Avoiding-Costly-LTL-Freight-Reclassifications
April 9, 2008 by: Ted Grummons (Logistics Manager, CompCore LTD)
Most LTL carriers are interested in one thing - maximizing profits! That means when you ship freight, you need to be careful about the ways carriers can increase the cost of your loads.
One way is very simple. It is called "re-classification". That is when the carrier claims that the freight class you put on your bill-of-lading is incorrect, and the carrier changes the class to what they think is right. Terminal managers can be really agressive when it comes to reclassing freight, especially for lower volume shippers who don't have the power to fight back.
This can cost you lots of money and result in a nasty surprise when you get your freight bill. I have seen carrier charges increase over 200% because of a reclass! If you are a small business, you need to be sure you are shipping at the correct freight class. The best thing you can to to be sure is to contact a professional who can help you sort through the freight classficiation maze.