Freight Service

Large Shipment (Freight) Services - Domestic or International

Freight shipments are those that are typically crated, palletized, oversized, overweight. They ship via a large truck and can be from a pallet shipment to a full truckload. This option is available for shipments originating at CSU or originating from a vendor or off-campus sender and returning to CSU. Point-to-Point freight shipments are also available.

Domestic Freight Shipments

Shipments Within the United States (Including HI and AK)

Domestic freight shipments can originate from anywhere on CSU’s campuses, or anywhere in the United States. Our dock at Central Receiving is able to accept large freight and we have a forklift. Shipments that are too large for our delivery trucks may be arranged to pickup from site. Our delivery companies are capable of delivering to locations with or without a dock, and with or without a forklift present. Additional fees may apply.

To begin, a Freight Service Request Form is required to QUOTE or SETUP a Freight Service. This form asks all the pertinent information regarding the shipment and will shorten the back and forth in obtaining information.

International Freight Shipments (Export)

Shipments to Points Across the Globe

International freight shipments (EXPORT) require additional steps, including prior approval by the Export Control Office via the International Shipping Checklist. No international exports will occur without this prior approval. Once completed, please complete the Freight Service Request form.

Additional documentation for customs clearance, including a Commercial Invoice, will be required to be completed prior to the shipment being delivered to the carrier. We will walk you through this process. It is imperative that you allow time for this communication to occur, and plan in advance.

After obtaining Export Control approval, a Freight Service Request Form is required to QUOTE or SETUP an International Freight Service. This form asks all the pertinent information regarding the shipment and will shorten the back and forth in obtaining information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Can you help me palletize equipment?

Yes! We offer that service. Please visit our Shipping Supplies & Services page for more information!

How do we know we're getting the best rate for freight shipments?

We utilize several consolidated freight forwarding companies that provide us with outstanding discounted rates among a variety of carriers. We will present you with all options received and allow you to make the decision on carrier/service level that works best for your situation. All billing is billed to your Kuali Account # provided in the Freight Service Request Form.

Can I insure the items that I am shipping?

Most likely. Our carriers offer insurance for items being shipped, and is available at an additional charge. Some very high value items may require additional documentation. Please note in your Freight Shipment Request Form that you would like rates with Insurance included if so desired.

Terminology / Glossary

The logistics industry uses specific terminology in their processes. Here are some terms that you may hear and need to be familiar with:

Freight
Goods transported in bulk by truck, train, ship or aircraft. Typically items are on a pallet or are oversize or over weight for parcel shipping (typically over 150 lbs).

Bill of Lading (BOL)
A detailed list of a shipment of goods in the form of a receipt given by the carrier to the person consigning the goods. This is typically a document that you will be e-mailed and need to print and hand to the driver that picks up your shipment. Most carriers will not accept your shipment without this document. If the pallet is leaving from Central Receiving, we will print this document for you.

Carrier
This is the company that will carry your shipment from point A to point B. We use a Freight Forwarding company that provides competative rate shopping and options for getting your shipment to the destination.

Consignee
The RECEIVER of the freight shipment.

Consignor
The SENDER of the freight shipment.

Export
Send goods (or services) to another country (usually for sale).

HS Code
Harmonized System (HS) Codes are commonly used throughout the export process for goods. The Harmonized System is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products.

HTS Code
Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) – A classification system used in the United States to help determine customs duties to be paid on imports. HTS codes are 10-digits (the first six digits are the same as the for the goods). Visit hts.usitc.gov for more information and to find your HTS code.

Incoterms
Incoterms are a set of internationally recognized rules which define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers in the export transaction. Visit trade.gov/know-your-incoterms for more information. The most common Incoterm is DDP, Deliver Duty Paid.

Import
Bring goods (or services) into a country from abroad.

LTL
Less-than-Truckload. If your shipment is a single pallet, your load will be consolidated with other shipments in a trailer as it moves to its destination.

Schedule B
A U.S.-specific classification code for exporting goods from the United States. It is administered by the Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Division, which keeps records of exports by country as well as the quantity and value in U.S. dollars. This will be required for many international shipments, especially to Canada and European Union (EU) countries.