5 Freight Shipping Mistakes to Avoid in 2025
Freight shipping can eat away at a business’s profit margin faster than most owners realize. This is especially true in 2025 when fuel costs, labor shortages, and carrier capacity issues continue to push rates up. Many companies think they’re shipping smart, but a few hidden slip-ups can quietly drain thousands of dollars a year from your bottom line. The Quote That Freight team works every day with businesses to catch and correct these common issues before they cost you money. In this guide, you will discover the top freight shipping mistakes that hurt your budget and how our team helps you avoid them for good.
1. Picking the Wrong Freight Class
Choosing the correct freight class sounds simple but is one of the most common and expensive mistakes in shipping. Many businesses guess their class based on an old chart or copy it from a past shipment without checking if it still applies. Carriers often inspect shipments, and if they find a mismatch, they will reclassify your freight adding unexpected fees, delaying delivery, and creating a billing headache you did not plan for.
How We Fix It:
At Quote That Freight, we treat freight classification seriously. Our experienced team reviews the exact size, weight, density, and special handling needs for each shipment. We double-check against the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) database and use our practical industry knowledge to ensure your freight class is accurate. This small step helps our customers consistently avoid one of the most common freight shipping mistakes, saving them money and keeping shipments on schedule.
2. Not Comparing Enough Carriers
Another costly error many businesses make is sticking with the same carrier out of habit or relying on a single online quoting tool. While convenient, this often means paying more than necessary because you’re missing out on better deals offered by other reputable carriers. Freight rates fluctuate constantly based on fuel prices, routes, capacity, and even weather. Without comparing options, you’re leaving easy savings on the table.
How We Fix It:
The Quote That Freight team believes more options mean more savings. We have strong relationships with an extensive network of vetted carriers — far beyond what a basic online freight tool shows. Every time you request a freight quote, we check multiple carriers, routes, and lanes to secure the best possible rate and transit time for your shipment. This proactive approach eliminates the second major freight shipping mistake and ensures you never overpay for lack of carrier choice.
✅Multiple Carriers
✅Different Routes
✅Various Lanes
3. Overlooking Shipment Consolidation
Sending multiple small shipments separately may feel more manageable, but it can inflate your freight costs significantly. Every separate shipment means repeated pickup charges, multiple fuel surcharges, extra handling fees, and more paperwork. Many businesses overlook how much they could save by bundling loads whenever possible.
How We Fix It:
Our team reviews your shipping schedule and order patterns to find smart consolidation opportunities. If you regularly ship to the same region or customer, combining smaller loads into one larger shipment can dramatically cut costs and reduce the risk of freight damage due to less handling. This practical solution helps you eliminate unnecessary spending and corrects yet another common freight shipping mistake.
4. Ignoring Accessorial Charges
Accessorial fees are the hidden costs that catch many businesses by surprise. These include liftgate services, inside delivery, limited access locations, residential delivery fees, and more. If these services are not identified and included in your original quote, the carrier will tack them on afterward. This usually comes at a higher rate than if they would have been planned for in advance.
How We Fix It:
The Quote That Freight team believes in transparency. We ask detailed questions about your pickup and delivery locations, equipment needs, and any special services required. This way, your quote includes all expected accessories up front, and you’re never shocked by extra fees. Avoiding surprise accessories is a simple way to steer clear of unnecessary freight shipping mistakes that eat into your profit margin.
5. Working with Brokers Who Disappear
Unfortunately, some freight brokers deliver a quote and then disappear when you need help the most. If a carrier runs late, damages your freight, or changes pickup times, you’re left stuck dealing with it alone. This can lead to wasted time, missed deadlines, unhappy customers, and extra costs that no one wants to handle.
How We Fix It:
When you work with the Quote That Freight team, you are never alone. From your first quote request to final delivery, a real, dedicated freight expert monitors your shipment and is always just a call or email away. If something unexpected happens, we handle it immediately and keep you informed every step of the way. This commitment to hands-on support eliminates one of the most frustrating freight shipping mistakes — choosing a broker who vanishes when problems arise.
| Common Mistake | Average Extra Cost | How We Prevent It |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong Freight Class | +12% per shipment | Verified classification by experts |
| Limited Carrier Comparison | Up to 15% higher rates | Broader network and negotiation |
| No Shipment Consolidation | +20% in duplicate charges | Smart bundling strategies |
| Surprise Accessorial Fees | $50–$150 per shipment | Detailed quotes with no surprises |
| Lack of Broker Support | Missed deadlines & lost revenue | Proactive team support |
Ready to Ship Smarter in 2025?
Freight shipping doesn’t need to drain your budget or cause headaches. By partnering with the Quote That Freight team, you gain a proactive partner who works behind the scenes to protect your costs and simplify your shipping process. We understand that every dollar counts — especially in today’s competitive market. Whether you ship once a month or every day, our goal is to eliminate these costly freight shipping mistakes for good.
(Add image here: confident delivery truck on the road — wraps up with trust signal)
Getting started is simple: request a quote, share your shipment details, and we’ll deliver a clear, accurate rate faster than you expect. No hidden fees, no last-minute surprises — just reliable service and real savings. Ready to stop making costly freight shipping mistakes in 2025?
👉 Request a Free Freight Quote Now — and discover how smarter shipping can boost your bottom line this year.