How to Get a Freight Quote Faster: What Information Does a Trucking Company Need?

When you need freight moved, one of the first questions is usually: How much will it cost?

To get a freight quote, it helps to have six key pieces of information ready: what you're moving, pickup and delivery locations, dimensions, weight, timing, and loading or unloading requirements.

For commercial, industrial and open-deck freight, these details can make a significant difference in determining the transportation requirements and pricing.

BN Dulay Trux has also made the process faster. With our new Instant Quote, customers can enter their shipment information online and receive pricing right away.

Here's what to have ready before you start.

1. What Are You Shipping?

Start with a clear description of the freight.

Are you moving machinery, equipment, building materials, palletized freight, industrial components or another type of commercial shipment?

The type of freight helps determine what may be required to transport it.

If you're moving machinery or unusual freight, provide as much accurate information as you have. A model number, specifications or other available details can be helpful when confirming the size and weight of equipment.

2. Where Is It Being Picked Up and Delivered?

Every freight quote needs an origin and destination.

Accurate pickup and delivery information helps establish the transportation requirements for the shipment.

The type of location can matter too. A warehouse, construction site, commercial facility or another pickup point may have different access and loading considerations.

If there is something the transportation team should know about either location, provide that information when requesting your quote.

3. What Are the Dimensions?

For flat deck, open-deck, equipment and industrial freight, dimensions are particularly important.

When applicable, have the following measurements ready:

• Length

• Width

• Height

Use accurate measurements whenever possible rather than estimates.

Why does this matter?

The dimensions of a load help determine the space it requires and whether there are additional transportation considerations that need to be reviewed.

4. How Much Does the Freight Weigh?

Weight is another key part of determining transportation requirements.

Provide the total weight of the shipment when known. If the shipment contains several pieces, make sure the information accurately represents the complete load.

For machinery and equipment, manufacturer specifications can sometimes help you confirm both weight and dimensions before requesting your quote.

5. How Will It Be Loaded and Unloaded?

This is an easy detail to overlook.

How will the freight get onto the trailer at pickup? And how will it be removed at the destination?

For some commercial and industrial shipments, loading and unloading requirements are an important part of transportation planning.

If there are specific site conditions or loading requirements the carrier needs to know about, include them with your shipment details.

6. When Does Your Freight Need to Move?

Provide your anticipated pickup date and any important timing requirements.

If your schedule is flexible, mention that too.

For contractors, manufacturers, project teams and other commercial shippers, arranging transportation earlier can also help ensure freight planning isn't left until the final stage of a project.

Quick Freight Quote Checklist

Before requesting a trucking quote, have these details ready:

• What you're moving

• Pickup location

• Delivery location

• Length, width and height, when applicable

• Weight

• Required pickup or delivery timing

• Loading and unloading requirements

• Any unusual characteristics the transportation team should know about

The more accurate the information, the better the starting point for determining your transportation requirements.

What Can Change a Freight Quote?

Shipment details can change, but those changes may also affect transportation requirements and pricing.

For example, a quote may need to be reviewed if:

• The actual dimensions or weight differ from the information originally provided

• The pickup or delivery location changes

• The shipment requires different equipment than initially anticipated

• Loading or unloading requirements change

• Pickup or delivery timing changes

• Additional shipment requirements are identified

This is why accurate information at the beginning of the quoting process matters.

If you're unsure about a measurement or another important shipment detail, it's better to confirm it rather than guess.

Can I Get a Freight Quote Online?

Yes. BN Dulay Trux now offers an Instant Quote option that allows customers to enter their shipment details online and receive pricing right away.

If you already know what you're moving, where it's being picked up and delivered, and the basic shipment details, you can get started online.

The goal is simple: make it easier to get the transportation pricing you need without unnecessary back-and-forth.

Get an Instant Quote: Here

What If I Have an Unusual or More Complex Load?

Not every shipment fits neatly into a standard description.

Large equipment, industrial freight and loads with unusual dimensions or transportation requirements may need additional review.

Provide the information you have, including accurate dimensions, weight and any relevant loading details. If additional information is required, the BN Dulay Trux team can help determine the next step.

Most importantly, don't guess about important shipment specifications simply to complete a quote request.

Get Started with BN Dulay Trux

Getting a freight quote should start with good information, not a long chain of emails and phone calls.

If you have your shipment details ready, BN Dulay Trux's new Instant Quote gives you a faster way to get started.

Know what you're moving? Get your pricing online with BN Dulay Trux.

Get an Instant Quote: Here

Call: 604-588-8760 | 1-800-640-2919