Shipping FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers for time-critical freight decisions — written by The Shipping Doctor and backed by the team behind Performance Plus Global Logistics.
Powered by Performance Plus Global Logistics (PPLUS Global).
Start Here
If the shipment is late or at risk, start with Expedited Shipping
If it’s palletized, heavy, or multi-piece, start with LTL/FTL
If it crosses borders, start with International
Expedited Shipping
Q: What does “expedited shipping” actually mean?
A: Expedited shipping is a premium transport solution designed to meet a defined deadline using higher-priority routing, tighter handoffs, and mode selection based on time and risk.
Q: When should I use expedited instead of standard freight?
A: Use expedited when the cost of being late is higher than the cost of premium transport (line-down risk, missed install windows, customer penalties, high-value replacements, perishable deadlines).
Q: What information do you need to start an expedited move quickly?
A: Origin and destination, ready time, required-by time, weight and dimensions, piece count, and special handling (liftgate, limited receiving hours, residential).
Q: What’s the difference between air, dedicated surface, and time-definite?
A: Air prioritizes speed for “must arrive ASAP.” Dedicated surface prioritizes control for direct moves with minimal transfers. Time-definite prioritizes a specific delivery window for scheduled receiving or installs.
Q: How do I avoid paying for speed I don’t need?
A: Start with the real constraint: cutoff times, receiving hours, lane realities, and handling risk. The fastest option isn’t always the most reliable option for your situation.
LTL / FTL
Q: What’s the difference between LTL and FTL?
A: LTL shares trailer space with other shipments and typically involves more handling. FTL uses a dedicated trailer with fewer touches and more control.
Q: Why did my LTL price change when “nothing changed”?
A: LTL pricing is sensitive to freight class, density, dimensions, handling risk, value, and liability. Small changes in packaging or dimensions can cause meaningful rating differences.
Q: How do I reduce damage risk in LTL?
A: Make the shipment forklift-friendly, avoid overhang, strap securely, protect corners, and plan for top-load risk.
International
Q: What causes the biggest international delays?
A: Missing or incorrect documents, unclear responsibility between shipper and consignee, last-mile delivery constraints, and capacity disruptions.
Q: What do you need to quote international shipping faster?
A: Origin and destination, commodity description, packaging type, dimensions and weight, ready date, required-by date, and any compliance constraints.
Paperwork, Receiving, and Exceptions
Q: What should I do at delivery to protect myself from claims and disputes?
A: Inspect the shipment, note visible damage or shortages on delivery documentation, and take photos immediately.
Q: What is a delivery exception?
A: A delivery exception is any disruption from the planned delivery outcome — missed appointment windows, access issues, weather disruptions, incorrect documentation, or freight condition issues.
Damage Prevention
Q: What are the most common causes of freight damage?
A: Weak palletizing, inadequate strapping and wrapping, overhang, poor corner protection, and insufficient top-load protection.
Q: How should I strap freight to a pallet?
A: Use sufficient strapping to prevent shifting, strap through the pallet base when possible, protect corners, and keep the load tight and stable.
Escalation
If this shipment is time-critical, contact us and include origin and destination and the required delivery deadline.
