The Ultimate Guide to Truckload Shipping Just the Basics

When is Full Truckload (FTL) Shipping the Best Option? Table of A Quick Review of Truck and Trailer Types Contents Preparing Your Freight for Shipping Checklist for Shipping Create an Inventory Packaging your Shipment Freight Packing Made Easy in Seven Steps Calculate your Weight and Dimensions for Shipping Visit the Opus9 Website at www.opus9.com

Appendix

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pallets Glossary of Terms Used in Truckload Shipping At Opus9, we understand that shipping freight is a complicated and confusing process! That’s why we’ve created this shipping guide.

Whether you are a first-time shipper or just need a quick refresher, our Ultimate Guide to Truckload Shipping will answer questions, offer much-needed tips, and take the confusion out of truckload shipping, so you can get back to building your business. At Opus9 we strive to create a streamlined and efficient shipping process for our customers, so let’s get started! Just the Basics WHEN IS FULL TRUCKLOAD (FTL) SHIPPING THE BEST FTL OPTION?

Don’t worry! It’s not as complicated as it seems. With a quick review of truckload shipping and its many benefits, your freight will soon be its way. Let’s get started with the main differences between Less Than Truckload (LTL) and FTL.

Weight and Shipment Size: As a rule of thumb - most shipments of between 1 and 6 pallets and under 10,000 lbs can be shipped LTL. Most often LTL freight takes up less than 12 linear feet of a trailer. A full truckload shipment is between 24 and 30 pallets on and up. Because space on the trailer is actually more important than weight, truckload shipments can range from 10,000 lbs. to 45,000 lbs. and up.

Handling and Urgency: Simply put, FTL freight is handled less. Once it’s on the truck, it travels to its destination without leaving the truck. Less handling means less opportunity for damages. Fewer stops means that FTL freight reaches its destination as quickly as possible. LTL freight, on the other hand, shares space in a trailer with multiple shipments. This means your freight is unloaded and reloaded and often warehoused while waiting for another truck. This results in much longer transit times and more opportunities for damages.

Specialized Equipment: FTL offers shippers more options. If you need a reefer for temperature-controlled shipments, FTL is your best bet as it’s difficult to find space forL TL shipments on a reefer. The same goes for dry vans and open-deck equipment. FTL shipping can handle a variety of different cargo types.

In summary, Full Truckload (FTL) shipping and Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping are two options for different types of freight based primarily on weight and space needed. However, handling considerations and urgency should be considered; as well as, the need for specialized equipment. Sometimes FTL is the best option, even when your load is smaller.

Still confused? Give Opus9 a call, or check out our intuitive online platform where we offer instant quotes and a full range of shipping services for your unique needs. A QUICK REVIEW OF TRUCK AND TRAILER TYPES

You’ve concluded that your freight should be shipped FTL. What do you need to know about common truckload freight trailer types?

Dry Van: Dry van freight is the most common type of freight in the U.S. Nonperishable food and/or beverage items, textiles, clothing, plastics, as well as, building products can be shipped using dry vans. Dry vans are enclosed, weather-resistant, box trailers designed to carry pallets or boxes. They can be as long as 53 feet and are able to haul up to 45,000 pounds of cargo.

Reefer: A reefer refers to a refrigerated trailer that transports temperature- controlled cargoes such as frozen seafood, fruits, meat, vegetables, dairy products, as well as, non-food items such as pharmaceuticals, fresh flowers, and film.

Flatbed: Widely used, flatbeds are versatile because they can be loaded at the tip, sides, and rear. Flatbeds can carry a maximum weight of around 48,000 lbs and are typically 48 ft to 53 ft long. Because flatbeds are open to the elements, goods transported on flatbeds must either be weather resistant or packaged as such.

Step Deck: A variation of the flatbed design, step deck trailers have a bottom and a top deck. They were designed to haul freight that cannot be transported on a regular flatbed, usually because of height restrictions.

Conestoga: The rolling tarp system on a Conestoga provides protection for freight while offering the ease of side loading and unloading. While Conestogas are often used for heavy items such as lumber and steel, they are also used for palletized freight.

Knowledge is power. With the right information, shippers can access the choice in truckload shipping for a variety of freight types. At Opus9, we specialize in customized solutions for your truckload freight. Our innovative web platform offers customers the ability to book dry van, reefer, and flatbeds on demand in an easy and transparent way. Preparing your Freight for Shipping Now that you have a working knowledge of the benefits of truckload shipping and the variety of equipment available to transport your freight, it’s time to prepare your freight for shipping. Follow these easy steps, and your freight will be on its way. CHECKLIST FOR SHIPPING

1. Inventory your shipment.

2. Package your shipment.

3. Calculate the weight and dimensions of your shipment.

4. Visit the Opus9 website at www.opus9.com. a. Pick your origin, destination, mode of transport and hit search. b. Receive instant and competitive free quotes in seconds. c. Choose the shipping option most suitable for you. d. Book your shipment. With Opus9 you can be confident your freight will be handled by qualified carriers.

5. When you book with Opus9, your paperwork will be handled electronically - such as your Bill of Lading.

6. Track your shipment in real-time. Know where your truck is at any time and receive proactive alerts en-route.

7. When your freight is delivered, receive an electronic Proof of Delivery - it's easy with Opus9’s online platform! CREATE AN INVENTORY

Before you prepare your freight for shipping, you need to create an inventory. An inventory is a complete list of goods you will be shipping to your customer. Each item will be listed on the Bill of Lading - a contract between the freight carrier and the shipper automatically generated when you book a shipment with Opus9.

We recommend that you assign a value to your goods and document the value in your inventory. It’s always a good idea to know what it would cost to replace the items in your inventory. Often this value will be assigned by your insurance.

PACKAGING YOUR SHIPMENT

Many first-time shippers are daunted by the process of properly packaging freight for shipment, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty simple, especially if you remember

The carrier’s job is to move your freight, not to pack it.

Pack from the inside out! A box is only as good as the packing inside of it. Pack your boxes and pallets for strength.

Use quality packing materials and take your time! FREIGHT PACKING MADE EASY IN SEVEN STEPS

Products should be packed in a box, carton, crate, or other protective container. Shipments containing multiple boxes should be palletized, so shipment can be loaded onto a truck with a pallet jack.

Determine whether your items are fragile or non-fragile.

Fragile items are anything breakable:

Glass Computer or computer parts Electronics Furniture Household goods Artwork

Non-fragile items are unbreakable such as:

Clothing and footwear Paper or plastic Machinery parts Canned goods Non-fragile Tools and hardware Carpeting

Pack non-fragile and fragile items inside sturdy new boxes or containers. Make sure the boxes are full and airtight. Air in the box means your product could be damaged inside. Individually wrap fragile items with bubble wrap and leave room in box for extra cushioning.

For extra caution, you may want to bubble wrap first box and place it inside second larger box (typically 5 inches wider and deeper than first box). Fill the remaining space with cushioning material.

Clearly label boxes. Each box must have a label with shipper’s and consignee’s address as well as phone numbers, bill of lading numbers, and date shipped. Labels should be printed for readability and attached to the top surface of each box in the shipment. Tape boxes closed with durable plastic tape or reinforced tape that is at least three inches in width. Place tape across flaps and seams Align properly of the top and bottom seams of the box.

Stack boxes together carefully and evenly on preferred pallet (for more information, check out Everything You Need to Know about Pallets and More in the Appendix below). Heavier boxes Stagger or align boxes, corner to corner with no overhang. Place heavier boxes at the bottom. Weight on pallet (and within boxes) should be distributed evenly. Use cardboard Top surface should be even and flat to minimize damage. corner beads Use cardboard corner beads around the pallet.

Helpful tip: Use flat cardboard every couple of rows to solidify loose boxes.

Secure boxes to pallet using shrink-wrap. The goal is for your pallet to be a solid unit. It should move as one solid piece. Use nylon strap Use quality shrink-wrap (70 gauge) and don’t be stingy! Begin by wrapping shrink-wrap around base four or five times, allowing the edge to go underneath each corner. Work your way up from the base joining each layer securely to first base layer and on up the stacked boxes. Pull tightly in order to take as much stretch out of plastic as possible while wrapping. Wrap each section four or five times. When you reach the top, check security by pushing against boxes. Shrink wrap If they move, wrap your way back down the stack.

Helpful tip: As you wrap boxes, twist the wrap for extra strength.

For extra security use a nylon strap! CALCULATE YOUR WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS FOR SHIPPING

1. For Weight: The entire load, as packaged on pallet, must be weighed on a scale. It is important that you get a correct weight, so weigh after packaging.

2. For Cubic Size: measure the width, height, and depth of piece (in feet), and multiply ( Width x Height x Depth = Cubic Feet). Repeat this step for each pallet and add measurements together for total cubic feet.

3. For Girth: Measure the width of wrapped pallet and multiply by two. Add this number to the doubled height of palletized freight. (2W + 2H = Girth. Repeat for each pallet. VISIT THE OPUS9 WEBSITE AT WWW.OPUS9.COM

Your shipment is inventoried, properly packaged, and weighed. You are ready to ship. How do you find the right carrier - one with excellent safety ratings and high reliability standards - book your shipment, and get back to business?

What used to be the most time-consuming and difficult step in the shipping process has become the easiest with Opus9’s innovative platform. You’ll receive quotes on demand with real-time tracking and visibility of your shipment from pickup to delivery!

1. Visit the Opus9 website at www.opus9.com. Type in your origin, destination, mode, and hit search. 2. Receive competitive rates in seconds for your shipping needs. Review your options and choose the rate and date that best fits your needs. 3. Book your shipment online - it couldn’t be simpler! 4. Monitor your shipments in real-time. Receive proactive alerts and know where your shipment is at all times. WHY SHIP TRUCKLOAD WITH OPUS9?

Get instant and competitive quotes - no login required. Use our simplified booking process - book a truck in a matter of minutes Access Opus9's reliable carrier network who hold the highest levels of safety and compliance Receive real-time updates and full visibility when your Are you shipment is in-transit Streamline productivity with electronic paperwork Receive personalized support 24/7. Our logistics experts are with you every step of the way! ready to try Enjoy end-to-end transparency Opus9?

Get a Quote Appendix EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT PALLETS

Some experts believe the pallet is the single most important item in modern day commerce1. This year alone, 450 million new pallets will be manufactured in the United States, and over 1.9 million pallets are in use at any one time.2

So what exactly is a pallet? A pallet is a flat foundational structure used to stabilize and package goods for bulk transportation and storage. Pallets Stringer pallet evolved from skids in the early 1920s with the invention of the first forklift truck and have been used ever since. Most pallets are wooden, but they come in a variety of materials and sizes. Let’s take a closer look at pallets.

Standard pallet sizes: 48” X 40” 42” X 42” 48” X 48”

Types of Pallets: Stringer Pallets are built with 2” by 4” wood, plastic, or metal Block pallet stringers, and typically have two-way forklift ends. Block pallets are sturdier because they are built with both parallel and perpendicular stringers, and typically have four-way forklift ends.

Forklift Entry Types: Two-way pallets are designed to be lifted by deck boards and only have forklift openings on two ends. Partial four-way pallets have forklift openings on both ends and 2 4 smaller openings on the other ends. Four-way pallets have openings on all four ends.

1 http://www.slate.com/articles/business/transport/2012/08/pallets_the_single_most_ important_object_in_the_global_economy_.html 2 https://www.1001pallets.com/the-history-of-pallets/ Pallet Materials:

Metal/Aluminum for heavier goods and long-term outdoor storage. They can be recycled and are quite durable, but they are costly to transport due to their heavier weight. A typical aluminum pallet weighs 48 lbs and a steel pallet weighs a whopping 66 lbs.

Wooden pallets are durable and suitable for storing. They are often less expensive than other pallet materials and are easy to repair. They can be resold or recycled, but also splinter, warp, and shrink due to contact with inclement weather. A typical wood pallet weighs 40 lbs.

Plastic pallets are low weight and resist humidity and corrosion. They are 100% recyclable and usually have a 10+ year life span. They are easily cleaned and usable in a variety of climates but cannot be repaired easily and are more expensive than wooden pallets. A typical plastic pallet weighs 14 lbs.

Corrugated Cardboard can carry loads of up to 750 kg. They are lightweight, recyclable, and inexpensive. They do not hold up in inclement weather and cannot be used for heavier materials. A typical cardboard pallet weighs about 19lbs.

There are a variety of considerations when choosing a type of pallet for your particular freight. Wooden pallets, in particular the Grocery Manufacturers’ Pallet (GMA), are the most common pallet used in the United States. GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN TRUCKLOAD SHIPPING

Accessorial Charge: Charges made for performing freight duties Lumping: When a driver helps load or unload at pickup or delivery. beyond normal pickup and delivery such as inside delivery, waiting time, fuel surcharges, detention. Packing Materials:

Bill of Lading: The legally binding contract between the shipper and Labels must be used on each box. Labels should include shipper’s the carrier or broker that covers the freight shipping arrangement, name and address as well as consignee’s name and address. Any including what is shipped and to whom it will be delivered. special handling instructions should be on labels. Anti-Slip Mats are used between the pallet and goods to avoid Blocking and Bracing: Supports used to keep shipments in place on package slipping or sliding during transport. trailers. Shrink Wrap (we recommend 70 gauge) should be used to Capacity: Determined by the amount of goods to be shipped and the completely wrap palletized and goods. Not only does shrink wrap number of carriers to ship them, capacity is a large factor in truckload protect goods against moisture, but it creates a more solid unit. pricing. Straps are used to tether packages to pallets. Carrier: A company that transports freight. Corrugated Cardboard Corner Beads are used to protect pallet and create a more solid unit. Cartage: Actual commodities and freight being shipped. Pallet: Portable platforms used to package items for freight shipping. Claim: A charge made against carrier for lost or damaged freight. Standard pallets are wooden and 40X48.

Concealed Damage: Damage that is not visible until package is Third Party Logistics Provider (3PL): Logistics provider, like Opus9, opened. that acts as intermediary between customers and carriers. Consignee: The individual who is financially responsible for shipment. Typically, the receiver of shipment.

Consignor: Typically, the seller (shipper) who sends goods to consignee and owns shipment until paid in full.

Cubic Capacity: Carrying capacity of truck measured in cubic feet.

Detention: Fee assessed by carrier when driver is held up at pickup or delivery.

Dunnage: Packing material used in trailer to protect freight.

Exceptions: Noted on the Bill of Lading before it is signed, an exception is a shortage or damage noted at time of delivery. Get Started With Opus9