Shipping & Logistics FAQ

Freight class, also known as NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification), is a standardized system used in North America to categorize and price freight shipments. It is calculated based on four factors: density (weight per cubic foot), handling ease, stowability, and liability (risk of damage or theft). Classes range from 50 (very dense, sturdy cargo like steel) to 500 (light, bulky, fragile items). UUCargo's quote calculator automatically estimates freight class based on your cargo's weight and dimensions. If you need assistance, contact op@uucargo.ca.

A Bill of Lading (BOL) is the legally binding contract between the shipper and the carrier. It acts as a receipt of goods, a document of title, and a detailed record of the shipment (including origin, destination, piece count, weight, and special instructions). The driver signs the BOL upon pickup, and the consignee signs upon delivery as Proof of Delivery (POD). Always ensure the driver signs your UUCargo-generated BOL before departure.

LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) moves 1 to 6 pallets (or under 15,000 lbs) sharing trailer space with cargo from other businesses. You only pay for the space you use. FTL (Full Truckload) dedicates an entire 53ft trailer to your shipment, moving directly without terminal stops or transferring cargo. FTL is faster and cost-effective for 10+ pallets or high-value shipments.

LTL freight pricing is calculated based on shipment weight, cubic dimensions, origin and destination distance, freight class, fuel surcharges, and any required accessorial services (such as liftgate or residential pickup).

Freight should be stacked securely onto standard 48" x 40" wooden or plastic pallets, with boxes interlocked and shrink-wrapped tightly (minimum 3–5 layers) to prevent shifting during terminal transit. Overhanging boxes are prone to damage and may cause re-classification fees.

A liftgate is a hydraulic platform on the back of a truck that lowers freight from the trailer bed to ground level. It is required if either the pickup or delivery location lacks a commercial loading dock or forklift.

Deliveries to private homes, home businesses, farms, schools, churches, construction sites, storage facilities, or locations inside restricted commercial zones qualify as limited access or residential delivery. Carriers charge an accessorial fee for navigating specialized vehicles into these areas.

Inside delivery means the carrier driver moves the freight beyond the immediate unloading dock or threshold (e.g., inside a store, garage, or office corridor). Standard LTL freight delivery is tailgate/dock-to-dock only.

Carriers call or email the recipient 24–48 hours before delivery to schedule a specific date and time window. This is recommended for retail locations, Amazon FBA warehouses, or sites with strict receiving hours.

Parcel shipping applies to individual packages under 150 lbs that a single courier driver can lift by hand. Freight shipping applies to palletized goods, heavy machinery, or shipments over 150 lbs requiring equipment like forklifts or pallet jacks.

Dimensional weight is a pricing technique used by couriers (UPS, FedEx, Canada Post, etc.) that reflects package density. It is calculated as (Length × Width × Height) / DIM Factor. Carriers charge based on whichever is greater: actual scale weight or dimensional weight.

UUCargo integrates with over 50 trusted parcel and freight carriers including Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, Purolator, Canpar, GLS, Day & Ross, TForce, Manitoulin, and APEX, offering up to 81% off standard list rates.

Cross-border shipments require a Commercial Invoice, a Bill of Lading (BOL), a NAFTA/CUSMA Certificate of Origin (if claiming tariff relief), and automated CBSA eManifest / US CBP ACE eManifest filings.

A Customs Bonded Warehouse is a secure facility approved by CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) where imported goods can be stored, sorted, or transloaded without paying customs duties or GST/PST upfront. Duties and taxes are deferred until goods enter domestic commerce or waived entirely if re-exported.

A Sufferance Warehouse is a CBSA-licensed facility for short-term temporary storage (up to 40 days) of uncleared import freight while customs documentation and entry clearance are being processed.

Instead of paying tens of thousands of dollars in customs duties upon container arrival at port, duty deferral allows you to clear and pay taxes only on the partial inventory batches you sell each month.

Enter your UUCargo tracking number on our Tracking page for real-time status. Once delivered, signed Proof of Delivery (POD) documents are automatically uploaded to your account dashboard.

Standard carrier liability is extremely limited (often $2.00/lb for LTL freight) and only covers carrier negligence. All-risk freight insurance covers the full invoice value of goods against loss, damage, theft, or natural events during transit.

1) Note the exact damage or missing piece count on the driver's delivery receipt / BOL before signing. 2) Take photos immediately. 3) Notify op@uucargo.ca or file a claim in your account within 48 hours.