What are the packing requirements?
The part in shipping that gets neglected the most is the packaging. What good is it to have the shipment delivered to customer on time and for a great price to only find out the shipment is in pieces. Having worked in several warehouses and shipping centers I can tell you that the packaging is just as important as getting the product delivered.
We strive to make your shipping experience a pleasant one so we will only accept shipments that have been properly packaged. Normal acceptable packaging is strong cardboard boxes, wood crates or pallets.
If the shipment is not packaged we can refer you to one of our packaging partners. They will ensure that the product is packaged to withstand the rigors of shipping and will guarantee that your customer receives the shipment in perfect condition.
When should I use truck transportation?
When your item weighs more than 150 lbs., truck transportation is more economical than using a parcel service. Common carriers transport your item on a truck with additional small shipments so that the costs for transportation are shared.
What happens if my shipment isn’t ready when the driver comes?
Most commonly, the driver will not wait. The driver will be dispatched for the following day, which delays your service. You will be assessed a fee if the carrier charges freightnshipping.com for the duplicated pickup.
Can I estimate the weight of my shipment?
If an inaccurate weight or class is used and a shipment is reweighed or re-classed by the carrier, those costs may be passed on to you. Reweighing may also delay delivery.
What is the claims process?
Claims are handled directly between the shipper, consignee and the carrier. Online Shipping Services is not involved in the actual claims process and has no influence in the carrier’s claim decision. Claims with the carrier must be filed within 10 days of delivery. The claimant should only file for loss or damage on the product which was shipped.
Do I call the actual carrier to schedule the pickup?
Please do not call the freight carrier or terminal – Online Shipping Services is the carrier for your particular shipment.
To receive the correct rate the shipment must be booked and shipped by OSS. If you call and schedule the pickup directly with the carrier they will quote it from the book rate which does not include the OSS discount.
Where do I get the Bill of Lading?
Once the shipment is booked with us we will email you confirmation and a BOL so that you can give to the Carrier.
How should I package my shipments?
Please package, crate or stack on pallets securely to prevent damage. Secure cartons to the pallet with banding or shrink-wrap.. Improper packaging will void the carrier’s liability for damage.
Can I schedule a shipment and have it picked up on the same day?
Usually same day pickup is not a problem. It all depends on your location and the availability of the trucks.
Do fees apply for residential service?
We define a business as a location that opens and closes to the general public at set times each day. You may be considered a residence if you are located in a residential zone, even if you open and close at set times If the driver is required to go inside (beyond the front door or loading dock) to pickup or deliver a load instead of remaining on the dock or in his truck, additional fees may be applied. When the shipping or receiving address does not have a loading dock, manual loading or unloading is necessary. Additional fees for liftgates are applicable for all cargo over 150 lbs
If delivered to a residential address or a business without a dock or forklift.
Are your rates guaranteed?
Online Shipping Services has accounts set up with local and national carriers based on our ability to give them a large volume of shipments. To ensure that you receive the OSS rate that we have quoted, you must provide the driver with a copy of the OSS BOL. This lets the carrier know to bill the shipment on the OSS account at the discounts we have negotiated.
What happens if I receive a bill directly from a carrier?
You should never receive a bill from the carrier. We will be noted as the shipper on all of your transactions insuring that the billing comes to our corporate office.
When do dimensional weight charges apply?
When the actual weight of a package is less than the calculated dimensional weight, carriers charge by the dimensional weight.