Answers to common questions
Question: When should I use a common carrier?
Answer: When your item weighs more than 150 lbs., truck transportation is more economical than using a parcel service. Common carriers transport your item on a truck with additional small shipments so that the costs for transportation are shared. If your shipment weighs more than 8,000 lbs, you may need an entire truck (or have a Truckload shipment). Standard procedure for common carriers involves a truck driver backing up to a dock to be loaded by the consignor (shipper), and driving the cargo to the receiving destination to be unloaded by the consignee. Any service that is not considered "standard procedure" may require additional fees.
Question: What happens if my shipment isn't ready when the driver comes?
Answer: Most commonly, the driver will not wait. The driver will be dispatched for the following day, which delays your service. You might be assessed a fee for the duplicated pickup.
Question: What should I do with the Bill of Lading?
Answer: All parties involved should have a copy of the bill of lading. It is imperative that the bill of lading be given to the truck driver when he makes the pickup. Keep one copy for your records.
Question: How should I package my shipments?
Answer: Please package, crate or stack on pallets securely to prevent damage. Secure cartons to the pallet with banding, shrink-wrap, stretch-wrap or breakaway adhesive. Improper packaging may void the carrier's liability for damage. Stack cartons squarely on the skid with no overhang. Be sure the top surface is flat. Labels must be placed on every piece or package. Should you need any packaging materials, please feel free to contact us.
Question: Can I schedule a shipment and have it picked up on the same day?
Answer: Yes, but due to the truck's capacity, this service cannot be guaranteed. Please allow a 4-hour window so that we can get a driver dispatched out to your location within that same day. Please note that we normally make pickups in the afternoon and deliveries in the morning.
Question: What is a NMFC number?
Answer: This is a numeric indicator that specifically identifies each type of product that can be shipped by a LTL carrier. The National Motor Freight Association presets these product classifications quarterly. It is always helpful to have the NMFC number on the Bill of Lading in order to avoid re-classification and accurately identify each product you ship. You can contact B&B Movers at 404-212-0819 to determine the NMFC number for your products.
Question: What is dimensional weight?
Answer: Dimensional weight is a standard formula used throughout the freight industry that factors in a package's density when determining charges. Transportation charges are based on the gross weight of the shipment or the dimensional weight of the shipment; whichever is greater. Simply put, dimensional weight is when the weight of a package is inappropriately less than the actual size of the package. For example: a box filled with inflated balloons.
