Hiring wide load trucking companies is not just about picking up the phone and asking for a delivery quote. There are several important factors that must be considered to fully understand what goes into Flatbed Trucking Companies  flatbed quotes. Let’s consider some of the important factors that affect the trucking industry.  

Loading and Unloading Is Not Included in Quoted Price

This may seem obvious, but many new businesses do not know that loading and unloading are not included in the quoted price. You should always ask the trucking company how your materials will be placed onto the flatbed, and how they will be unloaded after it gets to the destination.  

Wide Load Trucking Companies Factors

Most Heavy Machinery Transportation trucking companies do offer hired labor that can load and unload the material onto the truck. However, these are charged separately, and wide load trucking companies will take no responsibility for the labor. You will need to deal with them separately or hire your own loading/unloading crew.   If you have any special loading requirements, like heavy equipment that can only be lifted with a crane, you will need to decide for them on your own.   The bottom line is that your flatbed freight shipping quote does not include the cost of loading and unloading.  

Insurance Charges Are Separate from Flatbed Quote Price

Insurance is another big factor to consider when getting flatbed quotes from different trucking companies. While the trucking company will ensure that the cargo is secured properly in place, they take no responsibility for any damage to the cargo while in transit.   If the cargo is damaged due to no fault of the Flatbed Shipping Companies, they do not want to be held accountable. This is why most flatbed hauling companies will urge you to get insurance for the cargo. Some may even refuse to deliver the materials unless you get insurance first.   Depending on the value and nature of the cargo you are looking to move, the cost of insurance can vary. The trucking company may offer you a list of insurance providers that they have worked with in the past. However, you are free to hire your own insurance company if you want.   If the Equipment Transporter offers you a cargo insurance provider, it will be billed separately from their flatbed quote price.  

Flatbed Quote Prices Differ for FTL and LTL

Full-Truckload (FTL) prices differ from Less Than Truckload (LTL) charges. When you are only moving a little cargo that does not require full truck space, trucking companies may charge you less for the delivery.   Often, they will also book cargo with another customer that is looking to move LTL as well. The trucking business will move cargo for two or more customers and offer each customer a lower price for the delivery.   For an FTL delivery, the trucking business will give you a full flatbed quote price, which tends to be higher than LTL.  

Summary

If you are looking to ship cargo, you should try to get flatbed quotes from multiple trucking businesses. This will help you get a better understanding of the current rates and then select the one most suitable for you.   Do keep in mind that the flatbed quotes that you get only include the cost of the delivery. You will need to arrange for insurance and loading/unloading on your own.