How it works
From first quote to final invoice
Six steps, the same for one pallet or a hundred loads a week. Here is what happens at each one, what we do and what we need from you.
Quote
Pick the mode in the rate tool, describe the freight and see prices on screen. LTL shows carriers side by side with price and transit days. Truckload and final mile return one all-in price. A lane that cannot be priced on screen goes to a person, who replies with a rate.
From you: Origin and destination, what is shipping, its weight and dimensions, and anything special at pickup or delivery.
How to get an accurate freight quote →Book
Choose the rate that fits, whether that is the lowest price or the fastest transit. A MeritSpan specialist confirms the details with you and books the carrier. Customers with an account can also book in the platform and print the bill of lading and labels.
From you: The pickup date, dock hours and a contact at each end.
What is a bill of lading? →Pickup
The carrier arrives in the pickup window and the driver signs the bill of lading, which is the receipt for your freight and the contract for the move. We watch for the pickup and follow up the same day if it is missed.
From you: Freight packaged and labeled, and the bill of lading ready for the driver.
In transit
The shipment is tracked from pickup to delivery and its status is visible in the customer portal. If it stalls or falls behind, we escalate with the carrier and tell you what is happening and what the options are.
From you: Nothing, unless we call with a choice to make.
Delivery
The receiver signs for the freight. The signed delivery documents are attached to the shipment in the portal, so proof of delivery is there when your customer or your accounting team asks for it.
From you: Ask the receiver to note any visible damage or shortage on the delivery receipt before signing.
Invoice
The carrier's invoice is checked against the quote before it reaches you. When a carrier reweighs, reclassifies or adds a charge that is not valid, we dispute it on your behalf.
From you: Accurate weights and dimensions at quote time are what keep the invoice equal to the quote.
LTL accessorial charges explained →Behind every step
An operations team that stays with the shipment
Software handles the routine shipment quickly. People handle the one that is not routine.
- Pickup and transit monitoring. Each shipment is watched from pickup to delivery, so a missed pickup or a stalled trailer is caught the same day.
- Escalation support. When a shipment is at risk, we escalate with the carrier and tell you what is happening and what the options are.
- Invoice auditing. Carrier invoices are checked against the quote before they reach you, so billing errors are caught and corrected.
- Dispute resolution. When a carrier reweighs, reclassifies or adds a charge that is not valid, we dispute it on your behalf.
- Claims support. If freight is lost or damaged, we help you assemble and file the claim and follow it with the carrier to a resolution.
The details by mode
Each service page lists what to have ready for a quote and answers the questions shippers ask most.
Truckload
Dry van, flatbed and refrigerated trucks, dedicated to your freight.
Truckload service →LTL
Pay for the space you use. Compare carriers side by side on every shipment.
LTL service →Reefer LTL
Frozen and refrigerated pallets without paying for the whole trailer.
Reefer LTL service →Final Mile
Delivery into the home or business, from the curb to fully assembled.
Final Mile service →International
Air, ocean and cross-border freight, door to door or port to port.
International service →Enterprise programs
How onboarding, reporting and the account team work for high-volume shippers.
Enterprise programs →Common questions
Do I need an account to get a rate?
No. The rate tool on this site prices a shipment without an account. You enter the shipment and your contact details, and rates appear on screen. We open an account when you are ready to ship regularly.
What happens after I choose a rate online?
Your choice goes to a MeritSpan specialist, who confirms the shipment details with you and books the carrier. The price is re-checked before booking.
What if something goes wrong in transit?
We escalate with the carrier and tell you where the shipment stands and what the options are. If freight is lost or damaged, we help you assemble and file the claim and follow it with the carrier to a resolution.
Is the process the same for every mode?
The steps are the same. The details change: a truckload has one driver and no terminals, LTL moves through carrier terminals, refrigerated freight adds a temperature setpoint, final mile adds a delivery appointment with the consignee, and international adds customs documents.
Have a shipment to move?
See live rates on screen now, or tell us about your freight and a person will reply.