The Benefits of Using an Online Freight Load Board

In the fast-paced world of logistics and transportation, efficiency is key to maintaining a competitive edge. For freight carriers, matching available trucks with suitable loads is crucial to maximizing productivity and profitability. Enter the online freight load board – a powerful tool that has transformed the way logistics professionals conduct their businesses. Illustrating the benefits of using an online freight load board, this article explores how these platforms are revolutionizing the freight industry.

1. Increased Visibility and Access to Loads

Traditionally, finding available freight loads required time-consuming phone calls, physical paperwork, and a network of industry contacts. However, online freight load boards provide a digital marketplace where carriers can quickly access a vast array of available loads. These platforms consolidate listings from various shippers and brokers, significantly increasing visibility for freight carriers. With just a few clicks, carriers can browse, filter, and find loads that perfectly match their routes and capacity.

2. Enhanced Efficiency and Time Management

Time is money in the freight business. Online load boards enhance efficiency by simplifying the process of matching trucks with loads. Carriers can save valuable time by quickly identifying potential loads rather than spending hours on the phone negotiating or searching for jobs. This streamlined process allows logistics professionals to focus on more critical tasks, like optimizing routes and ensuring timely deliveries, ultimately enhancing overall productivity.

3. Broadened Market Reach

With an online freight load board, carriers are no longer limited to their immediate geographic area or local networks. These platforms often connect users from across the country, opening up new opportunities for freight and expanding market reach. Carriers can explore loads from various regions, thus enabling them to find profitable opportunities and maximize their utilization rates.

4. Cost-Effective Solutions

Using an online load board can lead to significant cost savings for freight carriers. Many load boards offer free access or low-cost subscription plans, making it a cost-effective option compared to traditional methods of finding loads. Additionally, the ability to find backhauls – loads that allow carriers to return home with freight – reduces empty miles, which translates directly to increased profitability.

5. Real-Time Updates and Communication

Online freight load boards often come equipped with real-time updates that keep users informed about the latest available loads, changes to existing shipments, and other vital information. This feature allows carriers to stay ahead of the curve, make informed decisions, and enhance communication with brokers and shippers. Some platforms even offer integrated chat features or mobile apps, enabling seamless communication while on the road.

6. Robust Safety Measures and Reviews

Most reputable online freight load boards implement verification procedures for both carriers and shippers, contributing to a more secure marketplace. Additionally, many platforms include user reviews and ratings, allowing carriers to evaluate potential partnerships based on past experiences. This level of transparency fosters trust within the community and helps protect carriers from potential fraudulent activities.

7. Data-Driven Insights

Online freight load boards increasingly utilize advanced technology and analytics, providing users with valuable insights into market trends, pricing, and lane performance. Carriers can leverage this data to make informed business decisions, optimize pricing strategies, and plan their operations more effectively. By understanding which routes yield the best results, carriers can position themselves for greater success in the evolving marketplace.

Conclusion

The rise of online freight load boards has brought about a paradigm shift in the logistics industry. With increased visibility, enhanced efficiency, and broader market access, carriers can optimize their operations and boost profitability. By adopting these innovative platforms, freight professionals position themselves at the forefront of a rapidly evolving marketplace, ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of modern logistics. As the industry continues to advance, those who leverage the benefits of online freight load boards will undoubtedly stand out in the competitive landscape.

How The NMFC (National Motor Freight Classicification) Affects Your Business

The NMFC has something to do with freight class. That is about all most of us know what the NMFC is all about. But it can’t hurt to know more what the NMFC is, who runs it, where does it come from, how do I get one, this article is for you! After this article, you will know exactly what the NMFC is and how it affects your business.

First off, the NMFC stands for National Motor Freight Classification. It is a guide used to classify all the commodities shipped and handled by motor carriers in North America. The commodities are assigned one of 18 different classes – from a low of 50 to a high of 500 – based on four transportation characteristics: density, stowability, handling and liability.

It also includes rules and packaging requirements for each type of commodity to ensure adequate protection for products moving in the LTL motor carrier service.

The NMFC constitutes industry standards which are developed and maintained by the National Classification Committee (NCC), an autonomous committee of 100 carrier representatives who are elected to represent the more than 1,000 motor carriers participating in the NMFC. The NCC’s activities are regulated by the US Surface Transportation Board which is part of the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The NMFC is published by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), a nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, VA.

Defining Freight Class

Although, classes are determined by density, stowability, handling and liability, the biggest factor in determining the class is the density. The denser the commodity is, the lower the freight class. Always remember that!

Here is a “rule of thumb” we folks in the freight industry use to do a quick guestimate to determine a particular freight class. Of course this should be backed up by the NFMC but you can a pretty accurate idea of a freight class by following this chart.

FREIGHT CLASS CHART

The first column shows the pounds per cubic foot (PCF). The second column shows freight class. So when the PCF is greater than the number in the first column, than the class will likely be the number in the second column.

PCF Class
50 50
35 55
30 60
22.5 65
15 70
13.5 77
12 85
10.5 92
9 100
8 110
7 125
6 150
5 175
4 200
3 250
2 300
1 400
< 1 500

How To Calculate Freight Class

With carrier dock workers scrutinizing shipments more and more to add weight & inspection revenue, it is becoming imperative for shippers to understand what the exact density of their shipments is.

Carriers are chomping at the bit for the opportunity to find that a shipments density is at a higher class than a shipper put on their bill of lading. With scales attached forklifts and tape measures in everyone’s pocket, this is becoming a huge money maker for the carriers.

So shippers need to know for sure what their density is. It’s not hard either. All that is needed is the weight, dimensions and the formula for density. For those like me who forgot this simple high school algebra formula, here is a step by step way to calculate density.

Step 1. Measure the height, width, and depth of the shipment in inches. Measure to the farthest points, including skids or other packaging.

Step 2. Multiply the three measurements (height x width x depth). The result is the total cubic inches of the shipment.

Step 3. Divide the total cubic inches by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic foot). The result is the cubic feet of the shipment.

Step 4. Divide the weight (in pounds) of the shipment by the total cubic feet. The result is the pounds per cubic foot, i.e., density.

Here is an example of calculating density: If the skid weighs 500 pounds with dimensions of 42 inches x 48 inches x 48 inches:

1. Multiply 42″ x 48″ x 48″ = 96,768 cubic inches
2. Divide 96,768 by 1,728 = 56 cubic feet
3. Divide 500 pounds by 56 cubic feet = 8.9 pounds per cubic feet (PCF), i.e., density



Use This Calculator To Find Freight Class

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