Freight quotes come from carriers in many different styles. In this document about freight quotes, I'll try to summarize the most common types of freight quotes that you will encounter in the market today.
Skid Rate Freight Quotes
Some companies provide a skid rate. This is a rate that is based on the number of skids or pallets shipped. There is usually a different price for each skid count. You will also find a maximum skid weight limitation with this type of freight quote. This is because all freight rating systems have to take into account both size and weight (density). For example if you were shipping lead bars, a 1 skid rate would have to gross up to a higher skid category because even though you are using up only one skid spot, you would be using many skid spots of weight. Because of this, skid rate freight quotes are generally best for light shipments (less dense).
Weight Based Freight Quotes
Weight based freight quotes are similar to skid rates, except that they have weight categories instead of skid categories. For example you may have a freight rate for 2000 lbs to 3000 lbs. Weight based freight rates have a similar problem that skid based freight quotes have. If you are shipping very light freight, like feathers, you could fill a whole trailer with a few thousand pounds. Weight based freight quotes will also have a density rule so that a 2000 lb shipment cannot exceed 1 skid spot. Because of this weight based freight quotes are generally best for heavy shipments (very dense)
Feet of Trailer Freight Quotes
Feet of trailer freight quotes are very similar to skid rates in that they are a measure of space. Each linear foot of trailer used up is charged for. Like Skid based freight quotes they have a similar limitation to being best for light bulky freight. Feet of trailer quotations will also have density rules.
100wt tariff style freight quotes
100wt freight rates are very complex. They try to incorporate weight, density and value in a single system. 100 weight systems generally classify freight into different classes. Each class will have a different price per hundred weight. For example lead bars would be charged a much lower price per 100 wt and feathers would be in a class that charges a high price per hundred weight. The 100 weight system also rates freight in higher priced classes if it is of high value, like computer parts, for example.
100wt freight quotes can be very confusing and difficult to manage. Freight often gets 'reclassified' by the carrier to different (usually higher) classes based on density. 100wt freight quotes generally have a density rule too. Often called a cube rule. So if for example you ship a lead bar, but only put one lead bar in a giant box. Your rate will be grossed up by the density rule.