How to Get an FTL Freight Quote: Complete Guide to FTL Costs

To manage freight budgets, shippers need quotes they can trust. Full truckload pricing changes with miles, fuel costs, trailer type, and seasonal demand. Teams get stronger FTL freight quotes when requests include clean, specific details and the carrier can plan capacity with confidence. This guide explains what information to share, where to get FTL quotes, and how to compare them based on costs, service, and delivery results.

FTL Quote Requirements for Accurate Rates

FTL freight quotes are more accurate when RFQs include clean, specific shipment details. Let’s examine some of the main requirements for receiving an accurate FTL estimate.

Pickup Details

Clear pickup details help carriers confirm routing and avoid add-on fees. Shippers need to share details about pickup location, loading capabilities, required appointment windows, and other requirements. Carriers may require additional information, like specifics about the facility or wait times. Providing precise information improves rate accuracy and minimizes the risk of additional fees.

Delivery Details

Similarly to pickup information, carriers require delivery details such as address, operational hours, and facility capabilities. Carriers evaluate factors like staffing levels and delivery congestion to determine the FTL quote. Delivery details should also include any special requirements to ensure correct pricing.

Equipment Details

Different equipment types also affect pricing and availability. Shippers should specify whether the load requires specialized equipment such as a refrigerated trailer, dry van, or step deck. Providing complete equipment information ensures the carrier can assign the right assets and that the load is properly secured. Fuel surcharge signals often follow diesel market updates shared by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Freight Details

Freight details such as dimensions, weight, number of pallets, and stackability are essential for giving an accurate FTL quote. Carriers need accurate information to calculate space utilization and handling requirements.

Where to Get FTL Quotes

There are different ways to get FTL freight quotes. Depending on their needs, different shippers might opt for a single way to get FTL quotes or a combination of the methods mentioned below. 

Direct Carriers

Working directly with carriers is a way to build a strong shipper-carrier relationship. Shippers with repetitive lanes or high-volume freight often get FTL quotes directly from carriers. This approach also gives access to insights like available equipment and network strengths. Well-maintained relationships can lead to preferential pricing and negotiating contract rates that are beneficial for both parties.

Freight Brokers

These organizations connect shippers with a wide network of vetted carriers. Companies that need to source competitive rates across multiple regions and equipment types often use the services of freight brokers for FTL rate shopping. These organizations are valuable when shippers need coverage in seasonal lanes or hard-to-service locations. The additional flexibility, capacity, and industry expertise make freight broker services a great option for shippers with irregular freight or variable volumes.

Digital Freight Platforms 

Innovative TMS platforms like ShipperGuide or other FTL quoting tools make the process of getting FTL shipping quotes much easier. These solutions have automated price comparison features and offer real-time visibility into market FTL rates. A major benefit of digital freight platforms is that they can match loads with available capacity quickly. 

Comparing FTL Quotes Beyond the Price

Although pricing is a major factor when looking for FTL shipping quotes, other things should be considered as well. Shippers should compare service reliability, transit time, and the value of long-term partnerships.

Transit Time

Transit time is a critical factor in meeting delivery windows and maintaining optimal inventory levels. In addition to comparing FTL quotes, shippers should also compare estimated transit times. Even though faster freight transit comes at a higher price, it can lead to higher profits.

Carrier Reliability

Even if you get the best FTL estimate, it’s meaningless if the service is not dependable. Shippers need to evaluate carrier performance, safety, and their historical reliability. Choosing a reliable carrier minimizes the chance of item damage and delays.

Service Quality

From driver professionalism and communication skills to equipment condition and customer support, service quality includes a wide array of factors. By partnering with reputable carriers, shippers ensure that both pickup and delivery are done smoothly. This is paramount for time-sensitive sectors like perishable food.

Frequently Asked Questions About FTL Quotes

If you’re curious about the process of getting FTL freight quotes, the following questions and their answers will help you.

What Is an FTL Quote and How Do I Get One?

FTL quotes are price estimates that carriers, brokers, or digital freight platforms give to shippers. They include not only the price of transportation but also pricing for equipment or other specifics.

What Information Do I Need to Request an FTL Quote?

Pickup and delivery addresses, necessary equipment, freight dimensions, operational hours, and any additional specifics are required. These are the main details that carriers require in order to give shippers accurate FTL quotes.

How Can I Compare FTL Quotes to Find the Best Option?

The easiest way to compare FTL freight quotes is to use a digital platform like a transportation management system. This allows shippers to easily check carrier reliability, transit time, price, and other factors.

Start Getting the Best FTL Quotes

ShipperGuide cuts pricing risk by storing carrier performance and rate history in one place. Teams build stronger RFQs because the carrier gets clean details and can plan capacity. Get a demo of ShipperGuide TMS to benchmark live lane costs and confirm carrier execution results before you book.