Browse around when it comes to freight shipping services. Be smart when pricing your shipment cost by sampling rates from several brokers.You will find quite a contrast in the pricing they offer by obtaining rates from a few different providers.Ask the broker for a copy of their Federal Operating Authority. Freight brokers / forwarders are required by Federal Law to be licensed by the Federal Highway Administration.Avoid unlicensed brokers and forwarders, if they work outside the law by not having a Federal Operating License, you will have no protection in the event of a problem. If you choose to deal directly with a carrier, demand for them to provide you proof that they are licensed to transport your shipment, and verify the documentation they provide at the US DOT Website. Any person who transports and item across state lines is required to have a Federal Motor Carrier Number and Cargo / Liability Insurance.Call the insurance company and ask if the policy is valid, and what coverage is available to you in the event of damage or loss.
Many carriers have restrictions on their insurance policies with their freight shipping services that require them to stay within a certain distance from home, be sure to fully inform the insurance agent of the origin and destination of your shipment, how it is packaged and what coverage they will be able to provide in the event of damage or loss.The internet is full of websites which are built and operated by unlicensed and inexperienced brokers and forwarders. Be sure to question the broker as to the amount of insurance coverage they will be offering on the shipment.Don’t assume that insurance is provided or let them convince you that “the carrier insures it”.Many providers offer little cargo coverage, or nothing at all, and in the event of a damage claim, you may find yourself having losing hundreds if not thousands of dollar due to uninsured losses. Ask the broker or carrier what procedure they have in place regarding freight loss or damage claims.
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