appointment or has first-come, first-served (FCFS) hours.
Common Accessorial Charges & How to Avoid Them
| Accessorial | Why It Happens | How to Prevent It |
|---|---|---|
| Detention | Loading or unloading exceeds the standard 2-hour free window | Stage pallets prior to truck arrival and confirm receiver dock hours |
| TONU (Truck Order Not Used) | Load is canceled after the truck is dispatched to origin | Confirm material readiness with your warehouse before tendering |
| Tarping / Special Securement | Weather protection requested at pickup on a flatbed load | Specify tarp drop size (4', 6', or 8') when requesting your initial quote |
| Liftgate / Limited Access | LTL delivery location lacks a loading dock or forklift | Note ground-level delivery upfront so a liftgate truck is dispatched |
Request a Quote From East Bernstadt Dispatch
Call (606) 231-2763 or submit our online quote form to price your next lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is standard free loading time before detention starts?
In standard truckload shipping, 2 hours of free loading or unloading time is included at both pickup and delivery before hourly detention charges apply.
What is the maximum legal weight for a flatbed or dry van load?
Federal interstate gross vehicle weight is capped at 80,000 lbs (tractor + trailer + fuel + cargo). That typically leaves 44,000 to 45,000 lbs of cargo payload in a 53-foot dry van and 46,000 to 48,000 lbs on a standard flatbed.
Need to Move Freight in Kentucky?
EBX (USDOT #595612) and WRT (USDOT #3442398) provide direct motor carrier hauling and partner carrier coordination from East Bernstadt, KY.