General Freight

• How can PartnerShip help me save on my less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipments?

  PartnerShip LTL freight services were designed to take the guesswork out of LTL freight shipping and save your business time and money. PartnerShip gives LTL freight shippers a full suite of individualized logistics management services, in addition to increased discounts. All these services and savings add up to an incredible impact on your bottom line. And the best part of all, there is no additional cost to you to use PartnerShip LTL freight services.For more information, call us toll-free at 800-599-2902, e-mail select@PartnerShip.com or visit www.PartnerShip.com/freightservices.

• We have freight shipments coming in. Can the AOA Shipping Program help me?

  Yes! Your discounts with the program carriers apply to incoming shipments as well. Instruct your suppliers to send your shipments “Freight Collect”. This can be done when placing orders or by sending your suppliers the customized routing instruction.

• Does “collect” mean I have to pay the driver at the time of delivery?

  No. Collect is a billing option from the carriers. Routing your shipments via “Freight Collect” means that the carrier will invoice you at your discounted rate. Your product invoice from your vendor will no longer have shipping charges on it.

• How do I get rate quotes?

  One phone call to PartnerShip at 800-599-2902, or a quick visit to www.PartnerShip.com provides you with discounted rate quotes and service standards.

• Do I need to palletize my shipment?

  When to palletize:
     When pieces fit squarely within the edges of the pallet
     When height and width of shipment pieces are similar
     When individual pieces in a load exceed 100 lbs.
     When individual pieces are less than 84” high.
  
  
  When not to palletize:
     When pieces are light enough to be stacked on top of heavier goods
     When a shipment isn’t large enough to fill the surface of a pallet
     When containers have considerable air space and can crush easily
     When the sides of the cartons overhang the sides of the pallet.

• What material do I need for outbound shipping?

  You’ll need a completed bill of lading to give to your driver. You can complete bills of lading at www.PartnerShip.com or your driver should have a supply for you.

• What is a BOL?

  Simply put, a bill of lading is the most important document in the shipping process. One is required for each shipment, and acts as both a receipt and a contract. A properly completed bill of lading legally shows that the carrier has received the freight as described, and is obligated to deliver that freight in good condition to the consignee.

• Do I need to label each box?

  Yes, make sure every container, even if it’s palletized and shrink wrapped, has a label identifying the destination of the shipment.

• Will the driver deliver my goods inside?

  Yes, the carriers can move shipments beyond loading or unloading areas when requested by the shipper or consignee.

• What do I do if my shipment is damaged or if I have a missing piece?

  Record and check shipments for shortages, damages, and concealed damages immediately upon delivery.
  Shortages
     1. Verify all freight against the delivery receipt.
     2. If there are more pieces indicated on the delivery receipt than the number delivered, indicate the shortage on the delivery receipt.
     3. Have the driver write a precise description of the shortage on your copy of the delivery receipt and the carrier's copy.
     4. Notify your vendor of the shortage.
     5. The following information is necessary to have a shipment traced or to file a claim. Claims must be filed within 9 months of the date of delivery.
       o Freight bill number (freight shipments) or Tracking ID number (Small packages)
       o Names and addresses of shipper and consignee
       o Number of pieces in shipment
       o Number of missing pieces
       o Weight of shipment
       o Delivery date
       o Complete description of missing pieces
  
  Damages
     Damaged shipments should be handled in similar fashion to shortages as outlined above.
     1. If a package appears damaged, take the time to open the box, while the driver is present.
     2. Have the driver note the precise damage on the delivery receipt.
     3. Do not remove the damaged freight from the box.
     4. Contact the delivering carrier for an inspection.
     5. As with shortages, claims must be filed within 9 months of the date of delivery. The same information noted above will be necessary when filing a damage claim.
  
  Concealed
     Shortages and Damages In some cases, boxes delivered may look like they are in good condition, but after opening them a damage or shortage may be concealed inside.
     1. Immediately notify your vendor about the concealed shortage or damage.
  2. Contact the carrier within 15 days from the delivery date. Waiting longer than 15 days may result in a claim not being honored.
  
  Key Points
     1. Always notify your vendor of short or damaged shipments.
     2. Have the driver precisely document all exceptions on the delivery receipt.
  3. Claims must be filed within 9 months of delivery date.
     4. Contact the carrier within 15 days of delivery date to report concealed shortages or damages.
     5. Never pay for merchandise not received.
     6. Always try to have your vendor file the freight claim.