Frequently Ask Questions
What services does RMF LOGISTICS LLC provide?
RMF LOGISTICS LLC offers several logistics services including FTL, LTL, Partial FT, Flatbed, Step-Deck and RGN Service, as well as Intermodal Trucking, more commonly known as Drayage. Additionally, we assist with various forms of cargo management, such as Trans-loading, Devanning, Rigging and Crane Services. We handle Ocean Freight (LCL and FCL) as well as International Air shipments, inbound and outbound.
Is RMF LOGISTICS LLC a Carrier?
RMF LOGISTICS is not a carrier but a 3rd party logistic service provider, aka licensed and bonded Freight Broker. We work with a network of carriers to select and organize the best suited solution for a given shipment.
How does RMF LOGISTICS LLC choose carriers?
RMF LOGISTICS works only with reputable contract carriers across the nation, each of which had to submit to an arduous process in order to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s strict Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) requirements.
Where does RMF LOGISTICS LLC ship?
RMF LOGISTICS ships across the world, however there are a number of jurisdictions, we do not serve. These countries are listed by the Federal Trade Dept. on the “High Risk Jurisdiction” roster. For more details, please contact us.
Do LTL and Drayage involve Accessorial Services/Charges?
Yes, Accessorial Charges, also known as Special Handling Charges, are an integral part of these 2 transportation modes. There is a long list of accessorial charges, some specific to FTL, others just to Drayage. We are listing only the most common ones in this forum.
Most common LTL Accessorial Charges:
Lift gate - A lift gate is a special hydraulic platform fitted on the back of a truck that can raise or lower a shipment to and from the ground. This allows delivery to places without a dock. Since not all trucks are equipped with lift gates, it must be ordered while booking the shipment.
Redelivery - There are several reasons a carrier may need to redeliver an shipment; if no one is available to accept the delivery, if the shipment is rejected by the receiver, if the necessary equipment isn’t on site, etc. Redelivery is one of the priciest accessorial fees because it essentially requires the carrier to redo the job.
Reclassification and Reweigh - LTL base rates are determined by shipment weight, dimension, and classification. If these details are incorrect or not provided, the carrier will need to rework your order.
Advance Notification/Delivery by Appointment - If a carrier needs to notify a consignee before making a delivery, they charge a fee for the extra work.
Limited Access - Whenever a driver does extra work to make a delivery, they charge for it. This could include hunting down a consignee to receive a shipment or enduring security-related inspections and processes. Limited Access typically applies to government facilities, schools, prisons, medical facilities, camps, and nursing homes, farms, construction sites, etc.
Residential - Carriers charge an extra fee for deliveries into residential areas. Not all carriers offer Residential deliveries.
Inside Delivery – All inside deliveries carry an extra fee, be it an office or a residence.
Metro Pickup/Delivery - Some carriers charge extra fees for making deliveries in congested cities, a prime example is NYC (Manhattan).
Airport/Trade Show/Amazon - This type of pickup/delivery is subject to extra carrier fees. Air Cargo Recoveries from an Airport require a special TSA approved carrier.
Oversized/Overlength - This fee is most often incurred when a cargo exceeds 12 feet.
Hazardous Materials - The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that HazMat is declared and documented. Subject to extra fees. A MSDS is required.
After-hour Deliveries - Deliveries outside of normal operating hours can cost extra or may not be available. Consult us before booking.
What are my payment options?
RMF Logistics LLC accepts all major credit cards for freight shipments and credit is extended on a case-by-case basis. Typically, payment is expected before cargo can be delivered to CNEE. Credit Card payments require an invoice from RMF to be issued. Arrangements for other payment options, such as domestic wires, international wires, or business checks need to be requested and approved.
How to best schedule the Pick-Up?
Same day pick-ups are generally not possible. Most carriers have a 1pm (local time) cut-off for scheduling a pick-up for the next day. Note: most carriers make pickups in the afternoon and spend their mornings with freight deliveries.
Can I estimate the weight of my shipment?
No. It is critical to the integrity of your quote that you determine the accurate weight of the freight items you are shipping. If an inaccurate weight is discovered by the carrier, a billing adjustment will be made.
Can I ship to a trade show?
Yes, we work with carriers that service trade shows, exhibitions and/or expos. Shipment can be to an advance shipment warehouse or directly to the show, depending upon the date and number of transit days. Trade show shipments can be picked up from and/or delivered to the show site outside regular business hours only when the show dates demand alternative scheduling. It is important to let us know that the shipment is going to a trade show.
What is a Billing Adjustment?
A billing adjustment represents a portion of unpaid freight costs, as reported by the carrier. Most billing adjustments are the result of the incorrect weight being declared by the shipper. Dimensions and weights are regularly audited at the freight terminals.
How can I avoid Freight Adjustments?
Adjustments can be costly, but can mostly be avoided with accurate information. Common adjustments occur around oversized items (more than 12 feet in length), lift-gates, limited delivery access, residential fees, reclassifications and changes to the bill of lading.
What is a bill of lading?
The bill of lading (BOL) is the most important document in the shipping industry. The BOL contains all the vital information for a given shipment, including from/to addresses, description/packaging of cargo, weight/dims, special instructions and all accessorial services that were ordered and/or performed. The BOL is also the basis for all billing and/or billing adjustments.
Do Quotes expire?
Yes. Quotes are based on the carrier’s capacity and the fuel price on the day the quote was generated. Generally, we guarantee prices for 5 days. Beyond that, minor price adjustments are frequent. Ocean quotations are always limited as per the Steamship Lines. All our quotes display an expiration date.
What is proof of delivery?
The proof of delivery (PoD) is the document that proofs that the shipment has been delivered to the Consignee. The PoD comes in different formats, including a scanned copy of a signed Delivery Order, BOL or it can be a clipping of a Carrier’s webpage, documenting the delivery time and date of a shipment.
If a shipment arrives in less than excellent condition, it must be noted "damaged" or "missing pieces" on the Proof of Delivery or any other document that the driver uses to deliver the cargo. If external damage is noted on packaging, it is a good idea to note this on the paperwork before signing it.
How can I track my shipment?
Keep a Reference # number of your shipment handy and mention it when requesting a status update at dispatch@rmflogistics.com . Usually the reference # is formatted like this: RMF 8XXX.
How are claims handled?
If your freight arrives damaged, it is important to accept the shipment and to document the claim correctly on the receiving document, typically BOL. A claim must be filed within 48 hours of delivery and is best done by email. Include pictures of the damage. RMF Logistics will act as liaison and assist the customer in processing the claim and filing all necessary paperwork, however it is the carrier who is ultimately responsible for the resolution of the damage, within their terms. US Trucks carry a max. insurance of $100,000. Be aware that carrier liability is very low, currently $0.10/lb.
Can the driver or the trucking company call before pickup or delivery?
Yes, but it must be ordered as an Accessorial Service (Refer to accessorial charges).
Can I ship my uncrated motorcycle?
Yes, you can. It is best to let us know in an email of your intentions; we locate the best carrier for this
type of service.
Do you offer Crating Services?
Yes, but only in major markets. Please ask us for details.
When will my freight arrive?
Use the indicated Transit Time (TT) on your quote as a guideline. However, TT’s are never guaranteed, especially for LTL service. Note: Transit Times begin the day after your freight has been picked up.
What’s the difference between LTL and FTL?
Less than truckload (LTL) shipping allows multiple shippers to share space on the same truck while full truckload shipments typically are loaded on one truck with one destination.
What is a PTL shipment?
PTL stands for Partial (Truck Load) shipment. Typically, larger shipments, too big for LTL Service, are loaded on a truck, usually limited to 2 or max. 3 shipments.
How should I package my items?
When shipping goods, it’s always important to minimize movement. Pack crates or boxes as full as possible, with heavier items on the bottom. If the crate is not filled, use packing material to plug the empty spaces. Placing labels with Shipper and/or Consignee information on the cargo never hurts.
Please make it known, if your shipment cannot support any top load, e.g. no stacking allowed.
Is my shipment automatically insured?
No. Cargo Insurance must be specifically ordered. It’s important to understand the difference between cargo insurance and carrier liability. The DOT mandated Carrier Liability is only limited to $0.10 per lb. That doesn’t cover the value of most shipments; we offer supplementary freight insurance, underwritten by Lloyd’s of London.
Do I need to be present at pickup?
Someone who is authorized to sign over the shipment and the BOL must be present at the time of pickup. If the freight is not ready or there is no one available to sign the BOL, a re-delivery might be imposed by the carrier. This incurs an extra fee.
What shipping option is best for me?
Full truckload (TL) is generally best suited for those looking to move more than 15,000 pounds, or enough to justify the entire use of a semi-trailer. If you’re looking to ship more than 150 pounds of freight, but less than 15,000, less than truckload (LTL) might be the best choice.
Do you offer temperature-controlled freight shipping?
Yes, we do in full containers and FTL Service. The containers are called Reefers. When booking the service, the required temperature needs to be ordered.
