Where to get a freight quote: every option compared
There are four ways to price a freight shipment. They differ in speed, how many carriers you see, and who picks up the phone when something goes wrong.
Short answer: For most LTL and truckload freight the fastest route is an instant-rate platform, which prices many carriers in seconds and books online, backed by a broker's team for problems. Go to a carrier's own website if you have a contract rate with that carrier; post on a marketplace or bid board for one-off moves with flexible dates; call a traditional broker for complex freight that needs a person to plan it. On GetShippingRates, LTL comes back from 50+ carriers and truckload as one all-in price, both in seconds.
Updated November 2, 2026 · By the GetShippingRates team at Armstrong Transport Group
Four ways to get a freight quote
| Option | Speed | Carriers you see | Who handles problems | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier website | Minutes, after an account is set up | One | You | Shippers with a contract on that carrier |
| Marketplace / bid board | Hours to days, as bids arrive | Whoever bids | Usually you | Odd, one-off moves with flexible dates |
| Traditional broker (phone/email) | Hours | Many, behind the scenes | The broker | Complex or high-touch freight |
| Instant-rate platform | Seconds | Many, side by side | The platform's team | Most LTL and truckload freight |
Get the details right once
- Weigh and measure the finished pallet, pallet included. Guessed numbers are the top cause of re-bills.
- List every special service: liftgate, residential, inside delivery, appointment. See what each one costs in the accessorial cost estimator.
- Pick the right mode. Under 6 pallets is LTL; a full trailer is truckload; the gray zone is covered in volume LTL vs. partial truckload.
- Know what you’re shipping. The how-to-ship guides cover packing and freight class by commodity.
Frequently asked questions
What information do I need for a freight quote?
Pickup and delivery ZIP codes, pickup date, number of pallets or pieces, dimensions, weight, what the freight is, and any special services such as a liftgate, residential delivery or appointment. Truckload needs equipment type (dry van, reefer or flatbed) and total weight.
How accurate is an online freight quote?
As accurate as the shipment details. Most re-bills come from wrong weight or dimensions (reweighs and reclasses) or services that weren't on the quote, like a liftgate. Measure and weigh before you quote.
Do I need an account to get a freight quote?
Not on GetShippingRates: rates show before you sign up. Booking needs an account so the carrier can bill and the team can reach you.
More shipping cost guides
Try an instant freight quote
Pick the mode, enter the shipment and see live rates in seconds. No account needed to see prices.
Prefer to talk? Call 877-240-1181 or email info@getshippingrates.com. Shipping several modes? Request a free multimodal shipping review.