Frequently Asked Questions

  
1. Who should I contact to learn more about CarrierStore services?
   
   If you are interested in using our automated spot quote process immediately, you can call one of our associates in customer support. If you have questions regarding negotiated rates or our Transportation Management System, please contact one of account executives (contact page).
   
  
2. What geographic area does CarrierStore service?
   
   The CarrierStore solution provides service coverage within the continental United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
   
  
3. Do you ship internationally?
   
   Our consultative services can help with your international shipments outside North America.
   
  
4. Do I need a letter of credit to use CarrierStore services?
   
   If a customer has an acceptable credit rating, no letter of credit is necessary. Customers can typically begin using our services on the same day they register on our website.
   
  
5. Do customers need to register each of their branch offices separately?
   
   No. Branch offices do not need to register separately. Multiple users/administrators can be registered on the same company account and receive unique pass codes allowing separate login.
   
  
6. I'm a small to medium manufacturing/distribution company, is CarrierStore the right business model for me?
   
   Yes. For small and medium size manufacturing companies, CarrierStore is an ideal technology solution for procuring freight transportation. Our large carrier base provides the small and medium companies numerous carrier choices at cost-effective prices.
   
  
7. I'm a large manufacturing/distribution company, is CarrierStore the right business model for me?
   
   Yes. Our Transportation Management System (TMS) and free freight consulting services offer even the largest companies the ability to optimize their freight spend and manage all their shipping information.
   
  
8. How often should I consult with a CarrierStore freight specialist?
   
   You can consult with our freight specialists as often as you need. Our no-cost consultative services are available to help ensure you are receiving the lowest published (tariff) rates from best-in-class carriers that meet your specific needs. It's like having a free in-house logistics team on your side.
   
  
9. Do you offer any formalized training?
   
   Yes, our customer service representatives or account executives are available to train you on our easy-to-use, web-based applications. A training session can be arranged via the web or in person. Likewise, you can access the CarrierStore tutorial on our website (take a tour ).
   

  
1. Can CarrierStore help me negotiate published rates with carriers?
   
   Yes, our knowledgeable freight specialists are available to work closely with you to negotiate published rates with best-in-class carriers - all at no cost. You can get more information on published rates by contacting one of our account executives at (978) 298-2100.
   
  
2. Why would I use CarrierStore instead of negotiating with 3PLs and carriers directly?
   
   By engaging the CarrierStore, we negotiate account specific pricing directly with multiple carriers on your behalf. Our Transportation Management System provides you instant access to published rates and spot quotes with best-in-class carriers, eliminating 3PL and broker fees and saving you time tracking down rates and spot quotes.
   
  
3. How long is the negotiation process to establish published rates?
   
   Depending on the complexity of your logistical operations, the negotiation process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
   
  
4. Will a carrier always honor the published rates?
   
   As long as the actual freight content is consistent with the Bill of Lading, the carriers always honor the negotiated rate.
   
  
5. How long are published rates valid?
   
   Published rates are typically valid for one year with the carriers.
   
  
6. If I want a pickup today, what time do I need to post the shipment for a published rate?
   
   As long as you satisfy the carrier pick-up notification schedule, shipments can be picked up on the same day.
   
  
7. How is the Fuel Surcharge (FSC) calculated for published rates?
   
   The FSC is based on the carrier's standard fuel surcharge rate/table which is based on the U.S. Department of Energy's national average fuel cost.
   

  
1. How do I receive a spot quote?
   
   To begin receiving spot quotes on the CarrierStore xCHANGE you must complete a quick and simple one-time user registration process. You can register on our website (click here) or call one of our customer support associates at (978) 298-2100 and they will be able to assist you.
   
  
2. Can I get a single shipment spot quote with no obligations?
   
   Yes, once registered, you can use the CarrierStore xCHANGE to get multiple shipment quotes with no obligation to use any of the returned carrier bids.
   
  
3. How long does it take to receive spot quote bids?
   
   Results are returned as soon as carriers bid on your shipment. Since CarrierStore provides direct access to the pricing departments of dozens of carriers, you typically receive multiple quotes within minutes. During normal business hours, TL bids remain open for 4-8 hours while LTL bids are open for one hour.
   
  
4. If I want a pickup today, what time do I need to post the spot quote or TL shipment on the CarrierStore xCHANGE?
   
   You should allow as much as four hours for TL quotes to be returned and one hour for volume spot quotes to be returned. In general, pickups scheduled for 5:00 pm should be posted before noon on that day. We encourage you to post your shipments as soon as possible if you require same day pickup.
   

  
1. Can I cancel a shipment?
   
   Yes, you can cancel a shipment with timely notification to the carrier prior to the scheduled pick up.
   
  
2. Who do I contact for shipment tracking information?
   
   CarrierStore's Transportation Management System includes a shipment tracking service that is updated daily. In addition, you can call the carrier that is transporting the shipment or a CarrierStore associate.
   
  
3. What type of documentation will I receive for awarded shipments?
   
   You receive a CarrierStore pricing sheet that documents the shipment and the rate applied.
   
  
4. Does CarrierStore provide a Bill of Lading (BOL)?
   
   Yes, a Bill of Lading is generated through our Transportation Management System (TMS).
   
  
5. Will I know the service days of my quoted shipment?
   
   Yes, every quote in the Transportation Management System includes the expected service time.
   
  
6. Do your carriers have proper licensing and insurance?
   
   CarrierStore only partners with established, well respected carriers. As part of our partnership agreement, we validate that our carriers carry the requisite insurance and licenses.
   
  
7. Do I need insurance for my shipment?
   
   Most shipments have adequate insurance coverage based on freight class. However, additional insurance is available for high-value items. This can be added at the time you enter shipment details into the xCHANGE.
   
  
8. What happens in the event of loss and/or damage?
   
   You should follow the normal protocol in accordance with the Bill of Lading, which is typically to file a claim directly with the carrier.
   
  
9. Do I need to provide hazardous materials placards?
   
   Yes, it is the shipper's responsibility to provide haz-mat placards for appropriate shipments. However, most carriers have additional placards that can be used.
   

  
1. Are Special Services (assessorial) included in the rate quote?
   
   Yes. Selected Special Services (assessorial) from our offered list will be included in the rate quote.
   
  
2. Can I request a Special Service (assessorial) not listed on your website and if so, will the price be included in the rate quote?
   
   You can request a Special Service not listed on our website; however, the requested Special Service will not be included in the rate quote.
   
  
3. What charges will be applied to Special Services (assessorial) performed by the carrier that are not listed on your website?
   
   Special Services (assessorial) not offered through our website will be charged according to the selected carriers general rules tariff or negotiated rate as outlined in the shipper carrier agreement (tariff). A complete list of Special Services (assessorial) and charges are available on the xCHANGE within the “Documents” section.
   
  
4. Can I access the carriers general rules tariff from your site?
   
   Yes. All carriers general rules tariffs are stored on the xCHANGE and are easily accessible via the Documents tab.
   
  
5. What type of Transportation Service do you offer?
   
   We offer a wide range of services including LTL, TL, heated, refrigerated and flat bed.
   
  
6. Do you offer guaranteed delivery?
   
   Yes. Guaranteed delivery is offered by our carrier base.
   
  
7. Can you post a shipment for same day pickup?
   
   Yes. In general, pickups scheduled for 5:00 pm should be posted before noon on that day. We encourage you to post your shipments as soon as possible if you require same day pickup.
   
  
8. Do you offer Freight Payment Services?
   
   Not at this time.
   
  
9. Do you handle Parcel Service?
   
   Not at this time.

  
1. How is a shipment invoiced?
   
   The carrier sends the invoice directly to the shipper. CarrierStore will never invoice the shipper for any shipment.
   
  
2. How do I manage my carrier invoices?
   
   The Transportation Management System (TMS) will provide a detailed audit trail in order to reconcile to your carrier invoices.
   
  
3. Do the rates returned from your site match the carriers invoice?
   
   Yes. Our system internally audits all shipments processed through the xCHANGE with the carrier’s invoice price.
   
  
4. What happens in the event a weight correction or class change is applied to the shipment?
   
   The carrier will invoice your shipment based on the correct weight and class.
   
  
5. Will I receive a bill form CarrierStore?
   
   You will never receive an invoice from CarrierStore.
   
  
6. Do you offer reporting capabilities?
   
   Our Transportation Management System (TMS) provides robust reporting, including shipment activity and related freight costs. Our documentation coupled with direct carrier pricing and no broker fees
   

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