To get shipping quotes online through Cota Systems, simply fill out the origin, destination, location, and as many shipment details as possible. The more details you can provide, the better we can calculate your rate and inform the carrier of any special instructions.

Technically, any load that doesn't require the use of the entire trailer is considered Less Than Truckload (LTL). Typically, LTL loads are 1 to 6 pallets while partial loads take up around half of the truck.

LTL routes can carry numerous shippers' freight while partial routes normally hold 2-3 shipments. If your load will fill most of the truck, it's probably more cost-effective to hire a dedicated truck, but you can compare shipping freight quotes to be certain.

A few key determinants of freight shipping rates are:
- Distance: Drivers get paid by the mile, though inner-city loads are priced higher.
- Weight/Size: For partial and dedicated loads, heavier shipments cost more. For LTL, the smaller and heavier the item, the better.
- Current Fuel Prices: Higher fuel expenses are passed along and can impact the price of your load.
- Seasonal Demand: When the demand for capacity is high, prices rise.
- Freight Class: How easy or hard your shipment is to handle may impact the

Freight class is determined using the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)'s guidelines. This takes into account the load's density, value, ease of handling, and stowability.

Your freight shipping quote will be priced using freight class if you ship LTL. A general rule of thumb is that the smaller and denser the item is, the lower the rate.

Of course! Contact Cota Systems to get quotes for your frequently recurring loads. Along with your freight quote online, we can provide insights on how to optimize your load planning for the best rates and timing.