Have questions about Freight Shipping or the Freight shipping process?
For your convenience we have compiled some of the most common and frequently asked questions about our services and the freight shipping industry in general. Please browse the questions and answers below...

Can't find what you're looking for?
Please Contact Us and we will be glad to assist you with any questions you may have!

How can I get a rate quote?
Rate quotes can be obtained instantly by using our 100% FREE, No-Obligation Online Quote Form.

How should I package my items?
Please be sure that all items being shipped are correctly and securely packaged to prevent damage during transit. All items should be packaged, crated, or stacked and secured to a pallet(s) with banding, shrink-wrap or breakaway adhesive. Labels should be affixed on every individual piece. Improper packaging may decrease or disqualify the carrier’s liability coverage for damage claims or loss.

Can I estimate the weight of my shipment?
It is critical that you determine accurate weight for your freight and never estimate an approximate weight. Your shipment should be weighed using a certified scale prior to requesting a quote. Freight companies can choose to re-weigh your item at any point during the transport process. If an inaccurate weight is used, you can be re-billed at the carrier’s non-discounted rate for the difference and the cost to ship will increase. Reweighing can also delay delivery.

Do I need to provide the shipments dimensions?
You must provide accurate pallet dimensions (length, width and height) when requesting a freight shipping quote. Just like providing accurate weight, this is important as our carriers operate a variety of trucks, each with different capacities.

How do 6C Freight rates compare to their competitors?
6C Freight's rates are highly competitive in the market place. Contact Us to discuss custom programs, recurring shipments and contract rates designed for your needs. You can also get quotes instantly by using our online quote form.

Are your rates final?
Because of the high volume we ship through our network of carriers, we are able to secure discounted shipping rates, and we pass a portion of the savings on to you. Your shipping quote is based on the information that you provide us. Any change or difference in the weight, class, size, or location will result in additional shipping costs direct from the carrier. To ensure that your shipping rates remain as originally quoted, be certain that the descriptions, weights and dimensions that you provide for your quote are accurate.

What is the latest I can call for a pickup?
Depending on the booking time and your time zone, we can usually schedule same-day pickup. For special arrangements and urgent bookings, contact a 6C Freight Agent directly. We require a minimum 2-hour window for pickup. For example:
Ready at 3:00 PM ET / Close at 5:00 PM ET
Ready at 4:00 PM PT / Close at 6:00 PM PT
Please give us as much time as possible to ensure availability. NOTE: Most Carriers make pick-ups in the afternoon and deliveries in the morning.

How far in advance can I schedule a pickup?
There is no limit on how far in advance you can schedule a pick-up. Anywhere from 2 hours to 2 months and everything in between works fine.

Do I need to be present at time of pickup?
Someone authorized to sign over the shipment and BOL must be present at the time of pick-up. When a driver arrives at a pick-up location and the shipment is not ready or there is no one available to sign the BOL, he/she typically will not wait. The pick-up must then be re-scheduled. Some freight carriers charge an attempt fee to cover their extra time and extra miles.

What happens if my shipment is not ready when the driver comes?
Normally the driver will leave once told that the freight is not ready. We will then contact you to advise you of any attempt charges due and re-schedule the pick-up.

Who will actually transport my shipment?
You will be notified of who the carrier will be with your rate quote or BOL. 6C Freight is a freight agency. Our extensive network utilizes trucks from the largest, most reputable, certified freight carriers and shipping companies. We ship thousands of loads through our network every year.

What do I need to do after I schedule a shipment?
Once you have scheduled a pick-up, we will send you a Bill of Lading (BOL). Print three copies of the bill of lading (one copy for your records, one copy for the driver, and one copy to affix to the lead pallet of the shipment). Be sure that your shipment is properly packaged and labeled. Make sure that your shipment is ready along with the Bill of Lading on the scheduled pickup date at the scheduled time.

What is a Bill of Lading (BOL)?
A Bill of Lading is the standard, legal and mandatory paperwork in the freight shipping industry. A BOL provides the carrier and driver with all the necessary information relative to your shipment (pick-up, destination, billing, special services and accessories). The BOL allows for proper delivery and billing of your freight shipment. All parties involved should have a copy of the BOL (buyer, seller and carrier / driver). Be sure that you ONLY use the BOL that 6C Freight provides you.

What do I need to do when the driver gets here?
Have the driver sign two copies of the Bill of Lading. Give one signed copy of the BOL to the driver for his recorded and the other signed copy for your records. Be sure that the driver places a PRO NUMBER on all copies of the BOL and on the freight itself. The PRO NUMBER is how you track your shipment once it has been picked up and is in transit.

How important is it to use 6C Freight paperwork?
You are receiving lower shipping rates because of the volume of shipments 6C Freight processes through our network. If our BOL and paperwork is modified or not used, the freight company will not know to bill us at these discounted shipping rates. To receive our lower rates and avoid being directly billed by the carrier, be sure to only use our BOL and paperwork when transferring the freight to the driver at pick-up. Failure to use our unaltered BOL and paperwork could result in more hassle and extra shipping costs.

How can I track my shipment?
You will receive instructions as to where to go online to track your shipment. You simply go to the URL provided and type in your shipment's PRO Number or Tracking Number.

How do I obtain a copy of "proof of delivery"?
If you require a Proof of Delivery (POD) document, please Contact Us and we’ll be happy to provide one for you.

Is there a fee for residential services?
Yes. Residential Delivery Fees apply to freight shipped to any primarily non-commercial location. This includes apartments, residences, farms, estates, remote locations, and possibly schools and churches. The cost to ship can also change when delivering to a limited-access location (i.e. construction sites, military bases, camps, and storage-unit facilities). Be sure to ask your 6C Freight representative if you are unsure if your location would fall into one of these categories.

Are transit times guaranteed?
Only "Guaranteed Service" transit times are guaranteed. All other transit times are very reliable, but not 100% guaranteed. Freight transit times are not guaranteed unless specifically noted on the freight quote option you select when booking you shipping rates. NOTE: Freight shipping transit times begin the day after picking up your freight.

How do I file a damage claim?
If your freight arrives damaged, it is important to accept the shipment in order to document the claim correctly. Be sure to document the damage immediately by taking photos. Also be sure that all damage is noted on the BOL and that the driver signs it. A claim must be filed within 48 hours of delivery. Contact Us to initiate a freight damage claim. 6C Freight will act as liaison and assist you in processing the claim and filing all necessary paperwork. However we cannot guarantee that all claims will be accepted by the carrier.

Is my shipment insured?
The industry-standard liability cargo insurance coverage offered by all LTL carriers is $0.10 cents per pound. 6C Freight offers our customers the ability to purchase supplementary freight insurance during the freight quote and booking process.

What happens if I receive a bill directly from the carrier?
Contact our customer service department and fax a copy of the bill that you received. This typically only occurs when the 6C Freight BOL is not used at the time of pick-up. Our Customer Service Department will take care of the paperwork and have the charges credited for your freight shipment upon notification.

How can I avoid receiving a re-bill?
When obtaining a freight quote, the type of commodity, weight, dimensions, pick-up location, delivery location, and distance all affect the cost to ship. The best way to avoid a change in shipping rates is to ensure that all information given to 6C Freight at the time of quoting and booking is complete and accurate. When scheduling your freight shipment, make sure you are as accurate as possible about the contents, size, and weight of your freight.

My needs are more specialized. What can you do to help me?
6C Freight manages LTL, Full Truckload, Intermodal, Expedited, International, and Specialty Shipments. We can handle almost any specialized freight. No matter your freight shipping needs, we have a cost-effective solution for you.

What is Less Than Truckload (LTL) Freight?
As the name implies, LTL Freight are smaller shipments that, alone, will not fill an entire truck. LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping is typically for freight shipments ranging from 100 lbs. to 12,000 lbs. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Freight make up the majority of freight shipments in the U.S. Most LTL shipments are made via common carrier and are transported on the same truck along with many other shipments. The shipments transfer from truck-to-truck at various shipping terminals en route to their final destination. Learn More...

What is Full Truckload (FTL or TL)?
Full truckloads are shipments typically larger than 15,000 pounds and less than 45,000 lbs. FTL shipments are usually the only shipment on a trailer and are normally delivered on the same trailer that picks them up. Learn More...

What is Intermodal Freight (TOFC, COFC, Truck-Rail-Truck)?
Intermodal freight shipping is a more economical and environmentally-friendly method of transporting freight shipments via various combinations of truck, rail, barge and air. Intermodal Freight often involves use of containerized shipping. Learn More...

What is Expedited and Hot-Shot Freight?
Expedited and Hot-Shot Freight is a specialized area of freight shipping dedicated to rapid delivery of time-sensitive products and/or extra security delivery of high-value products. Learn More...