Guide to Shipping Freight

Little brother, a ship can't sail without the water.
The world could be yours if you want her,
but you gotta be willing to go out and get it. – Hootie and the Blowfish

At Music Freight, we understand that dealing with freight shipping companies is not at the top of your to-do list. You didn’t get into the business to learn the ins and outs of shipping air freight or LTL trucking, so we’ve done everything we can to make it easier for you. If you want to keep your business rocking and rolling and make shipping easier than ever, then be sure to follow the list of guidelines below.

• Shipment of musical equipment or other materials must be palletized.
• All of the cartons on the pallet should be labeled with the shipper’s contact information and consignee’s address and contact information.
• Properly stack cartons or cases in an interwoven pattern so the first level is horizontal and the next level is vertical. If you have more than two levels continue alternating.
• Proper freight shipping requires that cartons be shrink-wrapped to the pallet.
• Completing the BOL:
• The BOL for freight shipping requires that a complete shipping address be included in addition to contact information in the event that the carrier needs to contact them to return all or part of a shipment.
• A complete delivery address must be included in addition to contact information in the event the carrier needs to contact them to return all or part of a shipment
• An accurate weight must be provided for freight shipping. This weight must include the weight of the pallets to avoid possible re-classing of freight and / or reweigh charges.
• The number of cartons being shipped should be listed, not the number of pallets. This is to avoid shortages when the shipment is delivered.
• The correct NMFC, class, and description should be provided to ensure accurate billing. If this is not provided, then the carrier has the right to class the item as they see fit.
• All approved accessorial charges should be listed at the time the shipment is made so the carrier is prepared for how and where they need to deliver.
• Insurance liability is not the same with all freight shipping companies and in some cases is affected by FAK programs. Make sure you know what the replacement value of your goods is and that the carrier you choose provides the insurance to cover it.
• Most LTL carriers’ standard rates do not apply above 6 pallets or 6,000 pounds, so it is very important that you get a spot quote, which should be listed on the BOL in the event that your shipment exceeds those amounts.
• Some LTL carriers do not service all points directly. It is important that you check to make sure that the one you select does. If not the rate and transit time will most likely be different.
• When scheduling a pickup, LTL carriers typically need a 2 hour window, and most times will not schedule a pickup for freight shipping if called after 3pm in your time zone. If you need a lift gate or are in a residential area, it is best to call the pickup in a day ahead of time.
• It is very important to make sure the driver counts and signs for the pieces. If the driver signs only for pallets and the consignee signs for pallets and there is a shortage, there is little to no recourse with the carrier.

Call or e-mail Music Freight today if you have any questions about shipping air freight, LTL trucking, or anything else regarding freight shipping for retailers, manufacturers, distributors, or anyone else in the music biz. We’ll keep your shipments rolling so you can keep rocking.