What to have ready
A rate is only as good as the dimensions behind it. The most common reason a quoted LTL rate turns into a larger invoice is a bill of lading that understates height, omits the pallet, or calls freight stackable when the top tier cannot bear weight. Before you send the tender, confirm:
- Handling-unit count and type. Pallets, crates, gaylords, drums or loose pieces — and how many of each.
- Outside dimensions of each unit. Length, width and height at the widest points, including overhang, pallet and any shrink-wrap bulge.
- Weight per unit including the pallet. A scale ticket is best; a hardwood GMA pallet adds 35–50 lbs.
- Stackability. Can another unit of similar weight ride on top without damage? If not, say non-stackable — the carrier will charge the space either way.
- Pickup and delivery details. ZIP codes, dock or ground level, liftgate needs, appointment windows, limited-access sites (schools, job sites, military bases, self-storage).
- Commodity and packaging. What it is, how it is packed, and whether it is hazardous or temperature-sensitive.
What happens after you send it
| Stage | What we do | What you receive |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-audit | Check cube, density, class and linear feet against the cube and linear-foot rules of carriers serving the lane | A note if the BOL description would re-rate |
| 2. Market check | Request spot volume LTL and partial truckload capacity for your pickup date; dedicated box truck or 53' if the load warrants | — |
| 3. Quote | Compare delivered cost, transit and handling | Rate options by email with a recommendation, reference number CT-… |
| 4. Booking | On your approval, tender to the carrier and confirm pickup | Carrier, pickup window, BOL instructions |
| 5. In transit | Track to delivery; handle exceptions and accessorials | Delivery confirmation and POD |
Routing modes you can request
- Best cost — we compare spot volume LTL and direct partial truckload and recommend one.
- Direct partial truckload — your freight rides one truckload trailer with other partials, dock to dock, no terminals. See direct PTL.
- Spot volume LTL — a space-filler rate from an LTL carrier's volume desk; quoted on cube and linear feet. See volume LTL.
- Dedicated 26' box truck or 53' dry van — exclusive use of the equipment. See box truck and 53' truckload.
- W&I cubic penalty dispute / tariff audit — you already have a re-bill; send the original BOL, the correction notice and photos, and we review it against the carrier's rule. See the W&I dispute guide.
Accessorials and special handling
| Need | How we arrange it |
|---|---|
| Liftgate pickup or delivery | Box trucks and liftgate-equipped trailers; confirm unit weight (most liftgates are rated 2,500–3,000 lbs) and unit length under the platform depth |
| Inside delivery / white glove | Two-person crews and blanket wrap for furniture, medical and lab equipment; specify floors, elevators and debris removal |
| Flatbed / Conestoga | Side-loaded crates, machinery and building materials; tarping and securement noted on the tender |
| Hazmat / temperature control | Hazmat-endorsed carriers and reefer partials on request; UN number, class and packing group required |
| Appointments and limited access | Delivery windows, job sites, schools, hospitals and military bases noted at booking |
For general questions write to hello@cubictransport.com; for loads already in motion, dispatch@cubictransport.com.
Why the dimensions matter more than the discount
A 75% FAK discount is worth nothing once a cubic capacity rule voids it. The preset in the engine — ten non-stackable skids, 68 inches tall, 320 lbs each, 1,000 miles — measures 755.6 cubic feet at 4.24 PCF (class 175). Cubed to 96 inches it becomes 1,066.7 cubic feet at 3.0 PCF and 20 linear feet. On the model, the base LTL tariff of about $1,040 becomes roughly $1,990 after re-rating, while a direct partial is about $1,310. The difference comes from describing the freight the way the carrier will measure it, then choosing the mode that does not penalise that description.
Frequently asked questions
How fast do I get a rate?
Usually within one business hour during desk hours, Mon–Fri 06:00–19:00 Central. Spot volume dispatch is staffed around the clock for loads that need to move tonight.
What should I do if my freight is already on a re-bill?
Send the tender with the W&I option selected and keep the carrier's correction notice, your original bill of lading and photos of the units. The W&I dispute guide lists what carriers ask for.
Can you quote freight that already got a cube re-bill?
Yes. Choose "W&I cubic penalty dispute / tariff audit", attach the details in the notes, and email the correction notice and photos to rates@cubictransport.com with your reference number.
Do you own the trucks?
No. Cubic Transport is a freight brokerage: we tender your load to carriers that run the lane, check their authority and insurance, and manage the shipment to delivery.
Which areas do you cover?
All 48 contiguous U.S. states, plus cross-border freight to and from Canada and Mexico through partner carriers.