Integrity-Driven Logistics Solutions Rooted in Service

Logistics Optimization

frequently asked questions

Why choose PCF Freight for my business?

At PCF Freight, our team of experts is dedicated to serving your growing business as an integral partner in your success. Our mission is grounded in the principles of servant leadership to prioritize your needs, ensuring we not only meet but anticipate your expectations, forming a bond of trust and reliability often lost in our industry. We pride ourselves on delivering tailored freight solutions for your unique requirements ensuring the most optimal outcomes on-time and on-budget.

What's your service coverage area?

We provide reliable and efficient transportation services nationwide, ensuring that your needs are handled from one location no matter where you are located.

What is LTL shipping?

LTL stands for Less Than Truckload. It is a shipping service for smaller loads or quantities of freight typically between 1-6 pallets and weighing less than 10,000lbs.

What is the difference between LTL and FTL shipping?

LTL shipments take a small portion of a trailer and are combined with multiple shipments. FTL (Full Truckload) shipments are dedicated trucks that will pick up and deliver your shipment with fewer stops and faster transit times.

How are transit times calculated?

LTL transit times are estimated based on distance and number of stops along the way. FTL transit times are estimated by distance (carriers can typically travel 500 miles per day). If a shipment were going to travel 2,500 miles it would take 5 days.

When should I expedite a shipment?

Expediting a shipment is extremely important when you have strict must-arrive-by dates, tradeshows or projects that have crews waiting for installation. If you are unsure if you need to expedite, reach out to our team and we will give you multiple options to guide you to a solution that will fit your needs.

Who are the most reliable LTL carriers?

National Carriers: Old Dominion, FedEx, ABF, Saia
Regional Carriers: Daylight Transport, ACT (AAA Cooper), Pitt Ohio, Averitt

Why are some carriers more costly than others?

Consolidated carriers are the typical carriers that will show up as the least expensive option. They work with a lot of partner carriers and wait for full trailers before transit. This typically results in longer transit times, and sometimes more transfer points and delays. The most common consolidated carriers are Roadrunner, Clearlane/Frontline and Dot Line.

Can I track my shipments online?

Yes, you can track your shipment through our portal, or using the carriers website with the Pro number. If you’d prefer, you can email our customer service team at cs@pcffreight.com, or we can set you up with automatic email tracking updates.

How does billing work?

Billing will come through our freight partner, GlobalTranz. Please be sure to set them up as a vendor. If you need any additional documentation, you can reach out to your Account Manager and they will send it over to you.

What are your payment terms?

Payment terms are offered upon completion of our credit/business application. Typically, once approved, we offer Net 15 terms with 30 days to pay. However, if you have specific terms, please mention that to your Account Manager upon completion of the application and we will do our best to accommodate.

Do you require a contract to use your services?

Short answer, No. However, if you are looking to ship a large volume of freight, we can occasionally negotiate contract work with carriers to provide even more aggressive rates.

What if my invoice does not match the quote?

Additional charges can happen for various reasons. When these charges arise, they are typically linked to different accessorial services such as Limited Access, Lift Gate, Delivery Appointments, Government facilities, etc. If you discover inaccurate charges, please notify your Account Manager right away, as we must dispute these charges with the carrier right away. This may require additional documentation.

How are freight claims handled?

We have a dedicated claims team that will represent you in your claim against the carrier. Once we are notified of damaged or lost shipments, we contact the carrier to file a claim within 5 days of delivery. After the claim has been filed, we reach out to the carrier for weekly updates until the claim has been resolved.

How does PCF Freight process returns?

Returns due to freight damage are typically returned via free astray (no additional charge). However, some carriers do charge a return fee and you can include those charges in your freight claim.

Returns or rerouting (reconsignment) due to improper addressing or a customer no longer wanting the product are handled via an additional quote and approval from the paying party.

How much lead time do I need for pick-up?

LTL carriers typically require a two-hour window in the afternoon for pick-up. If a pick-up is scheduled in the morning, it is usually picked up that afternoon with some exceptions based upon carrier availability. For FTL shipments, we can typically get drivers assigned same day, but it depends on capacity. If you have an urgent shipment, please contact us so that we can connect with the carrier and proactively manage expectations.

Do you have any insurance options?

We offer third-party insurance options for all transportation needs. When requesting a quote, please provide the total value for your shipment and we can provide rates including the insurance charges.

What is an NMFC number or freight class?

NMFC stands for National Motor Freight Classification and this is set by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association. Every product is classified by an NMFC number and every NMFC number relates to a freight class. The classification is determined by many factors including stowability, handling, liability, density, and material.

What is a freight fuel surcharge?

A freight fuel surcharge is an additional fee added by carriers to cover the fluctuating cost of fuel. This surcharge helps carriers offset the unpredictability of diesel prices from the time a shipment is booked to when it is delivered.

frequently asked questions

Experience Freight That Delivers More