What
information do we require for a rate quote, and how are
shipment charges determined?
We need to know destination
address like city, state, and zip code.
Destination Zip code is the zip code at which you want
the product delivered.
What gets a little
more complicated is how your quote is calculated. Shipping
rates are based on shipment classification, weight,
origin, destination, prepaid/collect and any added services.
Usually, shipment charges are determined by multiplying
the tariff class rate by the hundredweight of each commodity.
Here are the standard
weight groups on which rates are based, together with
codes:
Minimum charge (MC)
Less than 500 lb (L5C)
500 lb or more (5C)
1,000 lb or more (1M)
2,000 lb or more (2M)
5,000 lb or more (5M)
10,000 lb or more (10M)
20,000 lb or more (20M)
30,000 lb or more (30M)
40,000 lb or more (40M)
In addition, your shipment
may require services that are not part of standard pickup
and delivery, resulting in additional charges. The following
are some of the more common:
Tiles 30.5x30.5x1cm, 40x40x1.2cm, 40.6x40.6x1.2cm
and 45.7x45.7x1.2cm are packaged in white carton boxes
which are placed in wooden crates. Larger sizes are
placed in wooden crates with styrofoam lining.
All crates are closed with metal bands and wrapped
with nylon shrink covers.
Typically
the least expensive way to ship stone products throughout
the continental United States is by common carrier truck.
Weight: 12 x 12 granite tile weighs
7 pounds per square foot. Multiply the total number
of square feet you require by 7 to determine the approximate
shipping weight. Granite slab 2cm thick weighs 13 lbs.
and 3cm slab weighs 21 lbs. per square foot.
Tile is shipped on pallets 40 inches by 40 inches up
to 400 square feet per pallet.
All
buyers should be aware that under common carrier UCC
tariff rules the buyer of the goods are responsible
to unload them from the truck unless supplemental delivery
services are ordered such as lift gate service. Often
time this is not feasible due to the weight of each
pallet and therefore a forklift must be present at the
time of delivery. Forklifts are available for rental
on a daily basis from most reputable equipment rental
service for about $100 - $125 per day. This usually
is the desired method of handling the pallets.
If
you are only purchasing a small amount of tile or stone,
renting a forklift can start to become cost prohibitive.
Under these circumstances you may want to have the shipment
"Held at the terminal". In other words, the
trucking company will haul the goods to the nearest
freight terminal in their system. This covers virtually
all-major and medium sized communities. Once there,
you or your installer can go to the terminal warehouse
in a suitable pickup or other small truck where it will
be loaded onto your truck by forklift. Once at your
destination it can be unloaded by hand. Usually there
are 150 - 170 tiles per crate of 16 or 18-inch tile.
All
buyers should be aware that it is FAR less expensive
to ship to a business address as opposed to a residence.
Many times the difference is nearly 100 per cent even
though the location may be right next door. So whenever
possible when not using the "Hold at Terminal"
delivery specify a business address to have your materials
delivered to.
