Frequently asked questions about LTL shipping
Short answers. The detailed explanations live on the corresponding pages.
Quotes and pricing
Why did my invoice differ from my quote?
Almost always a reweigh, a reclass or an undeclared accessorial. The six usual causes are set out on the cost page.
Can I get a price on this site?
No. We publish no rates and have no rate source. The form structures the shipment so providers can quote it accurately.
How long is a quote valid?
It depends on the carrier and the quote type. Standard quotes state their own validity; spot and volume quotes are usually tied to a specific pickup window.
Can adding weight lower my price?
Yes, when it crosses into a cheaper weight band. It sounds wrong and it is genuinely how LTL rating works.
Class, dimensions and packing
I do not know my freight class. Is that a problem?
No. It is the normal situation. Give accurate dimensions, an accurate weight and a plain description, and a provider can determine it — see class and dimensions.
Can I declare a lower class to save money?
No. Terminals verify, and the correction comes back with an inspection charge attached.
Do I measure before or after wrapping?
After. Wrap and overhang add inches, and inches change cubic feet. This is the most common preventable error in LTL.
Does the pallet count in the weight?
Yes. The carrier weighs what it lifts, including the pallet, the wrap and the dunnage.
Access, accessorials and delivery
Do I need a liftgate?
If there is no dock and no forklift, yes. What it does and does not cover is on the liftgate page.
My business runs from my home. Is that commercial?
Generally not, for freight purposes. Carriers classify by access, not by signage — see residential pickup and delivery.
Will the driver bring the pallet inside?
Not unless inside delivery has been booked. It sits outside what the driver is dispatched and insured to do.
What happens if nobody is there?
The delivery fails and a redelivery charge follows. Freight requires a signature; it is not left unattended.
Transit, damage and claims
Is the transit time guaranteed?
Not on standard service — it is a service standard. Guarantees are a separate product, explained on expedited and guaranteed LTL.
My freight arrived damaged. What now?
Note the damage on the delivery receipt before signing, photograph it, and keep the packaging. Freight signed for clean is very hard to claim on afterwards.
Is my freight insured?
Carrier liability is limited and is not insurance. For high-value freight it is frequently well below replacement cost, which is why separate cargo coverage exists.
This platform
Does LTL Freight Match move freight?
No. LTL Freight Match is an independent freight intake platform. It is not a carrier, not a broker, and it does not move freight, issue rates or guarantee capacity.
Is there a fee?
Not for the shipper. Providers pay to receive qualified shipment requests.
Is my information sold?
No. It is shared with providers so they can quote this shipment, and nothing else. See the privacy policy.
Are you a carrier or a broker?
Neither. We hold no operating authority and issue no bills of lading — see how it works.
A question that is not here?
Put it in the notes field of the form — it travels with your shipment to the provider.
LTL Freight Match is an independent freight intake platform. It is not a carrier, not a broker, and it does not move freight, issue rates or guarantee capacity.