01 / Equipment fit
Start with the commodity.
A dry van is enclosed but is not an actively refrigerated trailer. Before focusing on a rate, identify whether your product has temperature, moisture, security, hazardous-material or handling requirements.
For dry van planning, describe how the goods are packaged and loaded. Pallet count alone is not enough: dimensions, total weight, stackability and any loading restrictions help define the actual space and equipment needed.
One useful question: What would a carrier need to know before arriving at your loading dock?
02 / Shipper checklist
Prepare one clear shipment brief.
- Route: origin and destination city, state and ZIP. Add any extra stops.
- Timing: when the freight will be ready, requested delivery date and appointment requirements.
- Commodity: a plain-language description of the goods and their packaging.
- Size and weight: total shipment weight, piece or pallet count, dimensions and stackability.
- Facilities: dock access, loading and unloading method, hours and site restrictions.
- Special requirements: handling, temperature or other conditions that could change equipment fit.
- Frequency: a single shipment, a repeating lane or a seasonal requirement.
Mark estimates as estimates. If a detail changes, communicate it before a rate or service arrangement is confirmed.
Share your shipping requirements ↗
03 / Carrier checklist
Describe the work that fits your truck.
- Company name, a contact person and current contact details.
- Public USDOT and MC numbers, if applicable.
- Dry van trailer type, dimensions and fleet size.
- Home base, preferred pickup areas and preferred destinations.
- Typical availability, solo or team operation and scheduling preferences.
- Any equipment or operating limitations relevant to a potential load.
Send only introductory information here. Formal qualification and documentation belong in the selected brokerage’s onboarding process.
Make a carrier introduction ↗
04 / Understanding a rate
A lane is more than mileage.
Distance is one part of a truckload discussion. Pickup and delivery timing, equipment availability, commodity requirements, loading conditions and extra stops can also affect the arrangement.
Ask what a written quote includes, how long it is valid and which additional charges may apply. Waiting time, changes to the shipment or extra services should be discussed rather than assumed.
At BridgeLane’s current stage: inquiries help us understand your needs. Confirmed rates and bookings will begin after brokerage onboarding.
05 / Freight terms
A few terms worth knowing.
- Lane
- A transportation route between an origin and a destination.
- Full truckload (FTL)
- A truckload arrangement generally dedicated to one shipper’s freight rather than shared with multiple shippers.
- Less-than-truckload (LTL)
- A shipping mode in which freight from multiple shippers may share space. BridgeLane’s launch focus is dry van truckload.
- Bill of lading (BOL)
- A transportation document identifying the shipment and key shipping details. Review the actual document and applicable terms before shipping.
- Proof of delivery (POD)
- Documentation acknowledging delivery; note exceptions or discrepancies through the agreed process.
- Accessorial charge
- A charge for an additional service or condition outside the agreed base transportation service.
