Question 1

What is the Smart Shipment Planner and what does it produce?

Accepted Answer

The Smart Shipment Planner is a 3-step wizard that collects your route, freight details, and handling conditions, then produces a complete consolidated recommendation — including transport mode (LTL, FTL, or cross-border), recommended equipment, NMFC freight class, density, linear footage, estimated pallet positions, transit time range, cost range, applicable accessorial charges, required cross-border documents, and a shipment readiness score. It is a planning aid and not a binding quote.

Question 2

How does the planner calculate freight class?

Accepted Answer

The planner estimates freight class using the density method: it divides your shipment weight (lbs) by its volume (cubic feet) to calculate pounds per cubic foot (PCF). It then maps that PCF value to the standard NMFC freight class table. If your commodity has an NMFC exception item with a fixed class, you should verify the result with your carrier or broker.

Question 3

What is linear footage and why does it matter for LTL pricing?

Accepted Answer

Linear footage is the amount of trailer floor space your shipment occupies. For palletized LTL freight, it is estimated as the number of pallet positions multiplied by 2 (the standard double-row floor plan), times 40 inches (a standard pallet length), converted to feet. Once a shipment exceeds a carrier's LF threshold — commonly 10–12 feet — it is often re-rated as a volume or partial truckload shipment, which changes pricing significantly.

Question 4

When should I use FTL vs LTL for a cross-border Canada–US shipment?

Accepted Answer

Full truckload (FTL) is generally better when your shipment exceeds 12–15 linear feet, weighs more than 15,000 lbs, or fills more than roughly half a 53-ft trailer. LTL is more cost-effective for smaller, palletized shipments that share trailer space with other freight. For cross-border moves, FTL also simplifies customs because all goods on the truck clear under one entry, whereas LTL consolidation can mean multiple shippers' goods cross together, requiring coordinated documentation.

Question 5

Does the readiness score affect whether my shipment can be booked?

Accepted Answer

No. The readiness score is a planning indicator — a score of 100 means you have provided all the information a carrier typically needs (origin, destination, weight, dimensions, commodity, hazmat status, and pickup timing). A lower score means some fields are incomplete or certain conditions (like hazardous goods or temperature control) require additional steps before booking. It does not block a booking; it guides you on what to prepare before contacting a broker.

Smart Shipment Planner

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What Does the Smart Shipment Planner Do?

Who Is This Tool For?