USA Cargo Freight Leading International Ocean Cargo Freight shipping Service Provider

Q: When Should I use a Common Carrier?
A: If your package ways more than 150 lbs, it is too heavy for a parcel service and you will need a common carrier. LTL (Less than Truckload) carriers will transport shipments weighing anywhere from 100 to 10,000 lbs. If your shipment weighs more than 8,000 lbs, it may take up an entire truck which means you will need a FTL (Full Truckload) carrier. We provide both LTL and FTL carriers.

Q: What is the Standard Procedure of a Common Carrier?
A: The standard procedure is a truck driver backing up to a loading dock for the shipment to be loaded by the shipper then driving the shipment to the destination loading dock to be unloaded by the consignee. Any additional services required outside of the standard procedure, may require additional fees called accessorials.

Q: How will my shipment be transported with a LTL Carrier?
A: Your shipment will be transported via truck along with other customer's shipments so that the costs of transportation are shared which makes LTL transportation economical and affordable.

Q: How will my shipment be transported with a FTL Carrier?
A: If your shipment is large enough to take up the entire truck space, it is a "full truckload" and will be transported via truck all by itself. If your shipment does not quite require the entire space, it is considered a "partial truckload" and will be transported via truck along with another partial load.

Q: What if I want to use my own BOL?
A: Opting to use your own BOL will result in a void of P.A.F's rate quote and being billed the full price direct from the carrier. In certain circumstances, such as the shipper not wanting the consignee to know that they used our freight service, we can make a special anonymous BOL for you. Please inquire about your situation for bol arrangements.

Q: What is freight class?
A: Freight Class refers to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) and it is the category of your freight as defined by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).
Your shipment's freight class determines the carrier's shipping charges. There are 18 freight classes ranging from class 50 (the least expensive) to class 500 (most expensive). The class of your shipment is determined by its contents and NMFC item number.

Q: What is Dimensional Weight?
A: Dimensional weight (also referred to as "dim" weight) considers a package's density, which is the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight. Dimensional weight is used when packages are large in volume, but do not weigh much. For example, the shipping charge of a large box of popcorn or inflated balloons may be based on the dimensional weight because of the amount of space it takes on an aircraft or truck.

Q: How do I calculate my dimensional weight?
A: For Domestic Shipments:
L x W x H (cubic inches) / 194 = Dimensional Weight.
Example: 30" x 24" x 22" = 15,840 / 194 = 82 lbs. (round up to the nearest pound)

For International Shipments:
L x W x H (cubic inches) / 166 = Dimensional Weight.
Example: 30" x 24" x 22" = 15,840 / 166 = 96 lbs. (round up to the nearest pound)

Q: What is the Claims Process?
A: Claims are handled directly by the freight carrier. P.A.F is not involved in the carrier claims process and has no influence on the claim outcome. You must file your claim with the carrier within 15 days of delivery or 5 days if there is concealed damage.