Freight Resources
Guides to help you ship smarter
Straightforward references on how freight actually works: definitions, side-by-side comparisons, and market benchmarks. Use them to make faster, better shipping decisions.
ReferenceFreight & Logistics GlossaryPlain-English definitions of 30+ freight terms, from drayage and detention to freight class and BOLs.Cost dataLTL Accessorial Fee IndexLiftgate, residential, inside delivery and redelivery fees from three carrier tariffs, with example bills by weight.ComparisonFTL vs LTLFTL books a whole trailer for large or urgent loads; LTL shares space for smaller freight. Compare cost, speed, and damage risk to choose.ComparisonDrayage vs IntermodalDrayage is the short truck move of a container; intermodal is the full rail-plus-truck journey. See how they differ and work together.ComparisonExpedited vs Standard FreightExpedited freight is a dedicated, direct, time-critical move; standard freight is the routine, lower-cost option. Compare cost, speed, and use.ComparisonSpot Rate vs Contract RateSpot rates flex with the daily market; contract rates lock a set price for months. Here's when each wins, and how to blend them.ComparisonIntermodal vs TruckloadIntermodal rail cuts cost and emissions on long hauls; truckload wins on speed and flexibility. Here's how to choose the right mode.ComparisonFreight Broker vs Asset-Based CarrierBrokers give you flexible, scalable capacity across many carriers; asset carriers own the trucks and control service. Here's which fits.
Popular Freight Guides
- LTL vs FTL: which saves money
Where the break-even sits between a shared trailer and a dedicated one.
- Freight class and NMFC codes
How density sets your class and why a wrong class gets re-billed.
- Accessorial charges explained
Liftgate, residential, detention and the other fees that change a quote.
- Bill of lading guide
What goes on a BOL and the mistakes that cause claims.
- How brokers vet carriers
The authority, insurance and fraud checks done before a load moves.
- What it costs to ship a pallet
Real price ranges by distance and weight.
- How to ship freight by rail
When intermodal beats trucking and when it does not.
- US trucking statistics 2026
Tonnage, carriers, costs and rates from primary sources.