5 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Full Truckload (FTL) Shipment
Booking your first full truckload shipment can feel overwhelming. There are carriers, brokers, rates, equipment types, and a dozen acronyms that nobody explains.
The good news: you don't need to become a logistics expert overnight. You just need to ask the right questions before you commit.
1. "Is my shipment actually FTL?"
Full truckload means your freight fills (or should fill) an entire trailer — typically 24–26 standard pallets, or up to 45,000 lbs. But "full" doesn't always mean maxed out.
Book FTL when:
- Your shipment weighs over 15,000 lbs
- You have more than 10 pallets
- The cargo is fragile or high-value and shouldn't share trailer space
- You need a guaranteed pickup and delivery window
If your shipment is 5 pallets or fewer, LTL (less-than-truckload) may be more cost-effective. But once you cross the 10-pallet threshold, FTL often wins on both price and speed.
2. "What equipment do I need?"
The three most common trailer types for FTL are:
- Dry van — enclosed, weather-protected, rear-loading. Best for palletized goods.
- Flatbed — open platform, side/top loading. Best for oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped freight.
- Reefer — temperature-controlled dry van. Required for perishables.
Tell your carrier the exact dimensions, weight, and any special requirements (temperature, tarping, crane unload). They'll match the right equipment.
3. "What does the rate include?"
FTL rates are quoted per load (not per pallet or per pound). But the base rate doesn't always cover everything. Ask about:
- Fuel surcharge — usually a separate line item that fluctuates with diesel prices
- Detention — charged when the driver waits more than 2 hours at pickup or delivery
- Layover — charged if the driver has to wait overnight due to shipper/receiver delays
- Accessorials — extra charges for liftgate, inside delivery, tarping, or special handling
A transparent carrier will break these out upfront. If the rate quote seems too simple, ask what's not included.
4. "How will I track my shipment?"
Real-time tracking isn't a premium feature anymore — it's table stakes. When you book FTL, confirm:
- Does the carrier provide GPS tracking?
- Will you get automated status updates?
- Can you see the truck's location in real time?
- How are you notified when the load delivers?
Carriers using platforms like Samsara can give you live location, ETA updates, and proof of delivery — all without a phone call. If a carrier says "call dispatch for updates," they're behind.
5. "What happens if something goes wrong?"
This is the question most shippers skip — and the one that matters most when things get real.
- What's the claims process if cargo is damaged?
- How quickly can the carrier reroute if a delivery address changes?
- What backup plan exists if the assigned truck breaks down?
- Is there 24/7 dispatch support for urgent issues?
The best carriers have answers for these before you ask. A 24/7 dispatch team, in-house maintenance, and a deep roster of company drivers mean problems get solved fast — not escalated to a voicemail.
Bonus: Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid carriers or brokers who:
- Won't provide their MC and USDOT numbers upfront
- Can't answer basic questions about equipment or insurance
- Quote dramatically below market rate (if it sounds too good, it is)
- Have no online presence or verifiable references
- Require full prepayment before pickup
Ship With Confidence
FTL shipping doesn't have to be complicated. The right carrier answers your questions, matches the right equipment, and keeps you informed from pickup to delivery.
MDX Line has been hauling full truckloads across 48 states for over a decade. We own our trucks, employ our drivers, and operate 24/7 dispatch — because your freight doesn't wait, and neither do we.