What is the difference between an LTL shipment and a partial shipment? 

If a shipment is relatively small (one or two pallets, 2,000 lbs. or less) it is generally more economical to ship with an LTL carrier.  In today's environment even large shipments that would have been 'partials' in the past can be 'spot quoted' and moved with LTL carriers.  If your shipment has unusual dimensions or high-value, you may want to consider moving it as a partial.  Fragile shipments are generally moved as partials, though some LTL carriers offer protective service for this type of cargo. 

Our mission is to give you informed options so you can choose which environment is best.

2.

How do you determine the best mode of transportation for my shipments?

We don't.  YOU do.  We give you multiple options based on price and service consideration.  YOU always have the bottom-line decision about which option is best.

3.

How do you choose your carriers?

Our carriers are carefully screened to meet our quality standards.  Experience, age, safety ratings, making equipment available to our customers, meeting delivery schedules, and other qualifications are used to 'grade' our carrier base. 

Please refer to our Carrier Safety Mission article for more details.

4.

Do you work with carriers you find on the Internet?

Periodically we need to add carriers to our base to accommodate new customers, new lanes and increased volume.  The Internet is a good place to do some basic pre-screening before we contact them.  These carriers must still meet our standards described above.  Less than 10% of all freight is placed with new carriers.

Please refer to our Carrier Safety Mission article for more details.

5.

How often do you review your carriers?

We benchmark our carrier base quarterly at minimum, and sometimes more often.  Positive experiences with newer carriers may result in rewarding them with more business.  Our goal is consistent, high-quality service from all of our carriers, and we do what it takes to meet that goal.

Please refer to our Carrier Safety Mission article for more details.

6.

Do you own any of your own trucks?

No, we do not.  We are entirely non-asset based.  This prevents carriers from perceiving us as potential competition, and we have no conflict of interest in attempting to reposition our own equipment first.

7.

What prevents a carrier from billing me directly?  What if I've already paid your bill?

We guarantee you won't have to pay one if it is sent to you in error.  With common carriers, we issue corrections to have the invoice redirected to us.  With contract carriers, it is written into their contract that they are prohibited from invoicing you if you have paid us.

8.

How much time do you need to find a truck for my shipment?

LTL shipments are picked up same day.  Contract carriers may also pick up same day; however, the more time we are allowed, the better the opportunity is to find the best carrier to meet your needs.

9.

What is the maximum weight your trucks can haul?

Maximum legal weight limit with a standard tractor/trailer is 80,000 lbs.  This includes the weight of the truck, fuel and cargo.  While capacity varies based on weight of the vehicle, van trailers can usually scale 44,000 lbs. of cargo, while flatbeds can go up to 46,000 lbs.

Overweight shipments are handled with multi-axle equipment.

10.

What size is a 'legal load' on a flatbed?  What about other types of equipment?

The only universal dimension here is one of width:  any shipment over 102" is considered overwidth. 

Maximum height is determined by individual states.  We use 13'6" as a standard, which is the shortest of the state standards.  On a standard flatbed, that means your cargo can be up to 8'6" in height.

Other types of equipment vary, but in general, stepdecks will accommodate 10'0"; double drops to 11'6".

Length and weight limits are based on the type of equipment and the individual state requirements.

We urge you to consult your Logistics Specialist at W.I.S. before moving any shipment that requires flatbed or other specialized equipment.

11.

What is 'XpressTrax'?

XpressTrax is a system that allows you to do your own on-line tracing of W.I.S. shipments.  It will give you immediate access to up to 120 days of shipment history, status of shipments in transit, and the ability to print PODs for your loads.

We encourage you to contact your W.I.S. sales representative to demonstrate what XpressTrax can do for you.

12.

What is the impact of the transportation industry on the economy?

First of all, the transportation industry employs nearly 7 million people.  Over 3 million of these are professional truck drivers, and 164,000 of these drivers are women.

Texas employs the most transportation professionals of any state, but Nebraska employs the highest rate per capita.

Trucks consumed 33.9 billion gallons of diesel fuel in 2010.

Class 8 trucks (semi tractor-trailers) travelled more than 108 billion miles in 2010.

Commercial trucks of all classes paid 34.3 % of ALL federal and state highway-user taxes.

(Source:  ATA Trends)

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR US?

Please contact us and let us know what information you are looking for.  We will respond quickly with the best data available.  We look forward to hearing from you!