FAQ
SHIPPING WITH DUGAN
How do I calculate LTL transit times?
Use our Transit Time Calculator to get your transit time in seconds. Just enter the Origin and Destination ZIP codes.
How do I get an LTL shipping rate quote?
If you already have an online account with us, log in to use our Rate Quote tool. If not, call our customer service line for a quote: 1-800-495-0014
How do I fill out and send a Bill of Lading (BOL)?
There are three different ways you can fill out and send us your BOL:
How do I schedule a pickup?
There are four different ways you can schedule a pickup:
What is your service area?
Here is our current LTL service area:
LTL FREIGHT SHIPPING TERMS & PROCESSES
What does LTL stand for?
LTL stands for “less than load” or “less than truckload.” It is a freight shipment that doesn’t take up an entire semi-truck. A freight shipment that does take up the entire truck by itself is called FTL— “full truck load.”
With LTL shipping, you only pay for the space in the truck that you need. The rest of the space is filled with shipments from other companies. Think of it like riders sharing the cost of a cab. This makes LTL freight shipping a budget-friendly choice when your business doesn’t need to ship in large quantities.
How much do LTL shipments weigh?
Most LTL shipments weigh between 100 and 20,000 pounds.
What’s the difference between a pallet and a skid?
Pallets have top and bottom decking, while skids only have top decking. However, the terms are often used interchangeably.
What is a Bill of Lading (BOL)?
A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a document that serves as a contract and a receipt of services between the shipper (you) and the carrier (trucking company). It provides all the necessary information to process and invoice the shipment, including the weight and dimensions of each unit, freight classification, origin and destination.
Many carriers, including Dugan, give you the option to fill out and submit a BOL online. However, you still need to include a printed copy with your shipment. Always keep a copy of the BOL for your records, like you would any contract.
How are LTL shipping rates determined?
There are several factors that go into an LTL rate, including the distance, fuel costs, weight and freight class. Special services like lift gate and scheduled delivery appointments typically come with extra fees.
What is a freight class?
Developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), The National Motor Freight Classification® (NMFC®) provides a standardized freight pricing structure for different types of shippable commodities. Commodities are grouped into one of 18 freight classes, from a low of class 50 to a high of class 500.
Classification is based on an evaluation of density, handling, stowability and liability. Together, these characteristics establish the “transportability” of a commodity. The higher the class, the harder the commodity is to transport—meaning the shipping price per pound is typically higher.
What is an NMFC number?
The NMFTA assigns a unique number to each shippable commodity, called the NMFC number. This number correlates to the NMFC freight class, which is then used in calculating shipping rates.
What is SCAC?
The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique two-to-four-letter code used to identify transportation companies. NMFTA first developed the SCAC system in the 1960s to facilitate computerization in the industry.
What is a “weight break?”
LTL carriers often apply a discount on shipments as the freight moves up in weight. The weight intervals at which the rates change are called “weight breaks” or “weight thresholds.” For example, a carrier might charge one rate for shipments up to 500 pounds, then a lower rate for shipments 500 – 1,000 pounds. The weight break is 500.
Why the discount? In LTL shipping, you’re sharing the truck load capacity. If you take up more of it, fewer shippers (and therefore fewer stops) are needed to fill the truck. That takes less fuel, less administration, and the trip is more efficient for the carrier.
What is a fuel surcharge/fuel service charge?
A fuel surcharge is a fee charged by carriers to cover additional and fluctuating fuel costs. It is calculated as a percentage of the base rate. Fuel surcharges are based on the average fuel price compared to revenue, and so can vary by carrier.
What is a carrier tariff?
A carrier tariff is a document that outlines how a specific carrier’s freight shipping costs are established.
Carriers typically update their individual tariffs every six months to a year. Federal law requires carriers to make their tariffs available to shippers who request them. You can find Dugan’s carrier tariff here.
What is lift gate service?
Semi-trucks are designed to load and unload at a loading dock or with a forklift. What happens if you need to deliver an LTL shipment to a residence or business without access to these? If the shipment is too heavy to lift the approximately 56” down from the truck by hand, you need a lift gate. A lift gate is a device that safely lowers the item from the truck, similar to a forklift.
Not all trucks are equipped with a lift gate, so make sure to let the carrier know you need the service before scheduling a shipment. There is typically an extra charge for lift gate service.