A full truckload (FTL) freight quote is issued when one shipper has enough cargo to fill the whole truck. FTL rates are undoubtedly the easiest mode calculation, utilizing a flat door-to-door rate or a cost per mile traveled. For the most part, the amount and type of product being transported doesn’t impact the truckload rate as long as the standard freight insurance is enough for the load.
Even so, several factors influence the rate of your FTL freight quote. Let’s take a closer look at the FTL freight quote in New York as well as the top factors that determine the FTL freight quote.
What Determines the Price of FTL Freight Quote in New York & New Jersey?
Here are the top factors that determine the FTL freight quote in Long Island and surrounding areas.
Mileage Impacts Freight Quotes
Mileage plays a very important role in determining the total cost, but the calculation isn’t very straightforward. In either case, distances that are longer will usually incur higher rates due to the increased driver time and fuel required. It’s important to understand that not all lanes cost the same — even if they are identical in mileage.
Fuel Surcharges
One of the main factors driving the cost of the FTL freight quote is the fuel surcharge. All fuel surcharges are based on the market price of diesel fuel. And it’s very common for carriers and logistics providers to lower and raise fuel surcharges weekly as fuel prices change.
Trucking Lane Can Dictate Full Truckload Freight Rates
The trucking lane is any route a carrier covers in the schedule. In other words, the trucking lane is used to explain the trip from Point A to Point B. The lane cost typically varies based on freight moving in and out of an area.
Cities that have a higher ratio of trucks to available freight can be less expensive compared to a location with more freight volume than drivers. For instance, transportation to and from New Jersey or New York may be less expensive to ship to and from compared to a small town in the Panhandle of Florida.
Market Capacity and Truckload Rates
The overall demand for trucking services and truck availability will always be a factor in FTL freight rates. While capacity is seasonal, it can also be impacted by factors like:
- Pandemic
- Cost of living
- Sales of equipment
- Employment factors
- Natural disasters
- Etc.
Individual Load Attractiveness
Each FTL shipment is unique and has a different level of attractiveness based on the carrier. Here are a few things that can impact the attractiveness of your FTL freight:
- Ease of access
- Ease of scheduling appointments
- Availability of backhauls
Flexibility and Timing
What are the available time and day windows for drivers to deliver and pick up? Usually, the orders that aren’t as accommodating to Long Island trucking companies cost more. At the same time, is your window flexible? A two-day window may enable the New York carrier to optimize the route, which can help maximize their capacity. This could lead to reduced trucking costs and rates. On the other hand, rigid and restrictive schedules could lead to higher FTL freight quote rates.
Lead Time Affects FTL Freight Quote
In most instances, the more time you offer a New Jersey or New York trucking carrier to prepare and book the order, the lower your potential costs may be.
Accessorial Charges
Accessorial charges are the costs that can be levied during the transportation of your freight that requires extra work or services. Common accessorial charges include:
- Liftgate
- Inside delivery
- Residential delivery
- After-hours pickup or delivery
- Weekend pickup or delivery
- And more!
Accessorial charges are usually billed after the fact, which means they may not be included in the base rate of your shipment. However, if you know you will need extra services that are outside the norm, you can save time by communicating these special needs upfront. Failure to do so could result in your shipment being delayed as well as additional costs.
FTL vs LTL Freight Quote
While both less-than-truckload (LTL) and FTL freight quotes are designed to do the same thing, the two are very different. These key differences pertain to the way these modes are priced. Understanding how FTL vs LTL freight quotes operate is vital to a successful shipping experience.
The LTL Freight Quote
When you receive an LTL freight quote, several factors are taken into consideration, which is quite different from the FTL process. The main difference is that LTL freight quotes require freight class. The freight class is a specific classification that spans from 50 up to 500. In total, there are 18 different classes. Another key factor that determines the price of an LTL freight quote is density.
The FTL Freight Quote
On the other hand, truckload freight quotes are significantly less complicated. However, you are less likely to be able to negotiate rates on a FTL freight quote. Although several factors are considered in the FTL freight quote, it’s primarily the destination and mileage that drive the rates. Freight class isn’t a part of the equation.
Contact On Track Freight Systems
At On Track Freight Systems, we are the leading trucking carrier for less than truckload and full truckload shipments. We offer fast, next-day LTL and FTL freight solutions throughout the New York and New Jersey metro area.
Due to our two conveniently located terminals in Woodbridge, NJ & Deer Park, Long Island, we’re able to provide affordable service throughout the following area:
- Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, including zip codes 110-119
- The Bronx, Staten Island, Rockland, and Westchester, including zip codes 103-109
- Manhattan, including zip codes 100-102
- NJ — All points in New Jersey, including zip codes 070-079, 080-089
We also offer a range of national freight transportation solutions:
- National LTL brokerage & logistics
- Nationwide FTL brokerage & logistics
- Nationwide intermodal rail shipping & logistics
Contact us today for tailored logistics and transportation rate quotes.
