How to lower your Trucking Freight Rates

There are a number of different factors that impact trucking freight rates and being an informed shipper will go a long way in reducing your transportation costs. Below are some important considerations that will have a direct impact on your trucking quote:

1. Size of your truckload freight: An obvious factor is the size of your freight. Over sized loads cost more than LTL or regular full truckloads. The smaller the footprint the cheaper, but you shouldn't sacrifice the quality of the packaging for space.

2. Type of equipment: Moving your freight in a dry van will typically reduce your truckload rate. Flatbed prices are typically more than dry van, truckload rates. Step decks, reefers, and other specialized equipment, including tarps, will increase your transportation costs.


3. Time of year: Trying to get a competitive truckload quote going into Florida during citrus crop season is an exercise in futility. Same with Idaho during potato season and California during avocado season. In the summer, fuel prices tend to be higher than in the winter. If your freight can wait, you may want to consider the timing of your shipment.

4. Carrier selection: Smaller truckload carriers are sometimes cheaper than larger transportation conglomerates. One carrier may be significantly cheaper than another for moving the same freight in the same lane during the same time of year. Supply and demand, and a carrier's equipment availability will in large part dictate how much they charge to move your freight. Be sure to check the carrier's credentials, including their licenses, insurance, and safety records. This is where a reputable truckload broker can save you time and money.


5. Negotiate your trucking quote: Knowing the market will go a long way in lowering your trucking freight rates. Again, a good freight broker would be able to provide some valuable advice.

There are a number of considerations that shippers should take into account when moving their freight. Because truck freight rates vary considerably, a properly informed shipper can go a long way in driving down their trucking freight rates. One way to save time and money is to choose a reputable freight broker.

John Dsoza has been in the transportation industry for over 15 years and has extensive experience as a freight broker in truckload freight, partial loads, flatbed trucking, air freight, international shipping, and other modes of transportation.